A/N: AHHHHHHRRRRGGHH! I swear this story is killing me. Slowly taking pieces of me and tearing them to shreds. I have re-written parts of this chapter individually at least four or five times a piece. These characters just kept doing their own thing and I had to adjust my plans to suit their needs. Damn it. Anyway. Hope you like this chapter. (Oh, and the title. Snowing parallel anyone? Anyone? I thought it fit.) Thank you for reading. ^_^

Part Ten
I'll Fight for You, I Will Always Fight for You

Maybe his life had never been simple. But it had been simpler. There had been a few good years here and there, though the memories were invariably scattered and mostly overshadowed by the bad. Currently, he found himself with two conflicting interests and that made his life infinitely more difficult.

The bottom line was that nothing was going to cost Emma's safety. Whatever happened to him, what he gained or lost, he'd not be betraying her to Cora. There was no honor in that. It would have been the lowest form of cowardice and Emma deserved better. However, that did not mean he was dead set against Cora's offer. He only needed to conceive a way of getting what he wanted from her without hurting Emma. It would be difficult and that was putting it mildly. And, of course, all this would have to be kept from Emma for the time being. She might not be happy when she inevitably discovered Cora's intentions and his involvement, but that couldn't be helped. Telling her would only put her in danger. If Killian's role was spoiled Cora would replace him with someone even less likely to seek Emma's best interest.

Presently, there were more pressing matters at hand. Like Emma's condition and he had finally located what he now knew was a hospital. He was momentarily stalled by the doors sliding open before him and once he was inside he paused to decide a direction. The odd glance or stare sent his way had not been lost on him and he found that a man dressed as him stood out rather forcefully in a crowd. At least in this land. The locals favored simpler fabrics and significantly less…leather. No matter. It's as if he could change should he wish to. With no real direction in mind, he chose a hall that looked like all the others and started down it when a voice called to him.

"Hook."

Killian spun to find a familiar face. "Ah yes, Mary Margret was it? Or do you prefer Snow White?" He offered her a kind smile. She was Emma's mother after all. It was not the hardest leap for him to make. Their dynamic was off, but Snow most assuredly had regarded Emma as a parent. Then Snow herself had claimed to be a grandmother and well, he wasn't about to ask questions. He didn't exactly look his age either. Identifying her as the once, but brief, ruler Queen Snow White had not been difficult for him once he looked past the hair. So the man behind her was no doubt her Charming.

"Mary Margret is fine." She replied.

"And you can call me David." David was currently eyeing Killian accusingly. But it was a look the pirate knew well. He had seen his share of protective fathers in his time. And had it been any other woman's parent he might have found it amusing to add some cheek and an unabashed defense for whatever he had been accused of. This was Emma's family, however, and it would not help him to be snarky.

"You're here to visit Emma?"

Killian sensed she knew the answer, but he replied politely regardless. "That is my intent, yes."

She nodded. "Uh-huh. Right. Well, she's fine. Doctor Whale says she'll be fine. So." Mary Margret spoke quickly and gave the distinct impression that her words were meant to console him into leaving.

"In my experience," He reigned in his tone, hoping to remain civil despite the idea of being so easily dismissed, "people who leap into flames do not usually end up 'fine.'" Civil but still firm. "I saw her injuries myself."

Mary Margret smiled and he could feel the conflict raging inside her. The woman was currently at war with her need to protect her daughter from…well, him and her kind nature that must see he had done nothing wrong. In this instance. So she might be harboring some sort of grudge about the choosing Cora. "Yes, she did look very bad when they had brought her in. And, of course, magical burns are far worse than normal ones. But…" Mary Margret glance at David and paused. Which was an extreme annoyance.

"But?" He prompted sharply.

Mary Margret shook her head. "But Emma. I'm not sure if we can say exactly what happened, we still don't fully understand. She's used magic before and she used that power to keep both of you safe. That blast would have killed both of you otherwise."

"She has magic?" This was news to him.

"Yes. That's why Cora couldn't take her heart—"

"Cora did what?" He shut his mouth and set his teeth together. He had not meant to snap, but Cora had mentioned none of this to him. Which is probably why the old bat had needed him in the first place. If she couldn't take Emma's heart than she would need some other means for manipulating her. It was nice to know how she valued him then, so careful to keep him properly informed. No matter. It was good that he would be working on breaking that particular chain as soon as possible. His outburst had not gone unnoticed. "Where is she?" He asked finally, ready to be done with this whole conversation.

