A/N: So, this chapter is a little... sadder than most. But, I thought it was necessary to kind of get Emma's worries about this whole situation out.
Also, sorry these descriptions have been rather short... I don't really know what to put here nine out of ten times.
Anyways, enjoy!
"Rob, I just came in second place at one of the biggest surfing competitions in the world." Killian smiled as he fell back onto their couch, after getting back from the airport.
"I know." Robin laughed, falling down next to him and searching for the remote.
He flicked on the TV, and sure enough, there was Killian, right there on ESPN.
"Holy shit, mate! That's you!"
"I didn't realize-I'm on TV." He laughed, "I'm on TV again, Rob!"
He grabbed Robin's arm in excitement, shaking him as they watched him get interviewed on-screen.
"Emma looked so happy to be there." Robin grinned.
"I can't tell you how happy I was to have her there. She got to experience something extraordinary."
"Where are you taking her for dinner tomorrow?"
"I don't know." Killian sighed, "I want it to be special, you know?"
"I know. I'll miss seeing her around here."
"Me, too." Killian spoke softly.
"I mean, she'll visit, right? And you will, and you've got calls, texting and Skype-I mean, you two can still stay connected."
"It's not the same." Killian sighed, rubbing a hand down his face, "I love her, Rob. I don't want her to leave."
"I know, but she can't stay. You can't make her do that." Robin offered.
"I know." He spoke softly.
"Just do what you've done since you told her about your past," Robin said, "Be honest."
Killian nodded solemnly, looking up to the screen to see an excited boy holding up a jar of shells he'd found on the beach during the competition.
It was then that he had a revelation.
"Rob, I've got it." Killian beamed, rising up off the couch and hurrying to the kitchen.
"What?" Robin asked.
"Help me find a jar!"
"What the hell are you-"
"If Emma can't be here, the least I could do is give her part of it." Killian smiled, making Robin laugh.
"It's ten at night!"
"So?"
"You're a crazy son-of-a-bitch, you know that?"
"Aye, I do." Killian beamed.
Emma sighed as she rode through the town with Mary Margaret the next morning.
She'd promised her friend that she'd go shopping with her, but she knew it was about to turn into a therapy session she didn't ask for.
"You okay?" She asked, breaking Emma from her thoughts as she turned away from the window.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Emma lied with a smile, "I just know I'll miss it here."
"I know! It's so great out here." Mary smiled, then sighed, "But, the ocean isn't the only thing you'll miss."
"No." Emma breathed.
"I mean, David and I did long distance," Mary offered, "It really isn't that bad."
"Yeah, but you two were only, like, three hours apart." Emma scoffed, "Killian's across the god damn country."
Mary simply nodded and swallowed hard.
"I didn't mean to snap, I just... I'm frustrated."
"I know you are." Mary said, "And, I think if you two work at it, it'll work out."
"Do you think David would kill me if I transferred out here?"
"Emma, tuition-"
"I know. I'd have to pick up a few jobs around here, but I could do it." Emma shrugged.
"David would probably kill you." Mary sighed, "But, he also knows that once you're set on something, there's no changing your mind."
Emma offered a small smile before playing with her phone case.
"I'm just scared that for once, I've found someone who genuinely loves me for who I am, and I might lose him to something as stupid as distance." Emma admitted softly.
"Emma, you have spent the whole summer with him." Mary smiled, "Do you really think a little distance will keep you from loving him? Or him from loving you?"
"I don't know. That's why I'm scared." Emma said.
"I saw the way he was looking at you in all the pictures you took in Hawaii." Mary smiled, "I might not have spoken to him much, but I know that he loves you, Emma."
"I really hope you're right." Emma sighed.
"I am. I know true love when I see it." Mary grinned proudly, "But, for now, let's do some shopping-I know you'll want to have something comfy for the plane tomorrow."
"I already-"
"Emma." Mary smiled as she parked, "Shopping is the best kind of therapy."
Emma sighed and rolled her eyes with a smile before getting out of the car and following her friend into a store.
Later that afternoon, while she'd been packing, Killian texted her.
I'm sorry this text has come so late. I hope you haven't packed everything up yet?
She grinned and typed out a quick reply.
E: Not quite yet.
K: Good. Wear something comfortable.
E: Not too dressy?
K: Nope.
E: Is it bad that I'm hoping we're going to Granny's for dinner?
K: I'm glad I read your mind.
A smile bloomed across her lips as her heart raced. For only knowing her a few months, Killian already knew her way too well.
E: Good. You'll need that when we're thousands of miles apart.
K: Don't remind me.
K: My heart is like a withering flower.
E: Okay, Shakespeare, what time am I meeting you?
K: May I pick you up at six?
E: You may.
K: Good. I'll be there right at six, then.
E: Good.
Emma grinned, holding her phone to her chest like a twelve-year-old girl. She supposed she always was a hopeless romantic-Killian certainly brought it out in her.