There was slight relief as the sun went down on another hot summer day and the cool night air crept in. Slowly groups of young adults made their way out to a secluded spot in the woods for a little end of summer celebrations. Mulan squinted looking at the pin drop on her phone as she made her way through the swerving road ahead, hoping they were heading in the right direction. Not sure why she felt the need to squint, her eyes weren't the problem it was the noise made by her passengers in the back seat. Complaining about the tight quarters with four of them squished over what was barely three seats.
"Just slide your leg over" Red moaned frustrated.
"How, I'm on Killians lap" Emma replied confused as how this was her fault when they were the ones driving through shop windows and causing this mess.
"I don't mind" Killian said with a grin but truthfully, he was a little annoyed. Not about having Emma sit in his lap, but that he couldn't drive Emma himself. They all had to squish in the back and there where many more upsets around town set in motion but Graham tirade on any slight bending of the rules. The cells were beginning to fill up at the station. but they had nowhere to take them no dew process or long-term jail. He had good intentions but the whole thing seemed kind of misguided, heartless at times.
The Sheriff had kept to his word making sure there was no more actions without consequences. Just trying to get Storybroke back to functioning order by establishing that we still had to abide by the law. It was coming with pushback from many people attempting to blend their two identities, trying to make it work. How could the rules of this world even apply when they had magic? It was harder than first thought and they all needed a break from the tension in town, hence the party.
"I don't understand how Mulan's still aloud to drive?" Anna asked confused.
"I'm sixteen and actually have a license" Mulan replied with a shrug, pointing out the rest of them where still fifteen and should never been driving in the first place especially Anna.
"You have fake memories of getting a license, that can't count" Red said but she laughed as she said it.
"What would you prefer, we all just walk" Mulan said looking at them in the rear-view mirror almost threatening to make them walk the rest of the way.
"That's what I used to do, before I taught myself how to drive" Killian said with a shrug remembering those early days wondering around Storybroke alone.
"How long did that take?" Red asked curious.
"Oh, I am natural with any vessel" Killian said not to confidently
"You crashed?" Red stated sceptical with a smirk.
"Yeah" Killian said even indicated a small scar he had on his wrist from a time when he crashed smashing the windshield and the glass cut him.
"Been there" Anna added in a huff.
"Except I didn't crash through a window in the main street, the Sheriff hadn't even noticed" Killian said thoughtful thinking about it, about how Graham is one of the few people who hadn't changed much once the curse broke, he still seemed stuck and lost.
"It's just weird being treated like, children" Elsa added looking down somewhat ashamed because even though her friends where annoyed by it. It in a way reminded her she is still young and has time before all the responsibility bestowed upon her at birth takes hold.
Elsa was more than happy to be in this moment, sitting in the passenger seat of her girlfriend's beat up second-hand car, her friends packed into the back seat. Elsa wanted to stay like this forever, young and free. Sick of listening to the complaining however Elsa turned up the stereo and there was roar of excitement from the back seat as an eighties pop ballad blasted out and the mood of the group uplifted with it. That's the kind of life they needed, the kind where their troubles melted away with good company and a great song. After all they were only fifteen.
They shortly arrived at their destination to the relief of Red who jumped out of the car before it even came to a complete halt. Quickly followed by the rest they made their way over to the pre-arranged destination, where most of the senior members of their school had already arrived starting the campfire and to the surprise of the gang with a keg.
"Ok we got this" Red said making her way over to the group of guys by the keg.
"Speak for yourself" Killian said as he took Emma's hand.
After hesitating for less than a minute the rest followed and sat around the fire there where a few chairs seemingly familiar to the ones provided at the school. They remained quiet now wishing they were back in the car where it was just them. Now they were avoiding eye contact in case conversation stirred up with a stranger. Even though so much had changed this all still felt the same. Everyone might see Emma differently, but the memory of most of the student body judging her on whispers and rumours of her past still stung. Not to mention that end of summer holiday party cemented the fact, they actually had to go back to the school, including the library. A place for now that only had been in Emma's nightmares, lost and alone. Emma wasn't sure if anyone had been back in there since the incident or what it looked like now only able to picture darkness whenever the thought crossed her mind, which was more often then she wanted.
"So weird after everything, to just go back to school tomorrow" Red said abruptly from behind them beer in hand.
"Yeah, especially if you're going to get drunk" Elsa said eyebrows raised, wondering if Red liked trouble.
"I'm only having one" Red replied rolling her eyes and sitting with the group.
"You don't even know what's in that" Anna said with a pensive look, inspecting the red cup.
"Beer" Red said with a shrug "I'd rather get drunk then think about going back tomorrow" picturing the school and the darkness that took her the last time she was there.
"I haven't been near the school since.." Emma said somewhat scared of facing those steps again.
"Yeah, seen as we all nearly died in the library, you think that will get us out of study hall" Mulan asked trying to lighten the mood.
