Chapter 10 - Back in Town

Emma played with the ring on her finger and looked at the simple gem. She was happy with the way her life was going. It was so surreal and many days intimidating. Hook already stated he wanted a small wedding and Emma agreed with him. They, however, pushed the date out for many reasons. One being that Emma wanted to get their life sorted before they wed.

They had a spat about where they would live and Hook offered his place and Emma retorted she wasn't going to live in a shoe box. He asked for the extension on the wedding date and she allowed it, at the time slightly worried about him having second thoughts.

She looked out the window and down at the street and breathed deeply. Nerves bothered her lately as if something was going to turn her happiness on its head. Emma didn't want to worry anyone about her suspicions. They would have chalked it up to cold feet. Emma chuckled to herself. 'As if' Emma thought and then something outside caught her eye and her chuckle died.

No..

Emma kept what she saw to herself and quickly went downstairs where her mother was sitting crocheting a blanket and the material covering her bump.

"Emma is something wrong?" Snow asked and Emma stopped and looked at her mother.

"Um.. No." Emma stammered and Snow raised an eyebrow. "I'm going to find Henry." With that Emma was out and wandering on her way to the street.

She found herself outside Rumple's store and felt her stomach get tied up in knots.

"Emma" She heard the voice clearly to recognize it was her fiance's and she turned to the man. "What are you doing?"

"Thought I would get a little bit of fresh air. Then I saw Rumple's shop and wanted to try and find things for the wedding." Emma lied and Hook's eyes narrowed catching the lie.

"Then let's look together." Hook grasped her hand and Emma tried to protest, but when they got into the shop she felt like time stopped till Hook's hand dropped from hers and his breath hitched.

"Neal." Hook gritted.

The man turned around from talking to his own father and met eyes with the pirate.

"Ah Hook. See things haven't changed much. Being a lost puppy dog still" Neal smirked and Hook's anger seethed and Emma turned to Hook and placed a hand on his chest.

"Killian-"

"Get your hand off me love.." Hook gritted and Emma shook her head.

"Killian, Don't let him get to you." Emma finished and Hook looked at her. He pushed her away and then turned on his heel to leave. "Killian, wait!" Emma called and Hook ignored her as he left with her trailing.

He sensed her movement and after a while stopped and turned on her.

"Why were you following him? Why did you lie to me?" Hook demanded and Emma bit her lip.

"I don't know"

"Don't know what"

"I-"

"Do you still love him?" Hook yelled and Emma shook her head.

"No, Killian, I love you." Emma assured. "I just saw him today, walking. I followed because I don't know why, but I felt compelled to. Things didn't end good between us and I felt like if he came back to take Henry or hurt me, I would be able to figure it out. I lied because I know his actions angered you and didn't want you becoming angry."

Hook was still breathing heavily before his mouth was on her. It was heavy and intoxicating and she let out a moan. His body responded to the sound and a hand reached to touch her lower back, inching closer to tease her with a promise of lower touches. He pulled away and removed his hand from her back to run his thumb along her lips.

"You drive me crazy" His voice was gruff and deep. Emma smiled and pulled away. "I don't want to see you by Bae alone again. I don't trust him"

"Don't worry, I won't"

She was heading to the Sheriff station when her phone buzzed. Looking down, she saw a message.

I want to see Henry.

Emma sighed and quickly replied.

He's your son too. Go see him.

She wasn't going to prevent Henry's father from seeing him and she trusted Henry. Heading into the station she went to her desk and saw the stack of papers. She sighed, knowing she was going to have a long day.

Things kept crowding her mind, like the wedding and now Neal. Why would he come back after so long? Maybe to see his father. Surely it wouldn't be for her.

Hours pass and Emma's lip was swollen from her biting it constantly while she worked. She twisted the ring on her finger and smiled. Hook made her happy and she wouldn't exchange that for the world. She looked at the last report and put it to the side of her desk to finish another time and reached for her jacket. When she looked up to the exit she almost screamed, seeing the figure in the doorway.

Emma placed a hand on her chest in hopes of calming her beating heart.

"Didn't mean to scare you."

"Neal, what are you doing here?" Emma asked, her voice shaky.

"I wanted to apologize." A pause with no reply from Emma left Neal to continue talking. "I shouldn't have said that to Hook earlier today. I should have realized your feelings for him a long time ago.. A very long time ago."

"Okay.. Neal I really just-"

"No.. Listen. I was terrible for how I treated you months ago, and how I treated Henry. I am sorry that I was trying to force a relationship that just wasn't there anymore. We are not the same naive people who had a relationship based on lying and running."