Again, Mary Margret fought against her herself. David's hand moved to her shoulder and she reached for it without a thought. Cute. If there was one thing he could pick up on, it was that they were truly and completely together. True love indeed. "She is on the third floor. Room 321."

"Much obliged." He bowed his head and was about to locate a set of stairs when he was called back.

"Elevator's this way." Mary Margret pointed, but this did not help him know what an elevator was. "There's stairs too. If you'd prefer." He started in the direction she had indicated and then was called back again. His reluctance was all too apparent by then. "And Hook?" Mary Margret stepped forward, an offensive move meant to impart her true meaning. "You know that Emma's my daughter. And, since you know who I am, you'll know my reputation in the kingdom?"

Killian sighed. "Kind. True. Fair. In more ways than one." That last part had slipped out and he had almost sealed it with a wink before his senses returned.

"All right, Hook, this is the one time I let that slide." David said.

"I meant no disrespect. 'Fairest in the land' and all that."

"I don't care. I don't want you ever talking to my wife in anything other than polite formality, understand me? 'Cause otherwise, you and I? We're going to have problems. And if you ever want a chance with my daughter then you don't want me as your problem."

"I don't respond well to threats." Killian eyed him as they stood, both unwilling to let the other gain any ground. "As for my manners, I've enough to realize that my comment was not well received and possibly not in good taste." His lips twitched into a smile, "For that…" his smile faded, "I offer my apologies. I've no wish to make an enemy of you, but I don't believe you have the ability to decide who your daughter associates with and whether you approve or not I am going to be associating. Now. I think we can all agree that Emma's well-being is of mutual concern?" He didn't wait for an answer. "So I suggest we work toward that together and not as rivals."

"David." Mary Margret cooed his name and he hesitantly took a step back. "You're right." She said with a slight shrug to her shoulder. "Emma's well-being is our main concern. And I don't believe you intentionally plan on hindering that."

"Good. Then we're—"

"I'm not done." She snapped and presently she was more formidable than her tall dashing husband. "I don't believe you would intentionally hurt her, but I don't think you're not capable." At a loss, he waited for her to continue. "Revenge is a powerful, powerful motivator. It takes over. The incessant need for revenge took the soul of someone I had once thought to be…" she swallowed and set her jaw. "…of someone I greatly admired and twisted her until there was almost nothing left of the woman I knew. If you wish to make a future with Emma…to really find what can be possible for you and my daughter, then you have to make a choice. You have to let go of your hate. Because that hate will destroy everything you care about whether you intend it or not. And if you bring that on Emma you are going to hurt her. And if you hurt her then I'm sorry, but I won't be kind or true or fair. I'll destroy you. You can count on that. So you can go up those stairs to her right now. I won't stop you. But you had better be sure that you've left your revenge behind because I won't warn you again."

Mary Margret gave him a few seconds of silence before taking her husband's hand. "Let's go, David. He'll make his choice."

"It had better be the right one." David said, staring him down.

Killian fumed, staring into the beige walls as they left. What was sad was that as a first meeting with both of Emma's parents he could honestly say that it could've been much worse. Though he could have done without the preaching and thinly veiled threats. If he wasn't already suffering from confliction then he sure as hell wouldn't be finding any rest now. Killian found himself in front of a doorway that was labeled 'stairs' and hesitated.

It was always so interesting how people were so quick to tell you how you needed to behave. Revenge was destructive, yes, but it was also usually justified. He intended to kill Rumplestiltskin. Was that a bad thing? Would the world not be a better place without him? He'd be doing everyone a favor. Slaying the beast. If that satisfied some personal agenda then he couldn't help that. Why did good people hold such an issue with death? If someone threatens you…the lives and happiness of the people you care about then you extinguish that threat. Whatever cost. The Charmings had neglected to kill Regina and look where that had landed them. No. Killian's heart was not yet ready to see his path as wrong. Revenge was all too consuming for him to be free of it so easily. It was too clear in his mind that a man fights for what he wants and that meant, if necessary, people had to die. Threats had to be eliminated.

Resolved, temporarily, he started up the stairwell to the third floor. Finally, he was outside the door and through a window he could see Emma. She was standing and throwing a fresh jacket over her shoulders. She was intact if appearances meant anything. He opened the door and she flinched before realizing who he was.

"Hook. What're you doing here?"

"Where I come from, it's polite to inquire after the health of someone who risked themselves for your benefit."