"We were also saved there" Killian added attempting to assist Mulan in this task. Referring to Emma act of love that saved the whole town.
"Don't get used to it" Emma replied with a smirk wondering if it was a once off have still no control over her magic.
"Well, you better be careful, people might start relying on you" Elsa said somewhat jokingly to Emma.
Emma didn't respond verbally giving Elsa a nod still not wanting any responsibility for anyone's happiness. Even knowing she was capable of saving people it still didn't feel like it especially with Lily still so lost. There was a sullen silence among the group not exactly the party atmosphere that was planned.
"Alright we better mingle" Mulan said standing up taking Elsa's hand.
"We?" Elsa asked feeling insecure.
"Well, we came here to party right?" Mulan asked do an impromptu little dance.
"No, I came because it was either this or another night on the couch" Anna said with a giggle.
"I snuck out" Red added with a shrug.
"What?" Killian asked confused.
"Still grounded, you remember the little incident with Granny's car" Red said taking another big gulp of her beer.
"Ok well I'm going to talk with some people" Mulan said walking off with Elsa
"Oh, I didn't say I wouldn't come" Anna said smiling happy to meet some new faces.
They walked off towards another group probably the girls on the volleyball team with Mulan, the rest of them didn't budge. Happy to sit by the fire and chat amongst themselves. However, that was harder than first envisioned.
They had found themselves suddenly on the popular side with their classmates not something to knew for Mulan who basically got them the invite to the festivities. However, after spending an extraordinary long time in high school the rest had gotten used to, being alone. Now they were beginning to accept that life was all just another part of the curse. Never able to move forward and open up making friends, like the ones they had now. The group still felt hesitant to join in though, especially Emma going from new girl to complete outcast and then saviour. All of a sudden, Emma was everyone's friend or at least interesting commodity. They continued to come over interrupting the conversation with awkward questions about what happened the night the creature took everyone. Not something Emma liked to talk about much and there were some strange rumours. One insinuating that it was Regina behind it all along as no one in town was familiar with Emily, they just assumed it was the Evil queen to blame. This didn't sit well with Emma and she was beginning to get frustrated. Explaining to one girl with an aggressive tone that Regina had actually been the one to save her.
Killian and Red tried their best to intervene but it was hard trying to be polite about it. They were trying their best to fit in, you could say. Acting like the incredible trauma the group had been through didn't affect them. That strangers continually asking probing questions with a bit of humour was ok. Eventually Emma excused herself making up something about needing some air even though there outside. Finding herself over by the keg that was surrounded by some of the older boys at her school wasn't the best option though.
"Oh, look it's the saviour" One of the unknown guys said with a slur making his way closer to Emma like a bull charging towards its target.
One of his friends grabbed him by the shoulder turning him in the opposite direction, luckily, he obliged and made his way of into the night. The second boy looked apologetically towards Emma.
"Sorry he's a bit drunk" The boy explained embarrassed.
"I've had worse" Emma said with a shrug.
"I bet, you want a beer?" He asked her.
"Oh, I'm good" Emma said with a smile.
"You sure it's nice and cool" He continued holding up a cup towards her a little too fast and tipped out onto her sweater leaving it to drip off.
"She said no mate" Killian said coming from behind Emma.
With the look of sheer aggression in Killians eyes the boy backed off without another word walking off with his friends muttering under his breath. Finally, everyone seemed to be getting the message that they weren't the same as their classmates, that they couldn't just have a few beers and forget their troubles, as much as Red tried. It came with some bonuses they were finally being left alone. Emma grabbed Killians hand happy to have a moment together. He smiled looking at her the music from the speakers behind them softened and a romantic melody played. They swayed slightly holding each other's hands enjoying the peaceful moment.
"I don't think where cut out for the social scene" Emma said not at all saddened by this but smiling as she said it.
"Got all the friends I need" Killian said smiling with a shrug.
"I did notice someone missing from the group" Emma replied.
"Ah, Liam didn't want to come, he spends most of his time alone" Killian said the subject making him tense.
"Still adjusting?" Emma asked.
"Or avoiding me" Killian said looking down wondering if his brother had truly forgiven him.
"He just needs to deal in his own way" Emma said but she sounded somewhat sceptical. Still thinking that maybe there was something more going on, that Liam's time alone was spent doing something nefarious.
"Tell me what you really think" Killian said noticing since there dinner Emma had been avoiding the subject because she knew she didn't have anything good to say.
"I'm just saying this as one of the few people who can relate to your circumstances, but the Liam you found isn't the same, as the Liam you lost" Emma finally admitted what she had been feeling in the most delicate way possible.
"Emma it's not the same as with your parents, we grew up together we have that connection" Killian said his tone becoming angry. This comment threw Emma however Killian never spoken to her like this before.
