"If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard." –Dorothy Gale, The Wizard of Oz
Emma got up from her desk and went over to the window.
The sun was setting against the Boston skyline. The last two months had been business as usual in her job as detective – arresting people for robberies, muggings, stolen identities, etc. She was currently finishing up the paperwork on her last arrest except she couldn't concentrate.
As she continued to stare out the window, she thought about how the leaves in the park in Storybrooke had changed from green to red and orange. She thought about how Jamie had been complaining the last month about going back to school while Evie was excited to be in her mom's class this year. She wondered how David was getting along without her at the police station. She missed them all so much.
David may only be her brother through adoption, but he was her real family. Running away from that foster home was one of the best things she ever did. Now she had more family and friends than she had ever thought possible – yet here she was away from all of them.
She turned her head and her eyes met the Boston harbor; her thoughts immediately went to a certain blue-eyed, dark-haired Brit and the niece he was so good with.
He had managed to break down all those walls she put in place after Neal; he understood her so well – and that's what scared her. That's why she ran. But now that she was here, she realized what she had been missing.
She thought about the few months before she left Storybrooke and the moment that everything changed. However, Emma knew that moment when she and Killian had nearly kissed – the moment that felt so right – had been the culmination of something that had been building since they first laid eyes on each other: "until I met you," just like he had told her.
Love was something she really hadn't known until Ruth adopted her. She loved David, Mary-Margaret, and their kids. She had so many friends in Storybrooke that were more like family that she loved as well. And the last couple of months had shown her what she had always known but never really wanted to admit: she was in love with Killian.
She also knew in her heart that Storybrooke was where she needed to be. It was her home.
And with that, she turned from the window – she had something to tell her boss.
CSCSCSCSCSCSCS
A few hours later, Emma almost had everything packed and ready to move back to Storybrooke. When her brother had called earlier to catch her up on her niece and nephew (and to check up on her), she almost told him she was coming home. However, she wanted it to be a surprise. The last thing Emma had left to pack was pictures and a few trinkets she had on the dresser in her room. As she stared at the pictures, she couldn't help but laugh at the irony of her once saying that she wasn't sentimental. She knew now that couldn't be further from the truth. They were more than just pictures; they were framed memories of her family and friends.
One of the pictures was of her, Ruby, and Elsa at their senior prom – they had gone has a group. Ruby stood out in her bright, glittery dress against Emma and Elsa's more simple ones. Emma laughed at the memory of her and Elsa politely refusing Ruby's efforts to get them to get a dress that was more like hers.
Emma never would have thought that enjoying something like a senior prom would have been in the cards for her. She made sure she thanked Ruth as much as possible for adopting her, so she could be a normal teenager and to tell Ruth how much she did love her. Emma couldn't stop the single tear that fell from her face as she thought about how peacefully Ruth had passed a year after Emma moved to Boston. Ruth died knowing that both of her kids were truly happy.
Emma's eyes then moved to the next picture. It was of Emma's first day on the job as David's deputy sheriff. Mary Margaret had insisted on a picture in front of the sheriff's car, so David and Emma begrudgingly agreed. However, it was clear that both were trying to stifle a laugh. Emma remembered David's attempt at making a joke, and they both couldn't help but laugh.
The picture of Emma and Regina at David and Mary Margaret's wedding brought with it a whole slew of memories. As much as Regina seemed to be annoyed by the couple, she agreed to be a bridesmaid along with Emma and Mary Margaret's sister. They all agreed they had never seen a happier bride and groom.
One of the only things that made her brother as happy as marrying the love of his life was when he became a father. The concept of being "Aunt Emma" was a little odd at first, but as she looked at the picture of her, Mary Margaret, Evie and Jamie at one of his little league games, she knew how much she adored her niece and nephew and they her.
The last two pictures were of her family as well, though she wouldn't have admitted it before. The first one was of Emma holding Anna Elizabeth at her first birthday party. Elsa had insisted on taking it since Emma was one of Elsa's closest friends, and Emma had been one of the first people she had told she was pregnant after Liam and Anna. Anna Elizabeth just got to where she was beginning to try to walk and even back then, she really didn't like to be held too much. Liam had been making faces behind the camera to get his daughter to look at it long enough to take the picture.
Last, but not least, was a picture of her and Killian. As soon as Dr. Whale had given Killian a clean bill of health following his motorcycle accident, he immediately wanted to take his brother's boat out. Emma offered to go with him.
A day on the water did sound relaxing, but it was mostly to keep her worry at bay, as well as Liam's. Liam already worried enough as it was. Killian knew Emma was coming along for that reason precisely, but they wound up having a really good time, as evidenced by their wide smiles in the picture (Killian had insisted on "capturing the moment" as he had put it). As Emma continued looking at the picture, Emma noticed something she hadn't before. The look in Emma's eyes and her smile was something she'd only ever seen at one other time in pictures. It had been when she was with Neal – when she was in love with him. Emma smiled at how Regina would probably remind her that she had been right about the "yearning looks and doe-y eyes", and Emma knew she wouldn't be able to disagree.
