Remember me Chapter 5: Best day, an once upon a time fanfic

O..k., this is the last chap, just to clarify a reviewer did ask me if there is a scene from season three were Killian goes shirtless in Neverland, and the answer unfortunately is no. As much as we would all love to see it, the writers haven't put anything like that in the show (why I'll never know) but for the purposes of this story I added the idea of Killian doing that for the first chap.

Best day of my life:

Killian Jones was walking down the street of New York, he couldn't believe that he had ended up here again what the devil were the odds of it happening. Killian assumed it was some sort of magical default or some magical connection to the city itself. After all Ingrid had come to New York right after leaving Arrendale, Baelfire has made his way here. Emma and Henry had lived in the city for a year, and of course, the bloody Crocodile had opened up a magical portal here, then later Henry had called them back in through the fountain in front of library. Now, here they were walking through the streets of New York looking for Emma (again).

It was absolutely ridiculous, they had finally managed to defeat Mr. Hyde and the Evil Queen, but before they had even had a chance to celebrate Emma had been hit by a blast of dark magic that had sent her out of Storybrooke. The magic had been a result of a talisman belonging to the Evil Queen being destroyed. The dark magic from the talisman had hit Emma and she had been transported out of Storybrooke and sent to New York.

Killian walked down the street with Emma's family following after him. Henry heard Violet's voice behind him, "I still can't believe how big this all is. I've never imagined seeing people put together buildings like this without magic."

Killian smirked, he remembered his own first foray into this strange realm, how even though he had been consumed by revenge on the crocodile he had still been awed by the same sights and sounds of the city that had Violet so enraptured. Violet and Henry were walking behind Killian, while Killian's younger brother Liam Jr. was off to their right just ahead of David and Snow. Zelena and Regina were walking ahead with Robin Hood by their side. Killian shook his head at the sight of the archer, who would have possibly thought that the magic of the talisman being destroyed in the exact same spot where Regina had destroyed the crystal of Olympus would allow Robin Hood to return from wherever he had been sent?

Robin's return had been a moment of great joy, but just as Killian's own return had been hampered by Robin's death, so had Robin's return been diminished by Emma's disappearance. Regina and Robin had celebrated his return briefly (Killian did not want to think of what they'd done that night) and the very next day Zelena, Regina, and Tink had all worked to find a way to get to Emma and bring her home. After working for nearly two months straight they had finally found Emma. This is how Killian found himself walking through the streets of New York again with the entire Charming clan (minus little Neal) and Henry's girlfriend following along.

None of them had expected Violet to come on this venture with them, but it had actually turned out to be her that was the key to leading them to Emma. Ironically, Emma stealing Violet's heart back in Camelot had caused a permanent magical connection between the two of them, and Zelena and Regina had been able to access that connection and use it to allow Violet to become a living compass that would guide them to Emma.

As they walked along Violet said, "It's just up here on the right."

Killian scanned the nearby buildings until he saw one in particular, it wasn't anything special, just a three story brick building with a sing on the front that read Quick Track Messenger Services there was a picture of a human figure on a device that Killian was fairly certain was called a 'bi-cycle' with a large package strapped to their back.

Henry snorted at the sight, "mom's a bike messenger?" he asked incredulously.

Killian turned to him in confusion, "A what?"

Henry laughed and said, "A bike messenger, someone who rides through big cities like New York, delivering packages on their bike. Bike messengers are big in cities like this because they don't have to worry as much about traffic jams and stuff that slows up cars."

Killian quirked an eyebrow, if this was indeed the profession of Swan's curse memories it was a truly unexpected turn of events. Emma had never shown any particular interest in riding around on those two wheeled contraptions, and she had no previous experience in acting as some sort of 'errand girl' or message sender. Still, Killian supposed Emma's cursed memories would change a great deal about her behavior including her profession.

Killian looked up, "It is a rather odd place to find her, but as long as we get her back I truly don't care."

Snow said, "I agree with you on that Killian, let's go bring our girl home."

