"Congratulations, Killian."
Emma saw his eyes go wide and his jaw clench before he spun around to face the person who had spoken.
"What are you doing here, Milah?"
Milah?
Emma's mind was racing. What the hell? How could she show up here to watch Killian get a medal for being injured, when she'd left him because he was 'damaged'? She glanced over at Mary Margaret and David, who had confused looks on their faces as they looked between Killian and the dark-haired woman in front of him.
Then she turned to look at Killian. He was clenching his jaw so tightly that a vein was popping out on his forehead, and the cords stood out in his neck.
He repeated his question with anger lacing every word. "I said, what are you doing here?"
The woman either didn't register his tone of voice, or she was completely ignoring it.
"I wanted to be here for your special day, Sweetheart," she purred.
"You weren't invited! And why would you want to be here anyway? You certainly made it clear three months ago that you wanted nothing to do with me!"
Milah's sickly sweet smile waivered just a bit. "Oh, Killian, I was in shock! The man that I love had just been gravely injured. I couldn't register what was happening, and I…"
"That's enough, Milah!" Killian shouted. He looked around and realized that some of the other people who had been there for the ceremony were watching, so he lowered his voice to a menacing tone. "Leave! Now! I've moved on and I don't ever want to see you again! Do I make myself clear?"
"But Darling…"
"You heard the man, you pathetic excuse for a human being!" Will Scarlett sneered. Emma hadn't even seen him approach. "I heard what you said to him in the hospital, and you should be ashamed to even show your face around here. He's far better off without you!"
Emma watched as Milah looked at the group of people gathered around her. She seemed to be searching for someone who would sympathize with her, but all she saw was anger and disbelief on every face.
Tentatively, Emma put her hand on Killian's back to let him know that she was there for him. He reached behind himself, searching for her other hand, which she slid into his, squeezing it tightly.
Milah noticed the action. She pulled herself up haughtily and squared her shoulders.
"Is this who you've 'moved on' with?" she snarled, curling her fingers into air quotes.
"Nothing about my life is any of your business anymore! I don't owe you an explanation for anything!" Killian stared at her until Milah finally broke eye contact with him.
Emma could see tears forming in the other woman's eyes. She wondered if they were sincere, or if they were being generated for dramatic effect. "I still love you, Killian, and I know that you love me," she announced. "You're going to find out that what we had isn't going to be easy to replace."
"You never loved me, Milah," he answered, and Emma could hear a trace of heartache in his voice. "If you had, you would've never treated me the way you did."
"Oh Killian, please! I'm sorry! Don't send me away!" Milah sobbed, though Emma could see now that she was clearly forcing the emotion.
"You found it very easy to dismiss me. It's time for you to go."
Milah glanced around once more at the group of people surrounding Killian, and seemed to decide that this was a battle she wasn't going to win. She hesitated before stepping forward with her hand outstretched, reaching to touch his medal. Killian raised his left arm to deflect her just before she made contact. When she saw the hook at the end of his arm, she flinched and pulled back, while a look of revulsion flashed across her face.
"You'll never change, Milah. All you want is the glory of being with a military man, but guess what? I'm not that man anymore."
He turned away from her, into the waiting arms of Emma.
Before she could wrap her arms around him, Emma heard Milah hiss at her, "This isn't over! He's mine!" Then she finally spun on her heel and stormed out of the building.
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Killian couldn't believe what had just happened. Having Milah show up at this ceremony was the last thing he expected, but he probably shouldn't have been surprised. She was always in the front row soaking up the limelight whenever he received any kind of recognition, and she made a point of showing him off any time she had the chance.
He was furious when he heard her call him 'Sweetheart' and 'Darling', and when she tried to explain away why she'd left him broken-hearted in the hospital. Then Will let her know exactly what he thought of her, which proved to Killian that he had friends who were there for him.
And when he felt Emma's comforting hand on his back, it had given him the strength he needed to ensure that Milah wouldn't sweet-talk her way back into his life. Emma's hand in his was the calming force amid the roiling sea of emotion that he found himself in.
Of course Milah wouldn't go quietly. She had to cast doubt on any new relationship that he might have, then showed her true colors by trying to touch his Purple Heart. He was positive that the chance to admire his medal was the only reason why she'd had the nerve to show her face at the ceremony. Her reaction to his prosthesis further proved that she hadn't changed one bit.