"You knew him then but look how much you've changed, maybe he has too" Emma said getting annoyed now that Killian wouldn't listen that he brought her family's situation into it.
"You think my brother would lie to me" Killian said pain in his eyes. Not capable of thinking negatively of his brother even for a moment after everything that happened to him.
"You don't trust him either, you just feel guilty" Emma said what she had been thinking for a while.
"Guilty, about what?" Killian said surprised, and a little annoyed Emma could read him that well.
"You know, but it wasn't your fault what happened to Liam you worked to free him, you don't owe him anything" Emma finished now that she had started it was all coming.
"I gave up on him presumed him dead without ever seeing a body, used his death as an excuse to hurt people" Killian continued listing off everything frustrated not understanding why his brother wasn't upset with him.
"Killian you see how everyone else has been effected since being in that place they were only there for a few hours, your brother he was there" Emma started to say but realised she was just piling on the guilt more. Killian was missing the point she was trying to make, that there was still hope for Liam if they did something now.
"For decades" Killian finished almost yelling, angrier at himself then anything for leaving his brother behind to be turned into something else, something less then human.
"Killian, I.." Emma said but Killian was already walking away not ready to face the truth just yet.
Emma stood by the keg for a moment alone as Killian re-joined the group by the campfire angry with herself. Not for bringing the subject up but for her inability to articulate it in a way that would make Killian see the truth, to feel better. Instead, she just pushed him away leading to their first ever fight. In a huff and without really thinking it through, Emma grabbed a plastic cup and the beer tap pouring herself a big cup of foamy problem avoiding goodness. Despite what most of her classmates would assume she had never had beer before, and man did it taste bad. Still, somehow it felt good her mind already becoming clouded. Emma finished the cup of quickly going in for a second. It felt good to just be irresponsible again not considering everyone else worries. Now with newfound alcoholic induced gumption Emma went to re-join the group and finish her conversation with Killian.
Marching over to the bright flames of the fire Emma's eyes diverted for a moment into the forest where she caught a glimpse of someone, someone she recognised. Looking right at her this caused Emma's heart to race thinking it could be Lily. Without giving it a second thought Emma raced over to her and it was much further than first thought, she must be trying to hide again. Finally, the shape of a girl appeared in front of Emma out of the darkness, and she grabbed her shoulder.
"Excuse me?" Two girls said confused as to why Emma had followed them into the woods when they just wanted privacy.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I thought, carry on" Emma mumbled quickly walking off as quickly as possible.
Emma felt so stupid fighting with Killian and now wondering off again in search of someone who didn't even want to be found. After that embarrassing display in front of the couple making out in the woods. Emma was surely now down a few notches on the popularity totem pole, not that it bothered her much. It still would have been nice to at least get through one high school party without embarrassing incident. Once again, she was alone, Emma thought to herself as she finished her second beer. It was then Emma realised she had been walking for a while and wasn't getting closer to the warmth of the fire.
"Oh crap" Emma said realising she had been walking in the wrong direction and now the right direction was unclear. Everywhere she looked once again was just a vast darkness.
Emma wasn't too concerned, she had felt lost for as long as she could remember it was almost familiar and relaxing, just to wonder alone and think for a while. Even now when Emma had everything she ever wished for and more. True love, a close nit group of friends, a nice roof over her head and of course, she found her parents. But life is more complicated than that, not having expected to find any of those things in the way she did. It didn't stop Emma from wanting for more, like a way home for start. After walking a little longer, in the direction she thought would lead back to the party. Emma saw a light up ahead thinking it was the flames from the campfire, she smiled picking up the pace. However, when she got closer happy to have found her way out of the woods just wanting to go home, she realised it was headlights coming her way not flames. Once again Emma was realising things where always more complicated and everything she found came with a price. Making her way out from behind the trees Emma could see her only shot at a ride home was Regina Mills.
Still Emma held up her hand like any wayward traveller looking to hitch a ride. When Regina realised who it was flagging her down, she slowed to a complete halt. Not at all surprised at this point knowing Emma tended to get herself into sticky situations. Emma let out deep breath just wanting to go home and not back to more awkward conversation by the campfire. Not that a trip home with the evil queen was going to be any less weird. Quickly she sent Killian a message simply stating she found a ride home and not to worry, not in the mood to say much more at this point. As long as Killian knew she was safe he would be ok, they could talk more tomorrow about their fight.
"You reek of beer" Regina said concerned and frustrated as Emma stepped into the car wondering who was giving her alcohol.
"I was at party, that's what normal kids are supposed to do right" Emma said trying to laugh it off but there was anger in her tone. This put Regina off not expecting this reaction from Emma. Climbing into her warm car sheading herself of a beer-soaked jumper.
"What's wrong?" Regina asked confused why she ended up out here alone if she was at a party with friends.