Emma sucked in a breath and set the tips of her fingers in her pockets. "Yeah. About that. I, uh, I know you're probably thinking that I was an idiot to do it. People have been making that pretty clear..."

He frowned. "An idiot? Why would I ever call you such a thing?"

"Cause." She started, confused that he hadn't jumped at the chance to berate her for being reckless. "Cause I must have been crazy to just throw myself in the middle like that…"

"Emma, if anyone would call you crazy for doing something noble than I suggest you find new friends." He watched her evenly, hoping that she understood just how sincere he was about this. "You acted rash, yes. I had the situation handled. But I don't think this is about impulsive decisions." He crossed his arms.

"You don't?" She seemed confused and he could see her doubting herself and that was not acceptable.

"Your mother mentioned that you have magic."

"Yeah. Sort of. I don't know how to use it—"

He took a step toward her. "Sort of?"

"What? This magic thing is new to me. I'm not…I didn't even think this kind of thing could exist a few months ago. It's not so easy to accept in others, all right. Even harder to accept that it's in me." She was defending herself. Still not understanding.

"My point is that you doubt this power. You doubt yourself." He narrowed his eyes. "But something tells me in that instant, when your choices were clear, your doubt was gone. It's trust Emma. And trust in yourself is the most important kind."

Emma adjusted her shoulders, eyes flicking toward him. "I just had this feeling…I just thought I could do it, you know? That protecting you was possible."

He was stepping closer, thankful that she hadn't backed away. How did she not see it? She was confident, not cocky, but she knew what she was capable of. Except, it seemed, in this. And it was her trust issues all over again. In magic she was hesitant, almost fearful. In trust and faith she was severely hindered. And damn him that he just had to change that.

Emma held up her hand when he reached the end of the hospital bed. "Look, I gotta get this out there, I didn't save you cause I'm secretly in love you. I would have done it for anyone. It just happened to be you this time. So don't go getting the wrong idea about this."

Killian laughed.

"What? What's so funny?" She snapped.

He paused at the edge of the hospital bed, resting his right hand on the footboard. "What is funny, Emma, is that you continue to misinterpret. I was simply…" He tried to find the words, taking another step as he reflected. He trailed his hand along the sheets as he moved. "Simply trying to enlighten you to your own accomplishment. Despite…" Killian paused, staring at a frayed string on the covers. "Despite…" He smiled, letting out a breath. "You see, you say you struggle with the concept of true love. Well, it is no picnic for me, either."

"But…but you're the one pushing it. Going on and on about giving it a shot. About trusting each other and all that other crap."

"For heaven's sake, Emma, someone's got to." He was looking at her now, his voice louder than he intended. He bit back some frustration and continued, "You're not an easy woman to impress, Emma Swan. I admit you have made me work very hard to gain even the smallest ground." He paused and licked his lips. "And I can't image I'm the only one to find myself up against a wall with you."

"Walls keep people safe." She argued. He was in front of her now, eyes intent on her face, though she seemed wary.

"Walls keep people trapped." He countered. Then he hung his head, almost laughing, but not quite managing. "Oh, but you are stubborn, aren't you? You'll fight me till the end."

"Fight you on what?"

His hand jumped from the bed to her shoulder, squeezing. He searched her eyes and she seemed unnerved by the sudden action, though she didn't protest. "Damn it." She had no idea, no idea the torment that she was causing. There was no love between them. He wasn't over his revenge. He still carried the past with him and with the last of his strength he was clinging to the past like the drift wood of a sunken ship. He was miles out to sea and that tiny piece of debris, so old and battered it barely resembled the once fine ship it had been, had been the only thing he could reach. And yet the shore had never seemed so close 'till now. And he found himself fighting for her again and again. True. Love. Trust. These words were so final, so binding, so limiting. He wasn't ready for any of it, but he was fighting for it. Fighting for something he didn't even think he could achieve. Swimming to shore as his raft began to disintegrate in the salty waves.

Maybe it was because he was fighting Emma that drove him to do it. Her harsh, total, dismissal of the idea made him want it all the more. Whether or not he believed happy endings to be possible.

"Why are you pushing this?" She said quietly and she ignored his hand. "Why are you trying so hard to make something where there's nothing—"

"Because I like you, Emma." He stated, determined. And it was true. She had held his interest from the moment his head had been pulled backward and her knife pressed to his throat. From there, he had only grown more and more interested in the possibility of Emma Swan. "I don't think I've been enigmatic about that."