Killian grinned at the expression 'our girl' he liked the sound of that, truly he did. Killian stepped over to the shop and pushed open the door. Killian walked in with the rest following closely behind him, they found themselves coming into a large well-lit open space. There were bicycles all around, some standing in a metal contraption Henry called a 'rack' (Killian was not particularly fond of the name). Other bicycles were leaning against something while people bent next to them checking tires and other various parts. A few were mounted on strange metal contraptions that David explained were used for repairs, and a few were on the ground with a person leaning them against their bodies.

In front of them was a large desk with a computer and phone sitting on it. There was a man behind the desk, he was about average height with scraggly brown hair that was pulled back in a pony tail, he had something in his ears that Killian thought were called 'gages' and Killian could see several tattoos along his neck and arms. The man raised his head and looked at them through a pair of square glasses perched on the end of his nose and said, "Can I help you?"

Snow stepped forward, "Yes, we're actually here looking for someone. She's about this tall." Snow held her hand up to Emma's height, "Blonde hair, green eyes, has a flower tattoo on her wrist."

The guy behind the counter sighed, "Look, if this about getting cut off in traffic or something then you need to take it up with the city, and if you have received a package that has been damage we have some forms you can fill out."

Snow shook her head, "No, it's not anything like that we just need to talk to her about something."

The guy looked at them curiously, "what for?"

Snow bit her lip, "Uh, we need help with something."

The guy looked even more curious, "If this is about a job everything's scheduled through here."

Regina huffed and walked forward, she waved her hand and a wave of magic washed over the guy. He blinked a couple of times then shook his head, "Ah, yeah, over that way." He pointed to the right.

Regina said, "thank you." and turned to walk in the direction the man had indicated.

Snow hissed, "Regina." In a scolding tone.

Regina shrugged, "What? It worked didn't it? Besides none of you were doing any better."

They walked off to the right and towards the back of the shop, there were a bunch of different bikes and people all just milling around. As they walked back Killian heard music playing

I had a dream so big and loud
I jumped so high I touched the clouds
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, wo-o-o-o-o-oh

With the last line Killian heard a bunch of people sing "wo-o-o-o-o-oh, w-o-o-o-o-oh" along with tune. Killian looked curiously at the others as they walked back, the music got louder.

I stretched my hands out to the sky
We danced with monsters through the night
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, wo-o-o-o-o-oh

Once again Killian heard a bunch of people singing along to the last line, as they turned a corner Killian stopped and starred. There was a group of about half a dozen people standing together around a small red plastic object. Killian had seen these types of things before Swan called it a 'blue tooth speaker'. Killian had no idea what blue teeth had to do with making music, but Emma just shook her head and laughed when he asked. There were four women and two men, and one of the women was Emma.

Emma wore a pair of black Capri pants, with a pair of long black pants underneath and black long sleeved shirt. Emma had a grey beanie on her head and was (unsurprisingly) holding a cup of coffee.

The song continued to play:

I'm never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, please don't wake me now

With the word 'woah' Emma and several others sang along. Emma was smiling as she cradled her coffee cup in one hand, bobbing her head in time to the music. Killian starred at Emma curiously. Killian had seen Emma dance around to music in their house or at her parents loft with Henry or her mother, but he had never really seen her do in public. Killian couldn't help smiling at the sight of this, even though he knew Emma's memories had been tampered with he enjoyed seeing her so happy and free.

This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife

With the lines 'my li-i-i-i-i-ife' Emma and the others sang along bobbing in time to the music. Standing next to the 'speaker' devise was a man about Killian's own height dressed in the same manner as Emma, he had chocolate brown skin and was pointing at the others in turn as though he were conducting.

I howled at the moon with friends
And then the sun came crashing in
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, wo-o-o-o-o-oh
But all the possibilities
No limits just epiphanies
Wo-o-o-o-o-oh, wo-o-o-o-o-oh

Again Emma and the others sang along leaning their bodies one way then the other along with the tune of the music. Killian looked curiously at the others before moving forward and taping Emma on the shoulder.

I'm never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, just don't wake me now

Emma turned to him and said, "Yeah, can I help you?"

Killian flashed her one of his dazzling smiles, the kind that usually made her melt and raised his hand as he said, "My names Killian Jones."

Emma held out her hand and shook it, "Lucy Niles." She said simply

Killian nervously scratched behind his ear and said, "Listen, we need some help with something." The music continued as Emma looked curiously at Killian.

