We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
~Perfect, Ed Sheeran~
A little while later, Killian and Liam were walking along the docks as they headed back to the house.
The black-haired teenager chuckled as he triumphantly declared, "I hope you enjoy dish duty, Dad," as he slung the lunch box over his shoulder.
Killian rolled his eyes before he told his son, "Enjoy it while it lasts, lad."
"Oh, I will," Liam smugly replied.
Killian shook his head in response. There was no doubt that Liam was his son.
The two guys couldn't help but chuckle before Liam groaned, "Bloody hell."
"What is it?" Killian questioned before he followed his son's gaze to a familiar red-head.
When Killian turned his attention back to Liam, he found his son sitting behind one of the parked boats.
"Liam, why are you hiding from your girlfriend?" Killian pointedly asked.
The teenager sighed before he answered, "Things are…uh… complicated right now."
"And ignoring her is the best solution?" Killian rhetorically questioned. It then dawned on him: "This is why your mother is so worried about you. Something is clearly wrong between you and Grace."
"Well, I don't want to get into it!" Liam protested. He then continued, "Look, she hasn't seen you, but when she does, just make something up about why I haven't talked to her."
Surprise and frustration filled Killian's features. He then argued, "I am not lying for you." He then tried to reason, "It can only end badly."
"It's not like I can feel much worse," Liam quipped. He then pleaded, "Dad, please, I'm just not in the mood to hash everything out right now."
"Lying to her won't make it any easier," Killian cautioned.
"I don't bloody care!" Liam yelled before he turned away from his father and defiantly crossed his arms.
Killian sighed and ran his fingers through his hair before he turned blue eyes to the water. This had proved to be one of the many times that he wished Liam wasn't so damn stubborn.
He simply stared out at the sea for a couple minutes when he heard Grace calling his name. He turned toward the teenage girl and greeted, "Hello, love," when she had reached him.
She nervously ran her fingers through her hair before she spoke, "I was...um... hoping you could tell me where Liam's been? I've been texting and calling but I haven't heard anything. I was hoping to find him here."
Killian thought over his words before he told her, "Well, Grace, he's just been...uh... getting ready for school and doing a bit of babysitting. I'm sure he didn't mean to ignore you."
"No, I'm sure he didn't," Grace agreed, though she didn't sound very convinced. She then sighed and asked, "When you see him, can you tell him to call me?"
"Aye, love," Killian told her with a nod, his heart hurting slightly at the pain in her eyes. Grace nodded before she began to turn away, but Killian's voice stopped her.
"Yeah?" she asked when she had turned around.
"If it helps, love, I don't believe he was purposefully trying to hurt you – I'm sure you'll hear from him soon," he sincerely told her.
A hint of a smile enveloped on her features as she told him, "Thanks, Killian." He nodded before she walked away.
When she was out of both eye and earshot, Liam came out from behind the boat. He released a breath and spoke, "I know you didn't want to, Dad, but thanks for covering with her."
"Don't thank me, Liam. I didn't do it for you," Killian pointed out.
"What?" Liam asked confusedly.
"She deserves to hear the truth from her boyfriend. I don't know what that is, but you bloody well better tell her," Killian scolded.
"You don't get decide what I do with my life, especially when it comes to my girlfriend! None of this is up to you!" Liam snapped.
"Perhaps. But I know what's it like to see my daughter crying over a boy, and I'll be damned if Philip and Aurora have to go through that. Especially if my son is the cause!"
"I would never hurt her!" Liam defended. He then took a breath and continued, "You don't even know what's going on! How in the bloody hell can you offer advice?!"
Before Killian had a chance to reply, Liam was stomping away. The dark-haired man then ran his fingers through his hair as he sighed. If there was ever a time he needed to keep his temper under control, it would be now.
He then followed his son and tried to apologize: "Liam, lad, I know I shouldn't have lost my temper. I can see why this is so hard for you."
Liam stopped for a moment and turned around before he spoke, "Thanks, but… you can't fix it," as he was struggling to fight his emotions.
He then turned back around and marched back toward the house. Killian tried to keep up, but his efforts were futile.
When they arrived at the house, Emma was getting out of her bug. "Hey, kid, did you and your dad have a good time?" she greeted her son with a hopeful smile.
That smile changed into a concerned expression when Liam walked by her without a word or even a look in her direction.
