A/N: Sorry for making you wait the entire time; it's simply been difficult to find motivation. Someone asked what Emma was thinking during Killian absence. Well, you're about to find out. Here's some Emma PoV. Promise is a Ben Howard song.

Emma pries open her left eye, but the sleep acts like a weight pulling it back down. She takes a deep breath and forces both sides to let the day in. Never has she been a morning person, but somehow moving her body out of the warmth of her sheets has become easier.

Her lips turn into a smile as she thinks back to yesterday.

It wasn't easy agreeing to meet Mary Margaret right in the lion's den. There was a lot of texting and calling and begging; eventually she reluctantly agreed. Emma couldn't quite figure out why Mary Margaret was so set on meeting at Killian's café when there were a gazillion others in the neighborhood. Possibly because her sister in law was used to going to 'A Cup of Jones' that it would feel like a form of betrayal to visit competition. Emma definitely felt like that.

The Monday after she ran away, left Killian with her words echoing in the room, her feet automatically took her to the shop, following the path she had taken every time; her brain temporarily had forgotten that she couldn't face him, had forgotten how she bared her soul to him and that he was the first in a long time.

Then the familiar red, swirly letters appeared and it all came flying back. So she turned around and walked to the next best establishment. The girl asked for her order and Emma hesitated for a while, being estranged from needing to say her order out loud instead of having it ready the moment she enters.

Emma tried to ignore how less homey the interior was. She tried to not notice how her order wasn't quite right. She tried to ban every thought about Killian Jones out of her head and failed miserably.

Yesterday, when she entered the coffeehouse again after telling herself over and over that she needed to be strong, all of her arguments disappeared. The reason why she needed to be strong became blurrier after every time she repeated it again.

Killian came over and told her she didn't need to be strong because she already was. He spoke of how she deserved love and countered all of Emma's words of that notorious day.

It was too much. An overflow, like a dam that broke and the surge of water that followed. It knocked her down and took her breath away. And when he tried to leave, she grabbed him to stop. She kissed him, something she hadn't done since their date and in that kiss, she found her grounding, something to steady her.

It was that calm, that certainty that made Emma invite Killian to meet Henry. Henry was the most important thing in her life and always remained sheltered from Emma's poor excuse for a dating life. Killian, however, changed that; he was the first to succeed and he did it in a record time. Letting him near her son felt natural, good. As if this had always been the right choice. And seeing the both of them interact was a reassurance that her gut instinct could cooperate with her heart.

Calling him after they parted had been in the spur of the moment, the dialing tone already informing Emma that it was too late to back down; Killian would know she had called. Hastily, she thought of an excuse to conceal her true reasons, knowing very well that to him it would be like a glass wall to see through.

The conversation began with the more mundane matters, but quickly evolved. They exposed new things, found similarities between the both of them and trusted each other like they never had. Killian knew the exact words she needed to hear, understood what she was thinking and provided a remedy to her darkening thoughts and grim past; the feeling was not a foreign one to him.

Their call lasted for hours until the sleep came close to catching up with Emma. It was with reluctance they said goodbye and with a declaration to talk the next day.

That is why Emma doesn't mind getting out of bed and starting her day because Killian's voice saying "I promise." lingers in her head.

Henry is still at his friend's house and only needs to be picked up after school. Emma catching her latest skip on Tuesday and not having any new cases for the time being, creates empty minutes and empty hours. Normally there are tons of things to fill that time with: groceries, cleaning, other responsible adult things, but Emma had completed all of those things on her day off yesterday.

The British accent flowing around the promise returns and makes Emma hesitate. Should she go to the café and go talk to him? It isn't one of her usual days to visit which would probably earn her a smug Killian smile, but if she simply wants a good hot chocolate then that's her absolute right. Maybe she should wait a while, to avoid coming off too eager. Yes, she'll do that. Take it easy, watch an episode of some show and then casually drop by.

This is quite a new sensation. One she hasn't let herself experience since forever, since Neal really.