I'm never gonna look back
Woah, never gonna give it up
No, just don't wake me now

With the line' just don't wake me now' the man who had been 'conducting' the music pointed to several individuals in turn and each of them sang one word. Emma giggled as Killian shook his head ruefully. Henry said, "Awesome."

Emma turned back to them and nodded to the man by the speaker, "Yeah, Richard is great with music, he teaches guitar, and he's trying to make a name for himself as a musician." Emma grinned, "Rick is great when he plays."

Killian felt a streak of jealously go through him as Emma said, "And his wife Sophia she's a drummer."

Killian felt himself relax as the song played

This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife

Again the group sang along and Killian said, "Listen can we just step outside, or at least somewhere it's a bit quieter?" On cue the song went on:

I hear it calling outside my window
I feel it in my soul (soul)
The stars were burning so bright
The sun was out 'til midnight
I say we lose control (control)

At this chorus Rick pointed to the others in turn again and then each one sang a line as they all swayed back and forth again. Killian couldn't help starring, he was used to seeing strange sights in Storybrooke. Still, seeing these people all looking so happy and free, and Emma standing there with them, it gave Killian a sense of relief to know that Emma obviously hadn't been completely miserable this entire time. Watching also made Killian smile, there was just something so engaging about watching something like this.

This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife
This is gonna be, this is gonna be, this is gonna be
The best day of my life
Everything is looking up, everybody up now
This is gonna be the best day of my life
My li-i-i-i-i-ife

The others continued to sing along to the line of 'my li-i-i-i-ife' as Emma jerked her head to the side, "Sure this way."

Emma waved good-bye and lead them all off to the left, there was a small alcove where a few bikes were laid out in various stages of repair. Some of them had the tires off, others were up on the metal contraptions Killian had seen before in various stages of deconstruction.

Emma crossed her arms over her chest, "So who are you and what do you want?"

Killian took a deep breath, he knew it this was going to be hard, but he reminded himself that he had done this successfully before. Hopefully, he would get out of this one without getting kneed in the particulars. Killian turned to Emma and said, "As I mentioned my name is Killian, this is Regina Mills, Henry Mills, Regina's sister Zelena, Robin, Mary Margaret Nolan and David Nolan, and Violet. We're actually here because we're looking for you."

Emma leaned back and gave him an exasperated look that Killian was very familiar with, and said, "Look, if I accidentally ran into you or something I'm sorry, but I have to get packages delivered in a hurry, and I don't always see people when I dodge in and out of traffic."

Killian shook his head, "this has nothing to with your job as a parcel handler. This is actually about what happened before you came here to New York."

Emma went from looking annoyed to looking outright confused, "What?"

Killian took a deep breath, "I know this is going to sound mad, but what I'm about to tell you is the truth. You're not who you think you are."

Emma arched her eyebrow at him, "really? Then who am I?"

Killian cleared his throat, "You're name is Emma Swan, and you grew up in a group home in Boston. When you were 17 you met a man named Neal, and the two of you fell in love. Neal promised you the world, but then he learned that you were meant for something more and left you behind. You were sent to jail and that's where your son Henry was born."

Emma jerked her head to the side and starred incredulously at Henry, "What?" she asked in total shock.

Killian went on, "Yes, Henry is your son. You were only 17 when he was born, you didn't have any money, or a job or anything. You couldn't take care of him, so you did the one thing you never wanted to do."

Killian paused as he took a breath, "You gave him up for adoption."

Emma's eyes widened and Killian pushed on, "Regina." Killian pointed to her, "Adopted Henry, and raised him as her own. When Henry was 11 he found you, and you came to a little town called Storybrooke Maine with him. You found the rest of your family, and you've been living in Storybrooke ever since, but something happened. There was an accident that brought you here and made you forget all of this."

Killian scratched behind his ear (he knew he was going to make it raw) as he stood back. Emma just stared at him slack jawed, obviously not knowing what to say. Eventually, Emma shook her head and said, "that's not, that's not possible. There's no way I could forget everything all at once. Besides I know who I am, like I said my name's Lucy Niles. I grew up in Minnesota, my dad was a professional bike rider, who did a lot of big races. He wasn't as well known as Lance Armstrong, but he was good. He taught me how to ride, I thought of going pro myself, but then my dad died, my mother had died during childbirth, and without my dad I was left with nothing. Doing pro bike racing requires money and sponsors. I was alone and I didn't have a way to get either, so I got a job here, and I've done a few races since. I've been working on getting my name out there so I can hit some of the big races."