She furrowed her brows and planted her hands on her hips as she felt her husband walk up beside her.
She then turned to him and questioned, "What happened?" with an empathetic tone.
"Well, Swan, things were actually going well. We were having a great time," he began. He then took a breath and continued, "Until we ran into Grace."
"Ah," Emma spoke in realization. She uncrossed her arms and continued, "He avoided her, didn't her?"
Killian nodded before he elaborated, "He hid behind a docked boat to do so. And then I had to lie to the poor lass as to why he's been ignoring her."
"I can imagine what your reaction was to Liam following that conversation," Emma knowingly stated.
He scratched behind his ear as he admitted, "I did lose my temper with him." He then let out a breath and continued, "But I instantly realized my mistake and apologized. It did little to help, however. Liam was – and still is – rather upset and told me that I couldn't fix it."
Emma sighed before she spoke, "He's right, Killian. You can't fix this for him."
Conflict was raging in his blue eyes before he pointed out, "Swan, I don't even know what "this" is."
She nodded before she took his hand in hers and told him, "You deserve to know what's going on with our son," before she led him inside.
When they sat down on the couch, Killian's gaze moved toward Liam's door. He sighed before he spoke, "Love, I want to help Liam. I don't understand why we can't."
"I thought the same thing, Killian," Emma agreed. She then took a deep breath and pointed out, "But this is something that he and Grace need to figure out on their own."
The dark-haired man sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as he thought about the situation. He then rationalized, "I know that Grace going to college in New York is hard for Liam, and he's hurting, but it's part of life. It won't be easy, but he'll eventually be able to move on."
Emma shook her head and told her husband, "You've got those overprotective dad goggles on, Killian. There's more to it than that."
He furrowed his brows and stated, "I'm not sure I follow, Swan," with confusion in his tone.
"He's scared of losing Grace," his wife explained.
"Aye, love. I know that," Killian responded.
The blonde ran her fingers through her hair as she told him, "I don't think you understand."
"Understand what?"
"Liam looks at Grace the same way you still look at me, Killian. And she looks at him the same way," Emma told him as she covered his hand with hers.
Killian tilted his head and raised an eyebrow as he questioned, "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
Emma nodded before she elaborated, "Yes, Killian. What Liam has with Grace is more than a high school fling. He's in love with her, and he knows it."
Killian was quiet for a few moments as he processed the information. He then asked, "Then why the bloody hell doesn't he say how he feels? He chooses now to be subtle?"
"It isn't that simple," the blonde stated. She then took another deep breath and told him, "Let's look at this from a different perspective. One that isn't a parent's. What would you do in Liam's situation? Would you tell Grace how you felt?"
Killian took a deep breath before he silently contemplated her words. He simply answered, "If my girlfriend was about to go away to college, I wouldn't dare get in her way." He then continued, "That's part of the reason I didn't go after Milah. I was still in love with her, but it wouldn't be right of me to keep her here."
A moment later, Emma saw her husband's eyes fill with realization. He then spoke, "If he loves her that much, he should bloody tell her. Her leaving doesn't have to be the end. They can make it work where Milah and I couldn't. They can have a future."
"I agree, Killian. But we can't just tell him that."
"And why not?"
"Because he's not going to learn anything that way. I agree he's making a mistake, but it's one he has to make. Just like I had to leave to go to Boston to realize that I was in love with you and that I wanted to be with you, Killian."
"I'm not sure I like it, love. You know he's rather impulsive and rash – he could ruin things completely."
"But if he and Grace are meant to be together – like I believe they are – they'll find their way back to each other."
Killian ran his hands through his hair. As much as he hated to admit it, his wife was right – Liam and Grace's story had to run its own course.
He then sighed before he spoke, "Why does love have to be so bloody complicated?"
"If it wasn't, you and I probably wouldn't have found each other," Emma responded before she kissed his cheek. Killian smiled at that before he kissed her forehead.
Just then, Liam came back into the living room and announced, "I'm going down to the beach. I need to clear my head."
Neither Emma nor Killian could argue with him, but she still questioned, "What about dinner, kid?"
"Just keep something warm for me. I'll be back in a couple hours," he answered. He then began walking toward the door, keys jingling in his hand.
"Liam, wait. You can't drive like that," Killian cautioned.
"Like what?" Liam indignantly questioned.
