Hi Everyone! I'm finally back. Sorry ,for the long delay in posting this chapter. Let me just say that I had a rough couple of months in grad school because of some politics that shouldn't have happened between my mentor and some douche bag who inflated his position. I sort of got caught in the middle and almost quit because the person who should have stopped the harassment should have stepped in but didn't because he wanted me to leave so they could attack my mentor. I was told to take a week off to get over my depressive slump. The issue resolved itself in 3 months. I lost time and had to catch up in my experiments. Hence, I couldn't sit down long enough to write anything. It took me forever to chip away at this chapter since I wrote like a sentence off and on. I think I got done with it weeks ago, but I held off in posting this chapter since this one ended in a cliffy. I didn't want to leave this chapter hanging for months. It wouldn't be fair for you all. I decided to post it when I know I can update by weeks and not months. I promise you that whatever happens in this chapter isn't a step backwards for Killian and Emma. Also, this is the only semi-graphic chapter in this whole story. The next two chapters will be in Killian's perspective and the curse will break soon. We are like three chapters away for part two of this arc. I want to thank you all for sticking by me. I appreciate your support! Until next time,dearies!
Henry followed after his mother in the grocery store. The shopping cart rattled as she pushed it through the aisles. His stomach rumbled, a reminder he missed dinner. His lack of eating wasn't by choice.
After Emma picked him up from school and asked him about his day, his mother threw him wary looks. He waited for her to open up, but she didn't share her thoughts. Henry would have humored her with small talk, but he believed she would reply half-heartedly. Her fingers drumming against the steering wheel broke the awkward silence throughout the ride. Each thump sparked a temptation to question her. When his curiosity got the best of him to interrogate her, they pulled into the grocery store.
Henry's brow furrowed in thought. Their fridge was fully stocked when he opened it to get orange juice this morning. He sighed, thinking he was reading too much into Emma's behavior. Emma needed to pick up a few cooking ingredients for their dinner. He was proven wrong. He didn't know much about cooking, but he was sure that they should have left two hours ago with their almost empty cart. He gave up hope on leaving when they reached the register only to turn around because Emma decided to cook something else.
An object thudding into the cart broke Henry from his thoughts. Emma had thrown in thin red slabs of meat. They landed right next to the vegetables and a bag of rice. The cart inched forward as Emma pushed it to the next destination.
Henry's eyes narrowed. "We never have steak."
Henry thought Emma didn't hear him as she picked up a wine bottle. She turned it around in her hand to read the label on the back. After several seconds, she muttered under her breath about rum and placed the bottle back on the shelf.
Her fingers clutched the cart handle as she pushed it.
"We're going to have company tomorrow," Emma said without looking at him.
"Oh, the Nolan's are coming over again."
Since their time in Storybrooke, Henry never saw Emma make friends with anyone. Sure, he saw her interact with Mr. Gold, but the Nolans had dinner with them on occasion.
"No," Emma began but she looked away from Henry when he raised an eyebrow at her. She cleared her throat before continuing, "he's...an old friend."
Henry expected Emma to elaborate on her "friend" but he was met with silence. Emma frowned as though she was lost in thought. He didn't know who his mother was referring to because he was sure he met all the people she knew already. His shoulders slumped at his lack of knowledge of their dinner guest.
His mind drifted off to one individual he met earlier that day. He thought he put the memory behind him, but anyone wearing a dark trench coat and a hook was hard to forget.
"Do you know there's a guy dressed like a pirate in Storybrooke?"
Emma's eyes widened at his question.
"Did you meet him?" She asked, her tone guarded.
Henry bit his lip. He could tell Emma about the conversation he had earlier in the day, but his mother would know he skipped class. The conversation was anticlimactic. The man just answered his question with a question.
"Not really."
"I see…"
Emma sighed.
By Emma's tone, she was worried for his safety since Henry just blabbed to her about a man who thinks it is Halloween by dressing as Captain Hook. He would stay away from him unless Emma told him otherwise.