Killian shook his head, "None of that is true. Not a word of it. I know it all feels real, but it's not."

Emma looked back at him, "And why in the hell should I believe you? You do realize what this sounds like?"

Killian nodded "Aye, it sounds like madness, but it's true. We know you and I can prove it."

Emma crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back, "How?" she said in disbelief.

Killian swallowed and said, "You hate driving in vans."

Emma jerked her head up and looked him in the eye as he said, "You don't get car sick, but you hate vans. When you were young you were in the foster care system. The people from that system always drove vans, you said whenever you saw one of their vans pull up you were terrified it was coming for you. Every time you walked into one you hated it, because it meant you were moving to another home again it meant that yet another group of enormously moronic individuals had decided not to keep you with them. Getting into the van meant you had to start all over again in someplace completely different with strangers you didn't know. You told me getting into the vans were hard. Whenever you got into one of those vans knew it was because you weren't wanted, and it broke your heart to know that. Getting out of the vans was even harder because you had no idea where you were going or what it would be like. You hated getting out of the vans because you were afraid, afraid of being rejected again. Afraid of having another family pass you by, afraid of getting too close and having it all pulled out from under you. You hate riding in vans, you always have and you always will. Maybe you don't remember why you hate it, but I know you do."

Emma shook her head at him, Killian could tell by the look in her eyes that he was right about her feelings towards those particular means of transportation. As Killian had said it was possible that without her correct memories Emma truly didn't know why she hated vans, but the feelings associated with them were still there.

Emma studied Killian suspiciously as Henry stepped forward and took a turn, "You and I love hot chocolate with cinnamon, it's our favorite drink. You love sitting up and watching thunderstorms whenever they rumble through. You told me that ever since you were little you were fascinated by lightning. Most kids get scared, and hide under the bed during bad storms, but you would always run to the nearest window so you could watch. You still love watching thunderstorms, back in Storybrooke our house is right by the water, and before you left all three of us." Henry pointed between himself, Killian, and Emma. "Sat up and watched this thunderstorm through a back window in our house. You said you loved seeing how wild the water looked as the storm raged through."

Emma turned to Henry looking truly shaken, "How?" she breathed out, "How could you know that?"

Snow stepped forward, "because we know you, we're your family Emma. We love you, and we know you. You belong back in Storybrooke with us, and we can help you remember everything. You just have to trust us."

Emma shook her head as she bit her lip, "Let's just say, for arguments sake, I believe you. How would I remember everything?"

Snow held out her hand, "this." She said quietly. Emma looked down, sitting in the palm of her mother's hand was Emma's swan charm necklace. The very same one that Neal had stolen for her when they were together. That necklace had been the only thing left behind when Emma had vanished. At first Killian had hoped that the necklace could help lead them to Emma, but the tracking spell hadn't worked on the necklace. Regina and Zelena had both used magic to study the necklace, and then realized the reason the tracking charm wouldn't allow the necklace to lead them to Emma was because that same necklace was what would break the spell Emma was under.

The necklace was something that Emma had worn for years, it had the magic of young love and hope surrounding it. Emma's necklace created a strong connection to her past, and because it had been left behind when Emma had been hit by the magic that took her memories, part of the magic that had taken her memories was connected to the necklace. Therefore, putting it back on would be what would return Emma's memories.

Emma starred down at Snow's hand, "A necklace, really? This is a joke right?"

Snow said, "No Emma it isn't. If you put this on your memories will return, and if were lying what's the worst that could happen?"

Emma still starred at the necklace in disbelief, "there's no way, this just isn't possible."

Killian stepped forward again, "Yes, it is. Think about it Emma, I know a part of you recognizes that necklace, and I know you can tell that something is wrong. You were always able to sense that something was off when you first met Henry, and he told you a story just as mad as the one we're telling you know. You lost your memories once before and you were able to sense that something was off then as well. You've always had good instincts. Trust your gut once more Emma, trust us. This is real. "

Emma turned to him and looked him square in the eyes Killian pressed, "I know you can always tell when someone is lying, and you know we aren't."