The weather is gentle, a sign of summer slowly but steadily coming over. There are a few weeks of spring left but the temperatures are steadily rising and the number of layers Emma wears is slowly decreasing.

The morning rush hour where all of the corporately dressed people come by for their dose of caffeine right before work has passed. The shop is quiet and calm as Emma walks in. Sometimes her irregular hours working in bail bonds could prove to be an advantage.

Her green eyes instantly dart towards the counter but can't find the mop of dark hair or blue eyes she is usually greeted with. Instead, it's Aurora who is handing an elderly lady her coffee order. The barista smiles at her and she smiles back. Emma recalls that Aurora was working yesterday too, so that means she is aware of the current situation between Killian and her. Thus, it's not surprising when, before Emma able to ask if he's there, Aurora is the first to speak.

"Killian is working from home today," she says apologetically.

"Oh," Emma replies, not letting the disappointment she feels affect the light smile on her face. "I didn't know that."

Her mouth hums as she thinks of something to say or to do, something to take away the slight awkwardness lingering around.

Killian told her that Aurora is expecting but Emma supposes that it remains a private piece of information, one solely shared with close friends and family. Meaning that it was not a topic to have some small talk about.

"Can I get you anything?"

Aurora's question breaks the silence and makes everything lighter. Of course, Emma could've simply ordered something. She is standing in a coffeehouse. Emma softly laughs at her own expense.

"Sure, a hot chocolate, please," she orders and Aurora, smiling back at her, nods.

"Coming right up." The auburn hairs swish as the girl turns around towards the machines to prepare her drink.

"Emma!" Tink greets her. "How great to see you."

"Yeah, you too."

Unbuttoning her olive coat, the blonde says hi to Aurora and temporarily disappears into the back room.

"Here you go." A large cup gets handed to her. "You know where to find the cinnamon." Aurora winks.

Emma laughs, "I do."

The door opens and Tink, apron tied around her waist, returns. Her eyes quickly sweep the room to see if her help is needed anywhere, but clearly conclude the contrary because she directs her attention to Emma.

"So…," she starts. "You and Killian fixed things?"

Suddenly, Emma wonders how much these two girls actually know about everything that has occurred between Killian and her. How much did Killian tell them and how much does he trust them?

"Umm," Emma hesitates. "Yes, we did."

Tink facial expression illuminates with the news.

"Oh, that's great. Did you go on a date or did you simply talk? Was there a kiss?"

The nosiness of Tink's questions betrays that she is familiar with their tale and is apparently very invested in the outcome.

"Sorry, I'm just interested," she apologizes. "Killian has been ignoring my texts and I want to know what happened."

Aurora is close by, following Emma and Tink's conversation silently, her personality not as straightforward as Tink's but curious nonetheless.

"We talked and resolved our issues and had a great time eating lunch with my son in the park. That's about all that happened." Emma lightly shrugs.

It looks like Tink is about to leap into the air of joy, her eyes turn big and her lips curl into a smile.

"I'm-" she begins and then looks at Aurora. "I mean, we're so happy for the both of you."

"I'm happy too. But I'm going to head home now. Thanks for my hot chocolate." Emma tips the cup in Aurora's direction. "And for the talk."

"Any time!"

Emma walks backward, away from the counter and to the door.

"Bye Emma!" they both yell in unison, making Emma snigger to herself.

The clock strikes three and it's time for Emma to leave the apartment and walk towards Henry's school to pick him up. Killian still hasn't called and it shouldn't be nagging her but he's in the comfort and privacy of his home, surely he could call her or even send her a quick text. But then again, so could she.

Her fingers tap the screen while her feet tap the concrete. She has lived in Boston long enough and taken this route so many times that Emma doesn't need her full attention. There's a loose tile in front of the library, the crossing light right near the school only stays green for five seconds, when she turns the corner by the Mexican food truck, she'll come across the stream of people leaving the T. It's a routine.