"Henry, have you thought about your dad at all?"
Emma's question broke him from his thoughts. Henry looked up to the hanging incandescent lights. Throughout the years he always wondered what his dad was like. He did wish he met the man once or even see a picture of him.
"Occasionally, but you told me he was a good man," he said with a shrug, "so I'm proud to be his son."
After his statement, Henry could see the pain in Emma's eyes. Emma still had lingering feelings for his father and that's when it hit Henry. Emma wanted to move on and she wanted to know his opinion. The man who was coming over was her date. Well, if that was the case, Henry wasn't going to stand in her way.
"Picking back up on the conversation we had on my birthday, I just want you to be happy."
"Thanks, kid." Emma smiled at his words.
After Emma parked her car, she ran to Granny's throwing open the front door. As soon as the bell chimed, Ruby's head lifted up to her direction and her mouth upturned into a cheerful smile.
"You came in just in time. We have to remove your fries from the fryer."
Emma let out a sigh before smiling. "Thanks."
Emma thought she was late. She lost track of time trying to finish her paperwork, so she could execute her plans.
"Swan, fancy seeing you here."
Speak of the devil, she thought at the jovial tone. The person of her thoughts was sitting right next to her.
As soon as she met his eyes, his grin turned cheeky.
"Killian, sorry, I didn't notice you sitting there. How are you enjoying Storybrooke?"
"It has its charm. I've become fond of these," he said before putting a fry in his mouth.
Emma smiled at his observation. She was glad that he was somewhat comfortable.
"Don't leave a man to dine alone." He gestured to the available seat next to him with his hook.
Ruby came to the rescue with her call in order. Emma grabbed the bags, muttering a small thanks before returning her gaze to Killian.
"I'm afraid I've to pass on lunch. I'm swamped at work today." Emma held up the bag for emphasis.
"I see…" he said, his smile wavering.
Since Killian was in front of her, it saved her a trip to hunt him down later.
She took a deep breath before starting phase one of her plan. "I do want to ask if you are free this evening for dinner at my house?"
Killian's face lit up. "I would be honored. What time?"
Emma ran a hand through her hair. She didn't think of a time. How could she handle this situation without making it awkward?
"Can you come before three?"
His brow furrowed. "That's early for eating."
Crap, she thought. Killian was too smart for his own good. She needed to put him at ease.
"I know. You can keep me company while I cook," she said with a shrug.
Killian's lips started to upturn. The answer seemed to satisfy him. He didn't detect her agenda.
Her plan involved breaking the news to Killian. He could stew over the info as they picked up Henry together in her car. The boys would bond while dinner was cooking.
He nodded with a happy grin. "I will see you at three bells."
Emma gave him a nod in acknowledgment and left. Now she had to finish her paperwork with urgency.
After Emma ate her lunch at the station. She breezed through her paperwork. She paused from cutting the green bell pepper on the cutting board. Did she remember to sign the document about the break-in at the dock? She shook her head. She would double check her work in the morning. She had to focus on her Killian and Henry situation.
A knock on the door broke her from her musings. She quickly washed her hands, grabbing a nearby hand towel hanging from the oven handle. Looking through the peephole, Killian shifted on his feet while running a hand through his hair. Emma smiled at his behavior. She decided to relieve him of his torment. Opening the door, his nervousness was replaced with a confident smile.
She moved aside to allow him entry. As soon as he walked in, he looked around the room. His eyes lit up with curiosity as he picked up an open DVD case Henry left out.
"I see you found the place alright." Emma said with a smile.
"It wasn't hard to get lost. Practically everyone in this town knows where you live." He said with a smirk.
"It's not my house. It's a loaner until I break the curse."
Killian's brow furrowed. "What will you do after you break the curse?"
Emma shrugged. At first she was adamant in leaving town. Now, she wasn't sure. If she decided to stay, she could ask Rumple if he would sell the house to her.
"I don't know. I thought I knew, but everything I plan seems to change on a daily basis. I never thought I would run into a pirate. Here of all places."