Emma continued to stare at him and said, "I know you."

Killian nodded, "Yes." He said desperately praying Emma would put the damn necklace on and end the nerves rushing through him.

Emma turned to the side, "How did we meet?"

Killian turned slightly red, "Ah, well that's a bit complicated. At the time I was working with a rather." Killian paused as he searched for the correct word, "Unsavory individual, I was sent to meet you, to lead you astray, but you caught me on it right away." Killian grinned as he remembered, "I was willing to work with you, but you didn't trust me because of Neal. You left me behind, and we ended up getting into it no long after. You actually left me handcuffed to a post." Killian shook his head ruefully, "and much later on you left me shackled to a hospital bed with several broken ribs."

Emma studied Killian for several minutes, then turned back to Henry, "When's your birthday?" she asked.

Henry answered, "August 15th, 2001."

Emma starred back at him, "August 15th, August 15th." Emma repeated the day to herself several times. Then Emma quickly turned back to Snow and reached for the necklace, "I'll take it."

Killian could see tears glistening in Snow's eyes as she handed the necklace over, Emma didn't hesitate a moment before securing the necklace around her neck. As the clasp closed a wave of magic washed over Emma, she gasped in shock, "mom?"

Snow smiled, "Emma."

Emma rushed forward and pulled her mother into a hug, "Mom!" she turned to Henry, "Henry."

Henry grinned, "Mom!" the two of them embraced and Killian felt his heart soar as Emma turned to him, "Killian." She said with a watery smile.

Killian grinned at her, "Swan." Emma rushed forward and Killian pulled her into a kiss without a moments' hesitation. As they pulled away Killian rested his forehead against Emma's, "Swan." He repeated breathlessly and he wrapped his arms around her.

"I remember." Killian held her tightly in his arms afraid that if he let go this moment would end and she'd go back to forgetting all of them.

Killian sighed, "Gods I missed you love."

Emma tilted her head up, "I missed you to, but you need to let me go."

Killian said, "Not a chance."

Emma raised her eyebrow, "Killian." She said warningly

Killian huffed, "If I don't let you go, you're going to kick me in the shin aren't you?"

Emma flashed a mischievous smile, "Now, what would make you say that?"

Killian let out a deep breath and let go. Emma turned around and said, "Robin, it's good to see you, but I have to say it's a shock as well."

Robin nodded, "Believe me, it's a shock for me as well, apparently the magic Hyde used was able to bring me back. The exact details are a bit elusive at this point, but personally speaking I'm not questioning things."

Emma pulled him into a hug then greeted David and Regina. Emma stepped back and said, "My stuff's upstairs, let's grab it and go home."

Snow cocked her head curiously, "Upstairs?"

Emma said, "Yeah, the upstairs has apartments, usually two or three of us share one, and Frank goes easy on the rent."

Killian said, "So Frank is the fellow behind the counter?"

Emma nodded, "yep." She said popping the p as she walked out of the alcove and turned a corner, she led them to spiral staircase in the back of the shop and they all followed her upstairs. As Emma had said, there were a number of apartments on this second floor. Emma led them over to a door marked 6 and opened it. Killian raised an eyebrow, the apartment was about the same size and style of the place Neal had been living in when he was in New York, but unlike Neal's apartment this one was obviously occupied by several different people. There was a pull out coach by the door with a small dresser next to it, Killian saw a brown blanket on top of it, and several pairs of ladies knitted socks.

Emma led them past this space into a bed room there was a set of bunk beds in that room, and on the bottom bunk was a green blanket, and a few magazines, and on top was a red blanket, and a pair of flannel pants. Emma grabbed a bag and climbed up onto the top bunk. Emma grabbed the clothes and stripped the bedding off, then walked over to a small blue dresser on the side of the room. Emma pulled open several drawers and removed a number of clothes. Emma tossed her bedding into a garbage bag and said, "o.k. that's it. Let's go."

Killian blinked at Emma and said, "Are you sure love?"

Emma looked around and nodded, "Yeah, I'm good."