Emma wouldn't trade any of these moments or the people who helped create them for anything in the world
As Emma carefully placed the pictures in the box, she was determined to follow through with her plan. No more running. As soon as she got home and stopped in to see her brother and sister-in-law, Emma was going to find Killian. She was going to tell him that she loved him. He already admitted as much to her, but a part of her was worried. The small, insecure part of her was afraid he wouldn't forgive her. She left…just like Milah did.
Emma shook her head from those thoughts and told herself it would be okay as she placed the last picture in the box. Emma took it to the living room and put it with all the other boxes. Just as she was going to start carrying them to her car, she heard a knock at her door.
"Who could that be?" Emma wondered out loud as she walked over to the door. When she opened it, she was met with a pair of bright blue eyes and black hair. Emma's eyes widened with surprise as she said, with her voice barely above a whisper, "Killian."
"Swan," Killian replied in the same way that Emma did.
Emma swore she saw a small smile on his face, but chose not to dwell on as she needed answers: "Killian, why are you here?"
"I thought it was rather obvious, love," Killian began, then continued, "But don't be angry with me."
"Angry? At what?" Emma asked.
Killian took a deep breath before he said, "Look, I know you didn't want me to come after you. I know you wanted to leave Storybrooke behind forever, but I couldn't let you leave your family – they all miss you terribly. Jamie and Evie keep asking when their Aunt Emma is coming back. David is missing his co-sheriff – and sister. Mary Margaret and Regina miss having you to talk to." Killian paused for a moment to take in Emma's face. He could see her fighting back tears, but he also saw a question – one he didn't even need her to ask.
"And as for me, love, I know you probably expect me to be angry, and I tried being angry, but ultimately, I understand why you left. I understand why you're scared – because I am a little scared myself. I've spent the last two months thinking about you. I couldn't let you walk out of my life – and my niece's life – forever . You're our family, Emma. So, will you come home, love?"
Emma knew Killian expected her to try to avoid him or tell him she had to think about it. This was even more evident from his clear surprise when she wrapped him in a fierce hug, causing him to nearly stumble. Emma couldn't help but smile – he couldn't possibly know how much this means to her. She knew what she wanted to tell him, but she was so nervous – although she couldn't pinpoint why.
Just as she had gathered up her courage, she saw blonde curls over Killian's shoulder.
"Has she been here the whole time?" Emma thought. As she pulled away, she quietly asked, "Killian, has Anna Elizabeth been standing behind you the entire time?"
"Yes, love, she has. She wanted to come," Killian paused a moment before quietly continuing, "She doesn't understand why you left. Myself, David, and Mary Margaret tried explaining, but it didn't do any good…" Killian trailed off.
"And she hasn't quite been herself," Emma finished, sadly.
She honestly felt a little guilty; she had been so wrapped up in her own feelings that she really didn't pause to consider the affect it would have on not only Anna Elizabeth, but her own niece and nephew as well. They were only just kids.
She gave Killian a knowing look before getting down on her knees as she softly said, "Anna Elizabeth?"
When Emma saw her peek around her uncle's leg, Emma continued, "Can you come here?"
Anna Elizabeth walked towards Emma, clutching Lily, and stopped in front of her.
"You want to tell me what's wrong?" Emma asked.
Anna Elizabeth looked up at Killian, then back at Emma as she asked, "Don't you like me and Uncle Killian, Emma?"
Emma moved Anna Elizabeth's curls away from her eyes as she answered, "Of course I do, Anna Elizabeth."
"Then why did you go away?" Anna Elizabeth innocently asked.
Emma thought over her words carefully before answering, "Well, kid, I had some stuff I had to think about. And leaving was the only way I could do that."
Anna Elizabeth nodded before she asked, "What did you have to think about?"
Emma glanced up at Killian – who she could tell was a bit nervous – before focusing back on Anna Elizabeth as she simply answered, "Grown up stuff," smiling. Emma then took a deep breath for what she knew she had to do next. "I am sorry, Anna Elizabeth," she began, then looked up at Killian to let him know that apology was for him as well, "I should have told you this before I left. Do you think you can forgive me?"
Anna Elizabeth's answer was launching herself into Emma's arms for a hug as she said, "I love you, Emma."
"I love you, too, Anna Elizabeth," Emma answered.
As they pulled apart, Emma saw the little girl's radiant smile as she excitedly asked, "Does this mean you gonna come home?"
"Yes it does. And I'm not leaving again," Emma answered – she then saw a smile erupt on Killian's face as well. Emma couldn't help but smile as Anna Elizabeth held out her pinky to Emma and asked, "Pinky promise?"
Emma linked her pinky with Anna Elizabeth's and said, "Pinky promise."
Anna Elizabeth then turned to her uncle. He bent down on her level as she wrapped him in a hug as well. She then excitedly said, "Let's go, Uncle Killian!"
"Wait, love. Emma has to pack all her stuff before she can go," Killian answered.
Anna Elizabeth furrowed her brow at which Emma replied, "It's already packed."
Anna Elizabeth got even more excited, if that was even possible, while Killian just stared at Emma in utter confusion, "Pardon, love?" as he stood up straight.