Her teasing resulted in a smug grin from the man.
"What can I say? We pirates have a sense of adventure," he said, waggling his eyebrows at her.
Emma laughed at his antics before her eyes noticed the clock reading 2:45. She had forty-five minutes to break the news to Killian before she had to pick up Henry. How could she handle this? She could beat around the bush or just tell him. She would have to go with the former option because this was no joking matter. She rubbed her brow, thinking she needed a drink.
"Excuse me for a moment."
"Of course." He bowed to her.
Killian was still a gentleman. She smiled at the thought as she walked to the foyer. She threw open the cabinet doors. She ended up taking out two drinking glasses. Killian would take the news better with alcohol. After filling both glasses in the kitchen, she made her way back hoping he stayed in one spot. Killian was pushing the buttons on an old CD player. Hearing her approach, Killian turned his attention back to her.
She offered him a glass of rum. He stared at the offered drink.
"Spirits this early in the day?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I think you may need it."
Killian's posture stiffened at her joke. Emma could never understand how Killian could switch from jovial to serious in an instant.
"You didn't invite me over for dinner."
Emma had to bite back a nervous chuckle at his bluntness.
'Oh, there's dinner, but there's something important we need to discuss." Emma bit her lip. She told herself she could tell him the news. Thinking was easier than acting on her plan.
"Don't keep a man in suspense. Whatever you have to tell me I am willing to listen." He smiled at her in encouragement.
"I didn't know how to tell you this. So I decided to rip the Band-Aid off before letting this drag on for days. I think it's better for you to hear everything from me."
"I don't know what a Band-Aid is, but don't leave a man hanging, Swan." He stared at her concerned.
Emma took a deep breath. If she didn't speak now, she would lose her resolve.
"Killian you have a-"
"Hi Mom," Henry interrupted.
The universe had a sense of humor. Well, her plans went down the toilet. Emma rubbed her face before staring at Henry. How did she not hear the front door open? Killian dropped the glass he was holding.
"Henry, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be in school."
"School got out early because Mary Margaret got food poisoning from her dinner last night. David dropped me off because he said you left early. Is this the friend you were talking about?"
"Is he..." Killian said, disbelief laced in his tone.
"Yes." Emma said, her tone serious.
"Bloody Hell." Killian ran his free hand through his hair.
Killian understood. Now, she had to tell Henry. Emma walked over to Henry and kneeled down to his level. She wanted him to see the truth in her eyes.
"Henry, this is your father."
Henry took a step back and shook his head.
"You told me he was in the navy and died along with his brother."
Emma winced at his hurt tone.
"I lied. You were right about magic and the Enchanted Forest. "
"Why didn't you tell me the truth?"
Emma took the accusations with a firm resolve. She deserved her boys pent up emotions. The fallout was her fault. Killian was silent throughout the interaction. Was he waiting to confront her alone?
"Henry, I met Killian 300 years ago in the Enchanted Forest on his ship. I was forced to go back. I never thought I would see him again, so I lied to you to not give you any hope."
Henry started to piece everything together as understanding shown in his eyes.
"You tried to leave town because of him." Henry recalled, disbelief laced in his tone.
At Henry's statement, Killian stalked away. Emma winced when the front door slammed.
Emma stared at Henry's upset eyes. She didn't know what was going on in Henry's head, but she needed to correct some of his assumptions. " Killian was happy you were going to be born. Now, he is upset and needs time. I wasn't truthful with you both. "
"I'm going to go to my room." Henry said.
He walked away from her, leaving her alone in the kitchen.
Emma understood that he was disappointed in her. Hell, if she was in his position, she would be disappointed in herself too.
"Well, I really messed up," she said to herself. She picked up her forgotten glass of rum and drank it.
Emma sat at the kitchen table holding her face in her hands. She had to admit the revelation could have been handled better. The food was sitting on the counter unprepared. She should store the contents in the fridge. The clock read seven. Henry hadn't made a reappearance after her botched reveal. Like her, he lost his mood for eating.