"Emotional," Emma provided. She then offered, "I'll take your truck and drive you down to the beach. I can walk back."
The teenage boy was too distressed to argue, so he simply nodded in response before he handed his mom the keys. The two of them then headed out the door.
An hour later, Liam was staring at the sun as it began sinking in the sky. All he could think about was Grace.
These last few days had been torture, and he now realizes it was the same for Grace. It made part of him wonder if he should tell her that he loved her. Wouldn't it make being apart a little easier?
But then there was the part that was still afraid of what she'd give up for him. The part that knew she would want to stay so that it would be easier for them to be together.
He couldn't let that happen. If one of them had to sacrifice something, it sure as hell wasn't going to Grace giving up a chance to live in New York City.
He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair and resisted the urge to punch something. Since his truck was the only option, he knew that an injured hand wouldn't be in his best interest.
He then began looking down at the sand as he thought about what to do now. He didn't get very far when he heard, "Liam!" and felt a pair of arms wrap around him.
"So much for avoiding her," he thought as Grace pulled away from him. Before he even had time to process it, she was then pulling him in for a kiss. He somehow managed to resist and turned his head before her lips met his.
Disbelief followed by disappointment filled Grace's brown eyes as she realized, "You've been ignoring me on purpose, haven't you?"
Liam scratched behind his ear before he told her, "Look, it's just complicated, okay? I really don't want to talk about it."
"Then when, Liam? I'm leaving tomorrow," Grace pointed out.
His eyes widened slightly at her words – he hadn't realized the day had already come. He then took a breath and told her, "I don't even know that talking about it would help."
"The problem is clearly with us. If you can't talk to me about it, then who can talk to?"
Liam's eyes narrowed for a moment before he tried to placate her, "You don't have to worry about it. It's fine."
"I know you better than that, Liam. I know everything is not fine," Grace argued as she planted her hands on her hips.
"Look, I'm sorry. But I can't do this now," he responded. He then got up from the tailgate and headed toward his truck door when she moved in front of him.
"No. I'm not leaving until you tell me what's bothering you – I'm worried about us. But even more than that, I'm so, so worried about you. Just please tell me what's wrong," Grace told him. Her voice started out as strong, but it became more pleading as she continued.
Liam could see the unshed tears in her eyes, and it nearly broke him. He let out a breath before he caved: "Fine! You want to know what's wrong? You're leaving – you're starting a life on your own in New York City! Things won't be the same between us, and it kills me! I know I've been an idiot, but I'm terrified of losing you because I love you, Grace!"
Grace's brown eyes widened, and she was absolutely speechless. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
Liam stared at her for a moment before he asked, "Aren't you going to say anything?" with slight confusion in his tone.
By this time, her hands were shaking, and her voice was unsteady as she spoke barely above a whisper: "You l…lo…love me?"
Liam furrowed his brows for a moment and tilted his head at her before the realization finally hit him. His eyes widened and he began scratching behind his ear. He then quietly spoke, "I didn't mean to say that."
Grace's face and her entire body slumped. She then replied, "Oh. So, you only said it because you don't won't me to go," as she looked down.
He instantly closed the distance between them and took her face in his hands. He then assured her, "No, that couldn't be further from the truth. I am scared of losing you, and I know that things will be different between us. But I do want you to go. I know how important getting your education is to you, and how hard you worked to earn that scholarship to NYU. I was afraid that if I told you how I felt, you would want to stay. I couldn't be the reason that you gave up your dreams."
She smiled at him before she wrapped her arms around him in a hug. He buried his face in her neck, and they stayed embraced for a long moment.
When they pulled away, Grace sympathetically stated, "I understand where you're coming from, and I get why you didn't want to say anything." She then took a deep breath and asked him, "But in the scenarios that you came up with, did you even consider that we can still be together despite the seven hours between us?"
Liam took a deep breath before he pointed out, "College is probably going to change you, and you'll probably find someone who's better than me. Someone who is far less impulsive and who is way more level headed. Someone who can give you a life outside of Storybrooke and knows where they're actually going in life."
Grace smiled widely at her boyfriend before she kissed him. He faltered for a moment before he kissed her back.
She then told him, "You can be entirely too stubborn for your own good," with a grin. She then took a deep breath and continued, "And it's one of the reasons why I love you."
"You do?" Liam asked with wide eyes.