"Yeah, we aren't" Emma agreed.

"You are stronger in many ways and yet I was a coward. I am done fighting. I would love to stay in Storybrooke to mend my relationship with Henry." Neal announced and Emma bit her lip. "I already talked to my father about staying with him and Belle."

"I think Henry would like that. I don't object to you spending time with him. He never had a father really." Emma replied and Neal smiled.

"I just wanted to tell you because after all it is your town and your son." Neal added and Emma nodded.

"Just a word of advice, I would stay clear away from Hook. He was beyond pissed and I won't stop him next time." Emma warned and then put on her jacket. "I have to go and lock up so you need to leave."

Neal nodded and went walking to the door, opening it for her before following after. He said goodbye and Emma locked up, strangely feeling relieved he wasn't in town to do damage.

She let out a deep breath and walked down to Snow's place.

Before entering the building she pulled out her phone and sent a text to Hook.

Are you busy?

Moments passed and she was about to continue into the building when her phone chimed.

Yes, why?

Emma was confused, most of the day was gone and Hook was still busy. He's been busy a lot lately and she couldn't deny that it was starting to bother her.

No reason. Just don't have to worry about Neal. He's here to be a father to Henry not ruin things.

A few more moments and her phone chimed again

Okay. See you tomorrow.

Emma sighed and walked into the building and heading up to the loft. She opened the door to hear Ginger's heavy paws heading to the door. She was getting so big which is why Hook was watching over her. She looked around and sure enough the pirate was looking at her shocked from the island.

"Killian. What are you doing here?" Emma questioned, confused. Snow was by him and papers were spread out on the island. "I thought you were busy"

"I was just leaving, and I am busy." Hook scurried gathering up the paper before Emma could get to close, but a blue grid sheet fell and slid across the floor. Emma reached for it and picked it up.

"A blueprint?" She looked closer at the design and realized it was a house.

Hook sighed and looked defeated. Emma was confused, but looked over the blueprint.

"Isn't this the place that Gold is building near the docks?" Emma questioned and Snow walked over.

"Except it isn't Gold's" Snow tested and Emma looked at her and then at Hook. "It was supposed to be a surprise. Hook bought the area."

"Killian wouldn't have the money for that" Emma scoffed and Hook cleared his throat.

"Glad you think so highly of me." Hook mumbled and walked over holding his hand out for the blueprint. "Can I have it back?"

Emma looked at him and started feeling anger brew.

"Is this why you're always so busy?"

"Love, give me the paper" Hook avoided the question and Emma slammed the blueprint in his hand. "I'll be on my way"

"No!"

Hook looked at the door and breathed deeply. He didn't want Emma to know about the house he was building until it was ready. Completely perfect for them. Now it seemed ruined.

"I don't want to stay and talk right now."

"Well, you don't always get what you want" Hook shook his head and continued out the door. Emma followed. "Tell me what this is about now."

"Bloody hell! Emma just please drop it." Hook's voice elevated and Emma was surprised at his outburst. "It was supposed to be a surprise and now it is bloody ruined. All of it."

"What a house?" Emma questioned.

"You questioned marriage because we don't have a suitable place to live." Hook scowled and Emma looked shocked.

"I didn't question marriage." Emma was frazzled.

"Yes, you did or you wouldn't have brought it up." Hook sighed. "So I asked Gold if there was any properties and he had one. I bought it cheap because it was broken beyond repair. I began to build with the help of the dwarves. Was going to be a surprise on our wedding night." His voice got quiet and Emma was shocked.

"The house is for me?"

"Well, for us."

Emma stood quiet and looked at Hook. Thinking what a stressful day it was. She bit her lip and reached for his hand that was still holding the blueprint.

"Today sucked. Such a curveball from Neal. I was worried he was back to.. I don't even know, but it wasn't good. I'm always so scared about losing you and lately we haven't been together all that often. I thought you were avoiding me." Emma sighed.

"I know things have been stressful but I would never avoid you purposely. I have been spending my days at the house and stores. Love, you aren't ever going to lose me" Hook assured and Emma nodded.

"Can I see it?" Emma asked and Hook looked at her and sighed. "I know it's not done, but please."

"Aye, I guess"

With that they were on their way to her bug.

Author's Note

I am beyond tired since I stayed up late due to lack of sleeping with this chapter idea rattling around. I finally finished this chapter and I must say I am pleased. Things are being wrapped up and I expect the ending to come in a few chapters. Hopefully you guys liked this chapter and I will look forward to reviews.

-SnowTigerFairytale