Hey, Killian. I was just at the café, but you weren't there… Luckily I had Tink and Aurora to entertain me. Boy, do they know a lot of embarrassing stuff about you ;) -E

The rattling sound of the school bell goes off the moment the brown building comes in sight. And by the time she gets at the gate, Henry is ready to go home.

"Hi, Mom," he says, his voice in that embarrassing phase between child and adolescent.

"Hey, kid. How was Avery's?"

They slowly start to shamble, neither of them having a reason to hurry home. Their feet drag over the concrete, one step at a time.

"It was fine." Henry raises his shoulders. His brown eyes peer at Emma out of their corner. "You don't have to pick me up from school anymore, you know that, right?"

Emma meets his look.

"I know. I had a free day today and I like coming to get you. Maybe my mother heart has a difficult time admitting that you are growing up," Emma sighs.

Henry slides his arm into her looped one and pulls her a bit closer.

"I'll always be your kid, Mom."

Bringing his head closer with her hand, Emma places a kiss on top of it.

"I know," is mumbled against his brown locks.

"I have an idea," Henry exclaims with a grin. "You just said you're free from work so why don't we go see a movie?"

"Sure, why not."

Focusing on the movie and being forced to turn her phone off deters Emma's thoughts from Killian but it is disappointing when, after they've seen the entire credit roll and the extra bit afterwards, the only missed text is one from Ruby begging her to have a girls' night real soon.

Maybe his phone is turned off too, maybe he is unexpectedly overwhelmed with a lot of work. That could all be true. If either of those is the case, she can't call him. How desperate would she seem if he activated his phone and was met by a text and a missed call? No, Emma will wait. He promised and if Killian is anything, it's a man of his word.

Or so she thinks. After a relatively quiet dinner with Henry and looking over his homework like he asked her to do, Emma grabs her phone hoping to see his answer which she would expect to sound somewhat like this:

Swan… Whatever they told you, it is utter nonsense. Do not believe them. That being said, you must have missed me very much if you came by on a Thursday.

But of course it's complicated to expect something from a text that has never been sent. Her inbox is poignantly empty. The day has ended, the night has begun and Emma finds herself rubbing her eyes of tiredness. She can't stall going to bed much longer; as calm today as was, tomorrow will be a whole other story.

Eventually, Emma caves, grabbing her cell and pressing the telephone icon. The dial tone keeps going on, beeping in her ear. The tone is annoying and Emma wants to hang up. Before she can, the beep subdues and Killian's voice takes its place.

"Hello, this is the voicemail of Killian Jones, owner of 'A Cup of Jones'. I'm currently unavailable but do not hesitate to leave me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I am able to."

Again, a bleeping noise can be heard to signal the end of Killian's message and to motivate Emma to leave on of her own.

"Hey, Killian," Emma commences. Her free hand runs through her locks, untangling the knots she comes across. "Emma here. We were going to talk today but seeing that you're not picking up, you are probably still busy working." Her feet take her everywhere in the room, meandering over the wooden floor. "I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to bed right now, so we'll have to postpone our talk until tomorrow or some other time. Bye," she says, quickly adding a good night afterwards before stopping the call.

Falling into bed, Emma inhales and lets the breath return in a sigh. She'll have to go to sleep and pretend she is not bothered by the situation, by Killian promising something and then not following through. Perhaps she is completely overreacting but broken promises, how small they may be, still make a dull ache return.

Neal had once promised something, had said he would meet her in a dark alley but that never happened. Instead, she got arrested in that same alley for a crime she didn't even commit. Emma went to prison and was forced to give birth there. A seventeen-year-old child had to give up her child because the prison wouldn't let her keep him. It was temporary but it didn't make the goodbye any easier.

Being distrustful of people was necessary to survive afterwards, to not get her heart crushed in the same way, to strive for a better life; a life where she and her little baby boy would be alright.

The perp Emma needs to catch is a complete idiot and that makes Emma very happy. The guy takes shelter in his mom's house and made the smart move to forward his mail there. Every day at the same time, he makes his round of nearby stores to find a job, leaving his real name, address and phone number behind in case they needed to contact him.

