Post 3x19

"I'm not done talking about this."

"Well, I am," Killian replied, before clenching his jaw and continuing to walk through Granny's, towards the rear of the diner.

"Killian!"

Her voice was sharp and cut straight though him, causing his stomach muscles to clench anxiously and his step to falter for a moment just as he reached the staircase to the bedrooms.

"Dammit, Killian," she cried, finally catching up with him, her hand grasping his shoulder and pulling him back. "You owe me an explanation!"

"What for, love? Looks like you don't believe a word I say anymore." He finished with a small, terse smile.

"Well do you blame me?" she replied, raising her brows and taking a step closer.

Sighing, he hooked his thumb into his belt and leaned back against the door frame. He looked down, studying the aged boards of the floor. "I thought you trusted me," he said quietly.

"I thought you could be trusted."

He looked up and stared into her eyes, "I can."

"You tried to kidnap my son, Killian! That is not okay."

His tongue slipped out to moisten his lips and he used his hook to push himself away from the wall. "I was trying to save him."

Emma began to shake her head, "How? What the hell is it that you aren't telling me?"

Reaching up, he rand his hand over his beard. "The curse…"

"What about it?" Emma snapped.

"When Zelena cursed me, she explained that my curse would take away your magic. That I had to kiss you, or…"

"Or?"

Once more he locked eyes with her, tilting his body a little closer and lowering his voice. "Or she would start killing those you love. Beginning with your son."

Her shoulders sank a little as this information percolated through her.

"Why didn't you just tell me? Didn't you think that was something that I deserved to know?"

Killian's eyes slid shut and he paused for a moment.

"I didn't want to burden you. I thought perhaps I could protect him for long enough-"

"He's not your responsibility Killian. Henry is my son. I'm the one who makes decisions about his safety."

"Aye," he whispered.

They stood there quietly for a few more seconds. The air between them felt thick and close. Killian's heart was heavy.

"I'm tired. Are we done?"

Nodding, Emma took a step back.

Killian gave a curt nod in reply, before disappearing up the stairs.

"Another one?" Ruby asked, pointing to the almost empty glass in front of Emma.

"Aren't you closing soon?"

Ruby smiled, "We actually closed half an hour ago." She gestured to the empty diner. "You look like you need to talk."

"Okay then, one more."

The two sipped cold beers and talked about the day's events - Ruby sharing her newfound memories - until the conversation changed to Henry.

"So is he with Regina?"

"Yeah," Emma sighed, "They have a lot of catching up to do." She fidgeted with a beer coaster, flipping it between her fingers.

"You're happy he has his memories back, though?"

She shrugged. "I guess…" Her brow crinkled and she looked up at the brunette, "It's what we had to do. It just makes things more complicated. I mean, for after this is all done."

Nodding sympathetically, Ruby didn't press any further. Emma was thankful - her head was aching and right now she didn't want to think about the future.

They both took quiet sips. The street outside was dark and empty and the fluorescent lights seemed unnaturally bright to her tired eyes.

"Anything else you want to talk about?"

Emma rolled her glass between her palms, dampening them with light condensation. "Nothing. Well… no, it's nothing."

"Spill."

Lips pursed, Emma looked across the countertop. "It's just, I thought I could trust Hook. He lied to me."

"He did," Ruby agreed, "And I guess you have every right to be angry." She reached across and placed her hand on Emma's arm. "But at the same time, have you stopped to think of all he's done for you - for us?"

Emma's took another sip and thought for a moment. He had found her in New York, that much was true and he had been a constant ally in the days since they had returned.

"I guess he did find me in New York."

"See? And he's barely left your side since then. Don't think it has gone unnoticed." Ruby smiled.

She was right. He had been there, every day, since she had returned. Why? What was there in it for him-

"I guess that's why I was so angry with him…"

"And that's why maybe you should give him a second chance. I don't know him as well as you do, but he seems to be one of the good guys."

"Maybe," Emma whispered into her glass, "Maybe."

Trudging up the stairs, she had come to a decision. She would apologize - well, only if he apologized first, that is. The simple fact was they needed all the help they could get with Zelena still on the loose.

She rounded the corner to the bedrooms and sucked in a sharp breath when she saw Killian standing outside her room, his hand raised as if he was just about to knock on her door.

"Swan," he whispered, turning when he heard her footsteps.

"Killian."

"I… I came to apologize. I was wrong to keep Zelena's threat from you. My actions were kindly meant but ill executed."

His words sent a soft warmth spreading through her stomach - a little of the tension inside her seemed to melt away.

"Thank you," she replied, moving down the corridor to stand beside her door. "I actually wanted to apologize too. What you did - it made me so mad. I couldn't think straight. But you've done so much for me, for everyone, bringing me back, staying to help-"

She watched him smile a little at her words.

"It means a lot to hear you say that."

"Well it's true." She reached into her pocket and pulled out her keys, "I'm sorry for saying I don't trust you. I do. Just swear you won't lie to me again."

His eyes seemed a little glazed as he replied, "I swear."

Nodding, she turned to slip her key in the lock, "Goodnight Killian."

"Goodnight Emma."

Review?