Footsteps caused the stairs to creak in the other room. Seconds later, Henry made his way in the kitchen and stared at her by the door.
"Was this..." Henry stared at the forgotten ingredients before returning his gaze to her. "your attempt at trying to fix everything?"
Emma got up from her chair and stood in front of Henry.
"I had many people tell me about my stubbornness lately. My actions hurt the people I love."
"How?"
"I betrayed your father and you. I tried cheating you both from knowing each other."
"You attempted to bring us together." At her nod, Henry continued. "In the end, all that mattered was you trying to make things right."
"Thank you, Henry." She said, engulfing him in her arms.
Emma gasped as an intense feeling took over her. She felt Killian's anger earlier. She passed it off as an idle emotion that he would get over with time, but this was different. His feelings burned with vengeance, vengeance spiraling with a murderous intent. The last time this happened was when he confronted Rumple.
"Mom?" Henry looked at her concerned.
"Stay here, Henry. I need to stop Killian before he does something stupid."
Henry gasped when she disappeared in a puff of smoke. She materialized outside of Rumple's shop. After throwing the door open, She ran inside. Killian stood in front of Rumple. Rumple looked in her direction. His eyes pleaded with her. He opened his mouth to say something but halted when his eyes landed on Killian.
Why wasn't Gold moving? Her eyes widened, realizing he was immobile like fake Calypso. Killian found leftover ink in the vial she dropped. Killian confirmed Emma's suspicion of wanting to murder Rumple. Emma withholding information from Killian helped set his plan in motion. Emma had herself to blame.
"Killian stop!"
Her plea fell on deaf ears as Killian's eyes flashed with anger. She had a sense of déjà vu as the vengeful pirate from the Enchanted Forest 300 years ago resurfaced. Killian was only focused on Rumple. Emma required finesse to avoid harm to both men.
"Crocodile, you took me away from my family. You cannot move or save yourself. Now, you know what it's like to feel powerless. Any last words?"
"You need to decide what kind of man you want to be. Do you want to be known as a murderer to your son?"
Emma winced at Rumple's taunt.
Killian yelled bringing his hooked hand back. Emma knew what was happening. Her magic was too slow to blast him away. She ran a hand through her hair, trying to come up with an impromptu plan. I guess this is the only way, she thought, coming to her only option. Closing her eyes, she disappeared.
She cried out when cold metal touched her skin. Her body pushed against Rumple, and he fell to the ground with a loud thump behind her. Through teary eyes, she saw Killian's anger dissolve in his eyes before they widened.
"Emma...Why?" Killian rasped.
"I promised myself that I wouldn't let you fall into the darkness again." Her eyes scrunched as pain shot across her chest. "Not if I could prevent it. "
Her ragged breathing broke the tense silence. Air wasn't a luxury for her anymore. The burning sensation spreaded from where his hook lodged. Killian had to poison his hook for it to have this effect on her.
"Emma, please hold on. This wasn't supposed to happen. Crocodile, do something!" Killian pleaded.
"I can't even move thanks to you." Rumple chided.
Emma knew that Rumple would have helped her if he was free. His voice didn't hide his panic.
She slumped forward as her legs gave out. Killian caught her. Her head rested on the nook of his neck as they kneeled on the ground. His arms shook as he held onto her.
She lifted her head and searched for his face through the haze. Her neck was cooled by droplets of water. Reaching a hand out she tried touching his face. He grabbed her suspended hand and placed it on his cheek.
"It's not your fault. I'm sorry for lying to you." Emma rubbed Killian's cheek with her thumb. "Please, take care of Henry. Just know…" She struggled saying her last words as her body weakened. "I love you."
Did Killian yell out her name, or did her body shake by Killian's arms? She had no regrets as her consciousness started to fade. She hoped that Killian broke his cycle of hatred and released himself from the clutches of darkness. From this point forward, she was content in knowing that her two boys had each other.
Next: Chapter 26: Legacy