When he uttered what he hoped were the last words that he'd ever have to say to her, he felt completely wrung out, so turning and finding himself in Emma's arms was exactly what he needed. He clung to her as he felt her arms wrap around him, anchoring him and comforting him in a way that he was sure no one else could have at that moment. Her reassurances that it was okay and that she was there for him soothed him, and he drank in her scent to get rid of the stench of betrayal with which Milah had filled him.
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David turned to Will. "You were right. She is a piece of work, isn't she?"
Will rolled his eyes and nodded. "She's the same as she always was, coming in here and trying to steal the spotlight."
"I can't believe I didn't get the opportunity to scratch her eyes out!" Mary Margaret spat, causing both men to raise their eyebrows in surprise. Then she added, in her usual sweet voice, "I'm going to go make sure that Killian is okay."
"I'll come with you," her husband said, putting his hand on the small of her back.
Emma and Killian were sitting down talking quietly. Mary Margaret took a seat on the other side of him.
He turned and looked at his two friends. "I'm sorry," he said.
"Killian, you don't have anything to apologize for," Mary Margaret reassured him. "I'm just so sorry that she showed up here, but please don't let it ruin your day. David and I would like for the two of you to go out to eat with us as a nice ending to the day, and to celebrate this next chapter in your life."
"That's not necess…" he started to say, but Emma interrupted, "That sounds like a great idea! You really do have a lot to look forward to with this new beginning, Killian. There's also the fact that you finished Occupational Therapy with Ruby. Not having to put up with her anymore is more than reason enough!"
Her statement had the desired response of making him laugh. "Alright, you win." He turned to Mary Margaret. "Thanks, I'd really like that."
Just then, Neal's parents approached, and Emma stood to greet them. She gave them each a hug.
"It's good to see you again," she said.
"We're happy to see you too, Dr. Swan. I take it that you weren't here just to honor Neal," his mother said, glancing toward Killian, who was now chatting with David and Mary Margaret.
"No I...Killian asked me to come. He came to me for physical therapy for a couple of months, and we became, um, friends." She could feel the heat in her cheeks.
The parents looked at each other before Mr. Cassidy replied, "We think that's wonderful. Our son had a very high opinion of Sergeant Jones."
Emma exhaled a breath she wasn't even aware she'd been holding. "Thank you. Oh, and congratulations on Neal being honored with the Silver Star."
His mother smiled slightly. "Thank you. Well, we won't keep you, Dr. Swan."
"Please, call me Emma. It was very nice to see you. Take care of yourselves."
"You too, Emma," Neal's father said, then he and his wife turned to walk toward the exit.
She watched them go, smiling sadly, then finally went back over to her friends. "Ready to go?" she asked, holding out her hand to Killian.
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They let Mary Margaret choose the restaurant, since she had some issues with heartburn if she ate the wrong thing, and she selected one that served a wide variety of comfort foods. Emma kept trying to engage Killian in conversation as she rode along with him in his truck, but he just uttered short, vague answers to her questions. She knew that he was probably still thinking about his confrontation with Milah, and she was hoping that when they were all together at the restaurant, it would help him to push it from his mind.
When they arrived, the hostess showed them to their seats and left quickly, only to return with the manager who welcomed them warmly, and informed Killian that there would be no charge for his meal, in appreciation for his service to the country.
Killian thanked the man with a smile, but Emma noticed that it didn't reach his eyes. David and Mary Margaret were busy discussing the items on the menu, so Emma put her hand on Killian's arm.
"Hey, are you okay?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"You might have forgotten what I told you quite a while ago, so let me remind you. I'm pretty good at knowing when someone isn't telling me the truth."
He sighed. "It's just..." he looked over at their friends to make sure they were still engaged in conversation, "that's the sort of thing that Milah was always looking for, you know? Being recognized in public and given special privileges. I guess that's why she always insisted that I wear my uniform whenever we went out. Sometimes she would even ask for a free meal or free dessert, or a discount of some kind because I was in the Army. It was really embarrassing for me. DAMMIT! Why am I even thinking about her? It was a really nice thing for the manager to do and I can't even enjoy it because it brings back memories of her!"
Emma reached up and turned his face towards her. "I understand why you were embarrassed when she used you to gain favors. That would upset me, too. But this was offered to you, and you do deserve to be recognized for your sacrifice. You shouldn't feel bad about that."
"I don't really feel bad about it, I just feel so stupid that I couldn't see Milah for who she was and what she really wanted."
"I'm sorry that she treated you that way, Killian. You didn't deserve it, but you...you loved her and that can blind us to the truth sometimes."
"I know. I also know that I want to enjoy this evening, and talking about her isn't going to allow that to happen. So let's take a look at the menu, okay?"