She swallowed and with a careful shrug replied, "Hardly."

"See. You roll your eyes. You feign hostility, but I can read enough to know that you're interested too. Do you deny it?"

She scoffed and shrugged off his hand finally. "Do I deny what? That you're a pain in the ass? That every chance you get you use to flirt and irritate me?"

"That you love every minute of it." He grinned now. He wanted Emma and he always fought for things he wanted. He had been fighting for her from the beginning. It was now that he was realizing his want stemmed from more than just a physical attraction. There was connection between them and she had to see it? He saw it, even if it terrified and confused him. "Go on. Say that you hate it and I swear to you…I will stop. I'll never say another word to you without…the most rigid sense of decorum."

"I…" Emma frowned. "That's…"

"Come, come, Emma. Don't be indecisive."

"I'm not being indecisive." She said, her jaw set. She may have pushed his hand away, but he was still so close. He could have just acted and let the cards fall where they may, but something told him that Emma needed to be in control of this. She was the one who needed to make that move, not him. Besides, he had never been in the habit of pursuing women. They usually pursued him.

"Then what is your answer?" He leaned in, but only so that he could capture her eyes again when she had looked away. If she was going to deny him then she would do it honorably. With her head held high and her words clear and direct. There was no shying away to a corner. That was beneath her.

So he waited for her decision. Allowing her to make it but forcing her to make it fully. "Okay. Okay, maybe I don't hate the comments. All the time."

He grinned. "Have I ever mentioned that you're quite beautiful when you're honest?"

She rotated her shoulders. "Don't be sappy."

"Sappy?" His smile grew, and while she may not have expected the compliment he had certainly not expected to be called 'sappy' for using it. "I've been around a long time and I can honestly say that I have never been described as 'sappy.'"

Emma shrugged. "I said don't be sappy. I didn't say I didn't like it." After a pause she loosened her stance. "I want to be clear on a few things right now."

"You've my undivided attention, love."

She smirked quickly as she moved close enough that he had to look down to see her face. "I don't know what's going to happen. All I can do is what I feel is right."

"And what do you feel is right?" She was in his space now and he couldn't help but sense her: her scent, her body, her breath. He watched the course of her tongue as she licked at her lips. Patience. It was her move.

"I don't know. I know that I see a lot of different outcomes to this and not all of them are pretty. But." Her eyes fell briefly, a vulnerability she sought to hide. "But after some…consideration, I don't think running is necessarily the answer. I'm not saying I believe in true love. I'm not saying we're destined to be together. I'm not even saying we can be."

"Forgive me, but that's an awful lot of not saying anything."

Emma smirked. "What I am saying is that…provided we do things my way…I think I can be open to…" She shrugged, "Exploring my options."

"Is that so?" He chuckled. "And how shall you start this quest of yours, hm? I assume I'm permitted to come along?"

"For now." She took in a breath as he felt her collide into him. Whatever polite distance there had been was now completely eradicated. Every new breath pushed against his chest with blinding clarity.

"If you're suggesting that you can…handle things on your own, by all means. I only ask that I be permitted to watch." Her droll eye roll was not unanticipated.

"Are you suggesting that everything I say has to do with sex?"

"I believe that most things people say has to do with sex."

Emma's eyes kept focusing on his mouth and her weight was now nearly fully using him for support. "You have a comeback for everything."

"Oh, I'm nothing if not consistent, love." The urge to hug her was nearly overpowering his control. Not even to kiss her, but just to have her in his arms.

"You're still talking."

"It's your move, darling. A gentleman allows the lady to initiate."

"Yeah?" Her eyes rose up his face, arching her head when she found his eyes again. "And how am I supposed to do that if you can't shut up for five seconds?"

…

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…

…

"Fiv—"

A/N: I hope that it came out okay. I wasn't lying when I said I tweaked and edited this to death. That final scene with Emma...I kept loosing sight of their real intentions and losing their characters or I found that they wouldn't believably do what I had planned so I had to fix what I had written. It was just an all around headache of a chapter. I really hope people like it. I know I've been getting a lot of very nice reviews and I appreciate every comment on this story, so I hope I did them justice for you. Next chapter is an Emma chapter and...well...'stuff' happens. If you get what I mean. Probably going to be an 'M' rating for the next one. ;) Anyway, thank you for reading. I'm so glad people are enjoying this! Captain Swan is seriously the best. Couldn't have written this without them. ^_^