"I just, had a fight" Emma replied not wanting to share much about her emotional state with Regina especially when she was explicitly told to stay away.
"With the pirate?" Regina asked sensing Emma needed to vent about it.
"I thought that once you found true love you would just.." Emma said somewhat trailing of.
"What, you'd never have an argument?" Regina said chuckling a little at Emma's naivety
"No, I don't know, Mary Margret and David never fight" Emma replied with a shrug.
"Trust me they do" Regina said rolling her eyes as she thought about it.
"I guess I don't really know them as well as you" Emma replied awkwardly this had been something on her mind for a while it started to sound silly out loud.
"What do you mean by that?" Regina said sensing this was more than just a sly remark.
"We don't like any of the same music or have anything in common, I mean they come from a literal different world" Emma said shrugging.
"What made you think about this" Regina said frowning wondering if it was just the beer getting her to open up.
"Just something Killian said about the connection he and his brother have because they grew up together" Emma replied, sullen seeing the guilt on Regina's face now knowing Emma's situation was a result of her vengeance crusade.
"Those things are great to have, but liking the same music doesn't make a family trust me you have more in common then you realise" Regina said almost annoyed by that fact.
"How would you know?" Emma replied frustrated.
"Remember I knew your mother at sixteen and she was just as stubborn and annoying, that bravery that's your father" Regina could see Emma mulling it over "plus that squinty thing you do with your eyes" Regina finished trying to impersonate a scowling facial expression.
"Stop it I don't do that" Emma replied pulling that exact expression.
Emma laughed put at ease by Regina's words after all she was right even though they missed so much the love was still there. Knowing that even if they grew up in different universes, they were one in the same. They shared the same core values they made up who they were deep down, effecting every decision they made. Even if they didn't like the same music, they liked music for the same reasons. As Emma sat quietly for a moment, she realised she did reek of beer and knew it was going to be hard to slip up to her room unnoticed.
"How'd you end up in fight in the first place?" Regina asked trying her best not to sound to concerned but she did find Emma on the side of the road alone in the woods.
"Everyone's just in bad mood" Emma replied with a shrug.
"A bad mood?" Regina replied confused.
"Well, we were all squished in the car together for starters" Emma said frustrated.
"You couldn't have driven separately" Regina said completely oblivious to what had been going on in town recently.
"Not with crazy Sheriff going around arresting anyone for the slightest breach of the law" Emma said for a moment forgetting Regina was out of the loop, completely ostracized from the town.
Regina laughed as Emma continued to ramble on, for the first time somewhat letting her guard down around Regina. Even though it was most likely the beer to blame. Listening to Emma talk about her day and what was going on in Storybroke it felt good, normal for a moment. Regina's mood quickly shifted back down as her eyes caught her duffle bag all packed ready to put all of this behind her, including Emma. Believing there was never going to be a place for her in Storybroke.
"The other day he arrested Aladdin for stealing, I mean guy needs to eat" Emma continued not realising Regina had slightly zooned out, the weight of life drowning her.
"The whole thing was kind of heartless" Emma finished with a sigh.
"What?" Regina said like being woken from a daydream.
"I just mean he doesn't reflect the man that Mary Margret told me about" Emma paused "I suppose people change" Emma said looking over at Regina expectantly.
Regina had no idea any of this turmoil was happening around town. Too caught up in her own suffering stuck in her own little world of self-loathing. It was time she did something, changed something. Clearly leaving town was not really an option, Regina wasn't even sure what would happen once she reached town limits. The only thing to do now was to make this a better place for those here now.
"I think I know exactly what you mean?" Regina said her mind elsewhere an idea had struck here, and her mind was racing. Adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Emma was quiet noticing they were getting closer to home. Looking up at the apartment where her parents slept unaware Emma had been wondering through the woods alone and now hitching a ride with the evil queen. Emma stomach dropped realising that that she made more bad decisions tonight, but she could feel guilty about that when the beer high wore off.
"You should get out" Regina said as the car slowed.
"Right, this is my stop, thanks" Emma replied awkwardly sensing Regina's discomfort.
Regina smiled happy to have been in the right place at the right time, ironic just as she was ready to leave this town behind it would be Emma that would have her turn around.
Emma could see Regina's mind ticking away and she looked terrified but finally sure of her next move. Overcome her mind focused now on the impossible task ahead. It was sinking in even id she found a way to cross that town line she'd never really be free of her past. Stuck in the prison she created it was time she worked to make it a better place. Regina new just where to start as she watched Emma enter in the doorway of the apartment safe and sound, she drove off towards the cemetery. In her slightly inebriated state Emma didn't notice the packed bags in the back seat of Regina's car and that she may have just put her on the path of redemption. The word heartless repeating over in her mind. Emma had said it so carelessly not realising how right she was.
Notes: Ok so came up with that title after writing it couldn't help myself, next chapter back to school and old friends show up with a warning.