And that's what Emma does to lure him to her. She calls the number, leaves a fake name and a place to meet and the job is in the bag.

The effortlessness of this task is not the only thing Emma is glad about; the rest of the day, save for the paperwork she needs to fill in to officially close the case, is hers to spend in any way she pleases.

Killian hasn't called or texted back and Emma is worried. In a way it is only fair that she gets the silent treatment, a clear case of karma. Mere weeks ago, Killian found himself in the same situation, a phone that screamed silence in hand. He could be giving Emma a taste of her own medicine.

Over the last day, her brain has invented several possibilities, several scenarios. All acceptable excuses (perhaps not that last one) that Killian can tell her when Emma talks to him in person.

Call it her pessimistic side, but she has a feeling something is wrong.

The feeling gnaws at Emma and haunts her thoughts on the way toward 'A Cup of Jones.' It goes anywhere and everywhere it pleases because Emma doesn't restrict it, she doesn't put a leash on the bleak prospects. It's best to have the worst case scenario in mind; that way the actual situation will seem less severe.

Her hand pushes the door open and Emma walks in. There are a few more people than yesterday but the establishment remains serene. Tink is serving a client alone. Emma's brow creases. Killian should be here. Slightly widening, the blonde's hazel eyes notice Emma and quickly look back at the customer in front of her.

"Go and have a seat, I'll deliver your drink in a second," Tink tells the red haired woman while politely smiling.

Emma takes the redhead's place, but Tink turns her back, preparing the lady's drink.

"Tink?" Emma addresses her. "Shouldn't Killian be working?"

There's no answer. Emma's foot begins to tap on the ground of impatience. Why isn't Tink acknowledging her presence?

Walking around the counter, Tink brings the woman's cup of coffee. Emma follows the movement with her entire body, rotating herself to where Tink is standing. Finally, when all of the cups and trays are cleared and the customers content, she looks Emma in the eye.

"Tink?" Emma asks again. "Where is he?"

"He took some time off." is her vague answer.

He took time off. Well, that puts a big, red line through "he is busy working." Nevertheless, it sounds a bit out character for Killian to take time off. The coffeehouse is like his baby. He would never abandon it.

"Did you know yesterday when I came by?"

Tink shakes her head fully, trying to convince Emma she didn't lie to her.

"No, he was supposed to be working from home yesterday. I received a call this morning from him," she answers.

So he could call Tink to let her know he was taking a break but couldn't return her call or even her text. Emma huffs and smiles bitterly. Message understood. The girl facing her seemingly senses where Emma's mind is taking her and places a hand on her shoulder.

"It's not what you think, Emma. Killian-" Tink's teeth create a dent in her lower lip as she thinks of the right words. "He had to go back to England."

"Why?"

"His brother Liam…" A sigh escapes from her lips. "... died."

A cold shiver runs up her spine and immobilizes Emma's entire body. Fuck. Liam died. All of this time Emma thought that Killian had reconsidered their relationship and had decided to stop it. That's was her worst case scenario. How could she expect that the actual reason for his silence and disappearance is a hundred or a thousand times worse?

Liam was his hero, the only bit of family Killian had left. Losing him must have turned Killian into a wreck, full of sorrow and anger. And Emma can't do anything about it because they are separated by an ocean.

Emma makes time every day to stop by the coffeehouse. Normally, she doesn't need more than a small shake of the head by either Aurora or Tink to have that little, small, tiny bit of hope extinguished.

She accepts Ruby's proposal for a girls' night and even though Emma's not into it as usual, it does manage to take her mind off of things temporarily.

Nobody knows that there's anything wrong with Killian; nobody except for her, Aurora and Tink. Henry asks if Killian has mentioned something about the sailing trip and Emma promises him to take care of the details the next time they talk. Her son seems satisfied with that answer.

