Chapter 21

Baelfire was going to enter the diner when he noticed that Henry, Pinocchio and Grace were chatting, sitting on a bench in front of the place. And when he was going to approach them, he also noticed a pirate coming down the street towards him.

Killian looked pretty determined.

- Hey, Hook, what...

The pirate nodded, passing him, not stopping. But when his eyes stopped momentarily at Baelfire, through the window of the diner he noticed that Emma and Amelia were there. He changed his own direction and went to put his hand on the doorknob when it opened and Amelia came against him.

Killian grabbed her and distanced themselves immediately.

The look she gave back to him was surprised by what just happened.

- Amelia, are you okay? - Emma approached them within Granny`s.

Shaking herself slightly, Amelia made Killian to let go of her.

With intention to leave, Amelia took a deep breath and took a step forward, but Killian stepped to the other side, stopping her.

A light sheen of rage went through Amelia`s eyes. He smiled, knowing he now had her full attention.

- What do you think you're doing? – She shot at him.

- I want to talk to you.

- Hook, I don`t think this is the best time. - Baelfire approached putting a hand on the pirate`s shoulder.

- Yes, please, go away. - Emma was going to put herself in front of Amelia but in one swift movement, Killian grabbed her arm and pulled the fairy out of Granny`s.

- What do you think you're doing? - Amelia repeated, struggling against his hand.

When she finally broke loose, the two were in the middle of the town street. Her heart was beating strongly with her anger.

Emma, Baelfire and the children, plus some passersby watched them.

- Looking for a fight, pirate?

- In fact, I am, lass.

Surprised by Killian`s answer, Amelia took a deep breath, trying to understand.

- What?!

- What does it mean, Hook? - Emma asked, looking at him, surprised. - You can`t possibly fight her!

Killian looked at Emma. Then turned to Amelia again. She was staring at him, with eyes almost closed, hands on the hips, trying to figure out the reason. The pirate smiled slightly, with malice in his eyes.

- Emma, let him. He knows what he is doing. - Baelfire interrupted, putting his hand on her arm.

- How can you say that, Neal? I've seen him fight. She has no chance... - Emma stopped, seeing their body position and their faces.

Something was going on that she wasn`t understanding.

- I still have your sword.

- And this is your way of what, Killian? - Amelia crossed her arms, still looking at him, severely.

- I believe that is the only way to finish this. With this pain that eats us inside and to have a new opportunity to be what we once were.

- And why? Why do you want to go back to be what we once were? For what purpose?

Impatience was beginning to rise inside of him. She could get him out of himself, faster than any other being in all the realms.

- It won`t serve any purpose of mine, but to have my friend back. - He spoke, sincere. - In addition, it will give you the opportunity to hurt me.

- Hurt you?! I don`t want to hurt you. - She quickly said, outraged.

Killian stepped forward.

- Tink... it will serve to soften your pain against me. With conversation we will never get there. You know that. We weren`t made for conversations. I know I hurt you and said I was sorry. But if I learned anything this year, it is not worth to dwell in the past. I still have not given up my revenge, but I agreed with the truce that YOU imposed. - He pointed at her, making her understand that he was trying. - What more proof do you want that I'm trying to improve?

Inside, Amelia`s feelings were exploding. What he said was true. And she knew that, despite all the pain he had inflicted on her, she had missed him all those years. She missed talking to him, she missed a good sword fight.

She saw him take one more step towards her, getting close.

- Please... - Killian muttered an almost pleading, so that only she could hear.

How could she resist that tone, that so often heard in moments of outpouring or in times when he asked her to do something she didn`t approve or want.

- Very well. – She finish saying, giving up so easily.

- What! - Emma approached. - You cannot just fight. I'm the Sheriff...

- Emma... - Amelia turned to her.

- It's the only way. - Finished Killian for her, looking at Emma.

In time, Emma looked at the two of them. The determination in both was exciting and very similar. She inspired and expired.

- Very well. But two rules. The duel cannot be public and none of you can die.

- Who said anything about dying? - Killian raised an eyebrow, with a glint of mischief in his blue sea eyes.

...

Ps: "Bloody hell, a duel?!" - this was my thought when I had this idea. But, hell, why not? After all, they are both pirates and pirates don`t fear a duel. ;)

I hope you liked reading this chapter... I know is a little bit shorter then the others before... but I promise a great chapter next week. - I do hope that!

And Sam Haincat, the hug is coming, mate... ;)

Kisses and hugs to my readers.

Reviews?