Emma led them back downstairs and a few moments later they found themselves standing in front of the desk once again. Killian looked at the man he now knew to be Frank and watched his mouth fell open as Emma spoke to him, "Quit, what do you mean you quit?"

Emma said, "I mean I quit. I'm leaving, I'm going home."

Frank blinked, "you're going back to Minnesota?"

Emma shook her head, "No, I'm going home with my family."

Frank blinked her, "What?"

Emma grinned, "This is my family." Emma gestured to the group behind her.

Frank starred at Emma in shock, "What?"

Emma snickered, "I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. This is my family, and I'm going home with them."

Frank starred speechlessly at Emma as she said, "I'll be back to visit. I promise, but for now I'm going home."

Frank just shook his head, "I don't understand."

Emma just shook her head, "It's complicated, but everything's going to be fine, you can give my bike to Alex, I know she needs a new one now that her old bike has busted the frame. I'll see you guys again, right now I need to go home."

Frank still looked at Emma like she'd grown a second head, but he could tell that she wasn't going to change her mind and nothing he said or did would stop her. Finally, Frank said, "Alright, if that's the way it is, then best wishes to you."

Emma nodded in gratitude then turned back around, the next few minutes were a flurry of confused good-byes and Emma bid farewell to the friends she had made during her time here in New York. Soon enough Killian found himself walking back down the same street he'd walked into the shop on. The most important difference was that this time Emma was walking along side him, with Henry on her other side, and her parents walking close behind smiling at their daughter.

Killian felt a sense of relief wash over him as he walked with Emma towards the place where they'd left their various cars. Killian knew that it wouldn't be long before some other catastrophe hit Storybroooke, but for now they had Emma back, and they were all returning home together. It was time to enjoy one of the few quiet moments. As they walked towards the cars Killian said, "you know love, I think when we get back home, after we've gotten some time to recuperate from everything I would like to start looking for my younger brother."

Emma turned to him with a look of pride in her eyes, Emma knew how much Killian had been struggling with this decision ever since they returned from the Underworld. On the one hand Killian wanted to find his younger brother, apologize for his actions, and do right by him. However, on the other hand he was anxious about the results of such a confrontation. Killian knew as well as anyone what vengeance can do to a person, and how easy it was to slide (or in his case leap) onto that path due to pain and anger over a loss. Finding Liam Jr. and telling him the truth could give Killian's younger brother peace and closure, and might help Killian and Liam Jr. find a way to be a part of each others' lives in some manner. Yet, there was also the danger that learning the truth could set the younger man on a very dark path, and the last thing Killian had wanted to do was to have his younger brother make the exact same mistakes Killian himself had made, as a result of something Killian had done.

This was something Killian and Emma had talked of extensively since their return from the Underworld. Killian had even gone so far as to talk to Archie about the matter (which was a miracle in and of itself) and now Killian knew the time had come for him to face what he had done and deal with whatever fall-out may come from it.

Emma pulled Killian closer, "I think, that sounds like a great idea. I'll be with you every step of the way."

Killian kissed the top of her head, "Thank you love, I have a feeling that once we find him it's going to be rather messy."

Emma said, "Yeah, but so is everything else in our life, remember how Robin's daughter was conceived?"

Killian snorted, "Good point, compared to that, facing my younger brother will be a leisurely evening stroll."

Emma gave his arm a squeeze, "Especially since you won't be doing it alone."

Killian shook his head at her, he would never understand what he had done, to earn the affections of this amazing woman, but he sure as hell was going to do everything he could to make sure that he kept her by his side. Killian knew it was going to be a long road for them to find Liam Jr. and make peace with him, and also to make a true future with Emma and Henry, but he was determined to make it happen. As Killian walked along with Emma and Henry he swore that he would do all he could to find his brother and make a good future for all of them, but this time he was going to do things the right way, and he knew that with Emma by his side he was almost guaranteed to succeed.

The end.

There it is folks, last chapter. What do you think? Reviews always welcome.

Songwriters
AARON ACCETTA, ZACHARY BARNETT, SHEP GOODMAN, DAVID RUBLIN, MATTHEW SANCHEZ, JAMES SHELLEY, MICHAEL GOODMAN