After five days, the negative responses she gets from Killian's employees start to weigh in. Emma can't find her focus which makes her cases take longer and results in barely seeing Henry and working the entire day, from morning into the dead of night.

Emma checks her wrist for the time and sees that it's three to eight. Shit. With the case, she completely obliterated her visit. There's no way she can make it before they close. But if she hurries, they might still pick up the phone.

"Hello?" The bewilderment of someone calling this late lies thick on Aurora's voice but Emma doesn't care.

"Hi, Aurora. It's Emma. Is he back yet?" she asks.

"Emma…," Aurora hesitates.

The line is disturbed with some cracks and a soft muttering. Aurora is talking to someone who is in the room with her. The nervousness in Emma grows with every second. And then she finally hears what she's been waiting on.

"Yes, Killian's back."

"That's great. I need to go and see him," Emma says, partially muttering to herself.

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Emma? He only landed a couple of hours ago," Aurora tries to reason with her.

"Aurora, I need his address."

The fact that she doesn't know where he lives is another testimony of how new their relationship is. There are a lot of subjects untouched and undiscussed, but Emma is certain that Killian could use somebody, that being alone here would not solve anything.

"He's not going to be there," Aurora replies, causing Emma to furrow her eyebrows.

"Where else would-" Emma stops herself. What's his second home? And has a trace of the memory of his brother hanging in the air? "The Jolly."

"Yeah… Take care of him, Emma," Aurora pleads.

It's clear that Killian means a lot to her, to the both of them. More than a simple boss-employee relationship, something resembling friends.

"I will. Thank you." Emma ends the call and halts for a moment to think.

"Mom?" Henry says, pausing his video game. "Is everything okay?"

He has a worried look in his brown eyes. Emma takes a seat next to him, grabs ahold of his arm and meets his concerned gaze.

"Killian isn't doing really well," she admits.

"What's wrong with him?"

"He lost his brother." Emma's tone is soft, almost a whisper.

"Mom!" Henry nearly yells. "What are you still doing here then?"

"I can't just leave you alone," she tells him.

"I'll go to David and Mary Margaret's for the night. I'm sure they won't mind. Killian needs you right now."

It reminds Emma how much she loves this kid. Sometimes she wonders how it's possible that Henry is hers. He's smart and caring; his big, kind heart is so admirable.

"Thank you, Henry." Emma grabs her keys and puts on her jacket. "I'll drop you off."

The Bug parks right before David and Mary Margaret's front door and Mary Margaret is awaiting them.

"Thanks for this," Emma says to her friend.

She smiles in return and responds, "No problem, Emma. It's been ages since he's been here, David and I are both looking forward to it. I'll take him with me to school and everything."

"Great." Emma sends her a thankful smile. "Bye, kid. And behave!"

"Of course, Mom. Good luck and tell Killian I said hi."

"I will."

Emma doesn't completely remember the way to his boat, but luckily she still has the text he sent her right ahead of their date. God, that seems ages ago.

The boat is gently quavering in the dark water. The moon shines brightly against the inky sky. Stopping for a heartbeat to take in the sight, Emma continues to near the Jolly Roger Junior. Her hands curl around the railing to get on board safely. Inside, a faint light luminescences, indicating that Killian is indeed here, proving that Emma does know Killian to some extent.

Prior to entering, Emma knocks on the door. It wouldn't be very polite to barge in right after his return. She stands there for a while, arms wrapped around her body against the chill of the night, but there's no answer; there's not even a sign of life except for the amber glow.

Hesitantly, Emma moves the door handle and lets herself in.

"Killian?" she calls for him, her eyes quickly finding him in the small space.

The man sitting there, feet dangling from the bed, does not look like Killian. Not in the slightest bit. The normally perfectly kept scruff has turned into a long brown beard with streaks of ginger. His locks are long too, clouding parts of his face. Killian looks broken, his head hanging low and eyes troubled. There's no reply to Emma's greeting, not even a reaction to her presence.