"Of course I do. You and your impulsiveness and your temper," Grace responded with a smile.
Liam offered a small smile in response. He then scratched behind his ear and skeptically observed, "You think we can make this work."
"It's not going to be easy, but I know we can," she assured him. She then took another deep breath and continued, "We've known each other since we were kids, Liam, and we've been almost inseparable since then. I know we're still young, and there's still a lot to figure out. I know that the future is a pretty big question mark, but what I do know is how I feel about you. You were willing to give me up so that I could still go to NYU without feeling like I was obligated to you – you put me first, Liam. That is kind of man I want a future with – I can't see my life without you in it."
She started to tear up. Liam wiped her eyes before he pulled her in for another hug. When they pulled away, he told her, "I'm so, so sorry. I want a future with you, too – I would love nothing more, but I was too bloody scared about losing you."
"Well, I didn't exactly reassure you. I just assumed we were okay," Grace admitted as she pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.
Both of them then began to laugh as they rested their foreheads against each other. Liam then spoke, "I guess that neither one of us really handled this the best."
Grace nodded in agreement. She then pulled back and looked into those blue-green eyes as she told him, "But that doesn't mean we can't handle it better in the future."
Liam smiled as he told her, "Because we are worth it. You are worth it," as he ran his fingers through her hair.
She smiled back widely before she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. He gladly returned it and wrapped his arms around her waist.
When they pulled away, she rested her head on his chest while his arms remained around her. She sighed before she spoke, "I really am gonna miss you – and this," as she snuggled deeper into his embrace.
"Well, I think I can help with that," he told her. She didn't get a chance to ask before he let go of her and reached into the backseat of his truck.
He then presented her with a navy blue t-shirt. Her eyes widened slightly as she exclaimed, "Liam! This is the team t-shirt – it has your name and number on it! Don't you want to keep it?"
"You do realize that Coach orders some every year," he pointed out with a grin. She rolled her eyes before he continued, "And this is my old shirt – I had to get a new one because that one doesn't fit anymore. I was going to give it to you anyway, but, well…"
He was cut off by Grace thanking him and kissing him on the cheek. She then proceeded to pull the t-shirt on over her other one before she spoke, "Perfect fit," with a bright smile.
Liam smiled back at her in response before he placed a kiss in her hair.
When he pulled back, she was wearing a thoughtful expression. So, he asked her, "What is it?"
Instead of answering, she pulled a couple of the wristbands off her arm. She then told him, "I know you really only watch Marvel for my sake, so I figured you could wear these for me, too."
"I think I can manage that," he responded with a grin before he took the wristbands from her and placed them on his arm.
He then asked her, "When are you and your parents leaving tomorrow?" "First thing in the morning," she answered, and there was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I guess we better make tonight count, huh?" he spoke before he entwined their fingers.
A wide smile enveloped her features as she questioned, "What did you have in mind?"
He then scratched behind his ear as he admitted, "I sort of skipped dinner because of…well… stuff." He then cleared his throat and continued, "How about we watch the sunset and have a picnic?"
"That sounds amazing," she conceded before she squeezed his hand. She then let go and began walking around to the passenger side when Liam pulled her to him for a long and slow kiss.
When they finally pulled away, she spoke, "That was, um, a little unexpected."
Liam ran one of his hands through her hair before he settled on her cheek. He then told her, "I just wanted to thank you for being…well… you. You're just so amazing and understanding, and I couldn't be happier than you're my girlfriend. I love you so much."
Grace blinked back tears before she replied, "Even though you drive me a little crazy sometimes, you are an amazing boyfriend, and I'm so glad I have you. I love you, too, Liam. So much."
He smiled at her before he kissed her sweetly. When they pulled back, they rested their foreheads against each other's.
Liam was the first to pull away as he spoke, "As much as I would love to just stay here, I really need something to eat."
"We can't have you all hangry, now can we?" Grace teased with a giggle. She playfully poked his stomach before she went around to the other side of the truck.
Liam shook his head and rolled his eyes though he couldn't quite resist the urge to chuckle before he climbed in the driver's side.
The two of them rode back to Emma and Killian's with all smiles, chuckles, and giggles. While their lives were about to drastically change, the one thing that would remain the same is the love that they shared.
A/N: I hope y'all enjoyed The Night Before (Life Goes On)!I'd love to know what y'all thought Until next time, my lovelies :)