"Well, Killian, I was already planning on coming home. I already took care of everything here and was about to start loading boxes when you came. I wanted to surprise everyone," Emma answered, smiling.
"Well, love, you definitely succeeded," Killian answered, returning her smile.
"You know, since you're already here, maybe you could help?" Emma asked teasingly.
Killian gave her a knowing grin before he replied, "Of course, love," as he made his way into Emma's apartment with Anna Elizabeth on his heels.
Killian moved to grab a box, but before his niece could try to copy him, he told her, "Anna Elizabeth, I know you want to help, but I'm afraid these boxes might be a bit too heavy for you, love."
Just as Anna Elizabeth was about to protest, Emma suddenly had an idea. Killian followed her with his eyes and Anna Elizabeth did the same. Emma went over to the box containing the pictures and grabbed two: the one with her holding Anna Elizabeth and the one with her and Killian. Emma then walked over to the small blonde, who was looking at her curiously, and squatted down in front of her.
Emma said, "I have a very special job for you, Anna Elizabeth."
Anna Elizabeth's eyes lit up as she asked, "What is it, Emma?"
Emma then handed the pictures to Anna Elizabeth and answered, "I need you to take real good care of these pictures for me on the way back home. They're really important to me."
As Anna Elizabeth took the pictures from Emma, her eyes lit up at the one of Emma and Killian: "It's you and Uncle Killian!"
Emma smiled and nodded in response. When Anna Elizabeth's eyes moved to the other one, she furrowed her brow in confusion and asked, "You have a baby, Emma?"
Emma tried not to laugh as she answered, "No, that's you."
"It's me?" Anna Elizabeth asked as she studied the picture more closely.
"Yeah. That's at your first birthday party," Emma answered.
"Ohhh," Anna Elizabeth replied, then asked, "Where's Mommy and Daddy?"
"Your mommy was taking the picture while your daddy was standing behind the camera trying to make you smile," Emma answered as she poked Anna Elizabeth's side, making her giggle.
When Killian returned to grab another box, Anna Elizabeth ran over to him to show him the pictures, "Look, Uncle Killian! It's a picture of you and Emma and me when I was a baby! I'm gonna take care of them for Emma."
As Killian bent down on his niece's level, he replied, "Well, they must be very special pictures, love."
He then handed Anna Elizabeth a book. "Why don't you show Emma your new book while I finish moving these boxes."
Anna Elizabeth nodded excitedly as Emma walked over to her and Killian. Anna Elizabeth held up the book to Emma as she said, "See what Aunt Belle gave me?"
"I do. Why don't you go sit on the couch, and I'll be there in a minute," Emma told the little girl, smiling.
Anna Elizabeth nodded before going over to said couch as Emma looked at Killian, "So, she's reading now?"
Killian returned her smile as he answered, "Not quite, but whenever she sees Evie, she's talking about everything she's learning in school…"
"And Anna Elizabeth wants to be like Evie," Emma finished.
Killian nodded and Emma recognized the look in his eyes that brought her back to a conversation they had a few months ago on Killian's couch. She reached out and squeezed his hand in understanding before she glanced in Anna Elizabeth's direction, who was intently staring at a page of her book.
Emma then looked back at Killian as she said, "You know, Killian, when I asked you to help, I didn't mean you had to do it all by yourself."
"I know, love. It's just a bit easier if she's occupied," Killian answered, motioning his head in the direction of his niece.
Emma smiled as she teased, "Alright, Captain," before heading back over to Anna Elizabeth.
CSCSCSCSCSCSCS
Killian carried the last box to Emma's car with Emma and Anna Elizabeth right behind him. Emma had agreed to carry Anna Elizabeth's book and doll because Anna Elizabeth wanted to be extra careful with the pictures.
As he loaded the box into the car, he said to Emma, "Well, Swan, that's everything."
"Thanks, Killian," Emma said.
"Your welcome, love," Killian answered before bending down to ask Anna Elizabeth, "You ready to go, love?"
Anna Elizabeth looked back and forth between Emma's car and Killian before she asked Killian, "Can I ride with Emma, Uncle Killian?" with her blue eyes pleading.
"I don't think there's any room for you, Anna Elizabeth," Killian answered. Killian could see the sadness in his niece's eyes – he knew how much she had missed Emma, so he reassured her, "Hey, we will all be spending lots of time together when we get home."
He then looked up at Emma for confirmation, who bent down as well and told Anna Elizabeth, "He's right, you know. We have to make some more cookies."
Emma's words immediately cheered the little girl up as she began dragging her uncle toward his truck. Killian turned and simply smiled at Emma and she returned it. As she climbed into her car and buckled her seatbelt, that smile never left her face. She not only thought about the man and the little girl who she loved dearly, but she also thought about her family in Storybrooke. Her brother. Her sister-in-law. Her niece and nephew. All of her friends.
As Emma began pulling out of the parking lot of the apartment complex, she sighed as she thought about if only her 13-year-old self knew that her life would have turned out this way. If only she would have known that she would find a place where she belonged. Emma now knew she was loved. She knew she was wanted. She knew she was coming home.