Emma takes a look around and spots a bottle. It's half full- or should she say half empty- with dark liquor. Killian must have been drinking. Has he been like the entire week? She certainly hopes not because it would take much more effort for him to rebuild himself; the road back to becoming Killian again would not be an easy one.

There's a white square occupying the space next to the bottle and Emma walks closer. A letter. A letter addressed to Killian. With a sense of premonition, she turns it around. The sender is Liam Jones.

"Killian?" Emma attempts yet again, but without any sound or movement on Killian's part.

Grabbing the envelope, Emma approaches him. The bed sinks down as she takes a seat next to him. What is the best way to handle this? To help Killian with his grief and show him she's here for him? Emma has never excelled at this kind of things. She knows how to comfort Henry but that's a skill acquired after many years of tears and wailing.

"Have you read it?"

Gently, Killian shakes his head and finally responds to Emma.

"I can't." His voice sounds hoarse, as if he spent the last hours screaming at the top of his lungs.

"You want me to read it?" Emma asks.

It's a mere suggestion. Killian could decline or find it a stupid idea but it could possibly make it easier for him. At least that's what Emma wants for him.

His attention is captured when he tears his stare off the floor and connects with Emma's eyes instead. She can't help herself from silently mouthing hi to him. Seeing his blue irises makes the need for him crash down with high velocity. She's missed him so.

Killian nods and Emma is momentarily confused as to what he's agreeing to but then remembers the paper in her hand. She doesn't rip it open but carefully sticks her finger between and makes a zigzagging motion to preserve the envelope as much as possible. The letter leaves its pouch. Unfolding the message, Emma intertwines her hand with his. He could use some extra support.

After a deep breath, Emma starts reading, "Dear little brother, I'm truly sorry I haven't responded to your letter earlier."

Killian's grip on her hand becomes stronger, simultaneously with his facade weakening. He begins to cry, to sob even and it breaks Emma's heart. After reciting one sentence, she already puts the letter aside. Her arms envelop Killian in a hug and she feels his tears fall on her shoulder.

Ultimately she ends up with Killian's head on her lap, running her fingers tenderly through his dark hair.

It's weird. Never before have they had this kind of intimacy. They never had the time. But it feels so natural. Emma has never been one for words. That is more his thing but now she can show him that she cares. That she does something a bit more profound than care.

Except for an occasional sniff from Killian, the room is completely silent. She senses that he's still awake, so she decides to tell him something he doesn't know yet.

"When I was younger-," Emma embarks on her story, "- I was an orphan and as most orphans, I felt unloved. Very exceptionally, I would make a friend but I'd get transferred and lose them. When I turned seventeen, I left the system and not long after that I met Neal."

Killian shifts a bit, turning his head more to her.

"He made me feel loved and special which was a unique thing to me. In the end, he left me. I was put in jail for his crime and he didn't even hesitate to turn me in. I discovered I was pregnant in there. Neal left and I had to stay in prison while he was free as a bird. I had a baby to take care of while he was god knows where doing god knows what."

Emma sighs, still moving her hands on his head.

"It scarred me. It scarred me so much that I was scared you would take off too," she admits. "But that isn't you. You're a good man, Killian, and I know you attribute that to Liam. He taught you everything you know, to be brave and strong, but that doesn't mean you're nothing. Liam is proud of you, I'm sure, and you have to keep making him proud."

A moment of speechlessness settles in.

"I'm sorry I didn't call you," he says, a bit slurred courtesy of that rum on the table. "I broke my phone."

A soft smile adorns her face.

"It's alright. I had Tink update me on all things Killian Jones."

Killian sounds on the verge of sleep as he asks, "You did?"

Emma quietly lets a melodious sound escape, aware of Killian falling asleep any minute.

"I wasn't about to let you slip away."

A/N: We are definitely nearing the end of this fic. You can expect two more chapters which I hope to get finished before the 1-year anniversary of this fic. The reason that I use hope is because I'm starting my first year of university next week and have no idea how much time I'll have.