Emma grinned. "Sounds good."
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The rest of dinner went well, even though Killian continued to be a bit quieter than usual. David and Mary Margaret talked excitedly about their plans for the baby's room.
"I don't know why, I've just always liked farms," David explained when Emma questioned their theme choice.
"Farm animal books are always so cute," his wife threw in. "I especially like the touch and feel ones. I can hardly wait to read them to little Joshua and rub his tiny fingers over all the textures."
David smiled sweetly at his wife. "We still have to wait a while before we can do that. First, we have to get his room ready. I have next Tuesday off, and I plan to paint the room that day."
"Which he won't let me help with," Mary Margaret pouted.
"You shouldn't be around all those fumes, M's," Emma commented.
"Thank you!" David said, smacking his hand on the table to emphasize his point. "I've been trying to tell her that!"
"I've heard of other expectant mothers who have helped paint…"
"Well, you're not going to be one of them," David said firmly.
"I'm not working until three o'clock that day, Dave. Would you like some help?" asked Killian. "I haven't painted in a while, but I think I remember how to do it."
David chuckled along with his friend. "You sure you want to do that?"
"Yeah, no problem! What time would you like me to be there?"
"We're gonna get started on the prep work fairly early that morning, so I probably won't be ready for the actual painting until around ten o'clock, if that works for you."
"I am allowed to help with the prep work," Mary Margaret said.
"I'll plan on being there at ten, then," Killian said.
"Thanks, man. Are you sure I can't help you move tomorrow?"
"No, I'm good, thanks."
The group of friends finished their meal, and Killian told David and Mary Margaret that he could take Emma back to the clinic to pick up her car. The married couple said their goodbyes and drove off, while Emma and Killian walked arm-in-arm to his truck.
"I know you told David that you didn't need help moving, but would you mind if I helped you get settled into the hotel?" she asked, as he pulled out onto the street.
"Won't you be busy taking care of all the plans for our date?" he teased.
"I hate to disappoint you buddy, but it's gonna be pretty low-key."
"That's fine with me. I think we've already established that we don't have to do anything elaborate."
"Yeah, we did. Anyway, I thought maybe we could leave for our date after we unpacked everything. I'm sure you'd be more comfortable living there if you didn't have boxes sitting around."
"Good thinking. Sure, if you're willing to help, I accept your offer. Could you come over around three o'clock, or is that too early?"
"Three should work out okay. My appointments are over by noon, and I don't really have a specific time frame for what we're doing tomorrow evening."
They arrived at the clinic and Killian accompanied Emma to her car. She turned to him and ran her hands over his chest, stopping to lift his Purple Heart and reverently run her thumb over it.
"I'm so glad that you were there in person to receive this, Killian," she whispered.
He swallowed. "Yeah, we were all missing Neal today. He definitely deserves being awarded the Silver Star too."
She looked into the beautiful blue of his eyes. "Overall, it was a good day, and I want you to remember the best parts of it. I'm very proud of you, not only for being honored with this," she tapped the medal lightly with her index finger, "but also for how you've recovered, and I'm not just talking about physically."
"You've been a big part of that recovery, Emma, and I'm not just talking about physically."
He dipped his head and captured her lips, pulling her closer so he could deepen the kiss almost immediately. She responded by roaming her hands up and down his back, while she swiped her tongue across his lips and into the warmth of his mouth. He wrapped his left arm around her slim waist, and tenderly gripped her jaw with his hand, tilting her head to an angle that allowed him better access.
Where all of their other kisses had been soft and sweet, this one was heated and passionate. When they finally had to catch their breath, Killian started trailing kisses along the elegant line of her neck. Her gasps and a soft moan spurred him on, until she remembered that they were standing beside her car, almost in the middle of the street.
Emma moved her hands up his arms and lightly gripped his biceps. "Killian," she sighed, "we have to stop."
He placed one final kiss just under her jawbone, then rested his forehead against hers. "That was…"
"Something that I'd definitely like to include in the plans for our date tomorrow," she giggled.
"I agree," he growled. He finally pushed away enough to look into her eyes. "Emma, thanks again for coming to the ceremony today. It meant...well, it meant more than I can put into words that you were there for me."
"I wouldn't have missed it for the world, Killian."
"I'd better let you go."
"I'd rather you didn't."
He laughed. "I really don't want to either, but I'm sure you'd like to get home."
"Yeah, Evie isn't going to be too happy with me!"
"Until tomorrow afternoon then?"
"I'll see you at three. Oh, don't forget to send me the address of the hotel."
"I'll do that as soon as I get back to my room. Good night, Emma." He leaned in to kiss her lightly one more time.
"Good night, Killian," she breathed, with her eyes still closed.
He waited until she'd started her car and pulled away with a smile and a wave, before he got into his truck and drove back to the Army base for his final night there.
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Killian was waiting for Emma when she pulled into the parking lot of the hotel the next day. He opened her door, and leaned in to give her a kiss before letting her get out of the car.
"Hey, nice to see you too," she chuckled, kissing him on the cheek. "Do you already have everything carried to your room?" She could see that the bed of his truck was empty.
"Aye. I got here at about 8:30 this morning, but I haven't unpacked yet because I've been taking care of checking in and paying for the month. I also went to the post office to get a PO box, and bought some groceries."
"How did it feel driving off the base for the last time?"
"A little odd, but I don't think it will really sink in until I've been gone for a few days." He stopped their progress and faced her. "You look lovely, Swan."
Emma's cheeks turned pink. She hadn't dressed in anything special, just some turquoise cropped pants and a short sleeve tunic top with a geometric print. Her hair was held back with a wide headband. "Thank you."
He led them to his room and used the key card to open the door, then stepped back and allowed Emma to enter first. She looked around at the sparse furnishings and outdated decor, and her heart sank. She hated to think that he was going to have to live in such a dingy place for an undetermined amount of time.
"I know it's not much," he said, scratching behind his ear and rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's only temporary, isn't it?"
"Hopefully. Now that I've pretty much decided to stay in this area, I'll start looking for an apartment."
"I can help you with that, if you'd like. I'll start asking around."
"Thanks, Love. I don't need anything big or fancy. I live pretty simply, as you can see."
She saw that there were only about six cardboard boxes stacked in the living room, which had a sofa, a desk and chair, a television mounted to the wall, and an ottoman. The rest of the room had a queen-size bed, a dresser and a small kitchenette. She could see the door leading into the bathroom, and a folding door that she assumed was a closet.
He motioned toward the bed, on which there were a few stacks of clothes. "I'm gonna start putting these away."
"Okay. Do you want me to start unpacking the boxes?"
"Sure. Just put things wherever you feel like they should go."
Emma nodded and pulled the flaps open on the box closest to her. When she saw some bowls and pans, she carried it to the kitchen and started putting them into the cupboards. She saw that he had some canned goods in one of the cabinets already.
The next box had cooking utensils and silverware, which she quickly placed in the kitchen drawers.
When she opened the third box, she saw a picture on top. She picked it up to study it, and decided that it must be Killian with his brother and father. There was definitely a family resemblance between all three of them, but especially between Killian and his dad. They both had straight, dark hair and the same piercing blue eyes. Liam's hair was lighter and curly, though he also had blue eyes.
She set the picture on the desk and reached for the next one in the box. This one was clearly taken when Killian and Liam were much younger, and included their mother. Emma could tell that Liam favored her, as she also had a fairer complexion and light brown hair. She had it pulled back into a ponytail, but Emma could tell that it was curly like her older son's. The picture was taken at the beach and, even though they were all smiling widely, Emma noticed that Killian's mother had dark circles under her eyes and a drawn look to her face from her illness. That photo was placed beside the first one.
There was one more picture frame in the box, and when she turned it over, she froze. It was a photo of Killian with Milah. He was in his dress uniform, and she was draped all over him, looking directly at the camera with a toothy smile. Emma felt a flush run through her body, and she stood up and walked over to the closet with the picture in her hand.
"Why do you still have this?" she asked, holding it up in front of Killian.
He stopped, holding a hanger with his prosthesis and a shirt in his hand. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
"Killian, why have you kept this picture?" When he still didn't answer, she asked quietly, "Do you still love her?"
"Why would you ask that? You heard me tell her that I don't."
Her mind ran through the confrontation from the day before. "No, you didn't say that. You said that she never loved you, but not that you didn't love her."
"How could I love her after what she did to me, Emma?"
"Stop evading my question - you haven't given me a direct answer to it yet!" She studied him for a few moments as he opened and closed his mouth, attempting to come up with something to say. "But then again...maybe you have," she said sadly.
She paced back and forth in the cramped space a couple of times. Killian watched her, trying desperately to gather his thoughts enough to give her the reassurance that she needed.
When she came to stand in front of him again, he could see the hurt in her eyes as she said, "I know we agreed that we were going to take things slow, Killian, but I really like you. I was hoping that eventually, what we have now could lead to something more. I just...I can't do this. I can't keep wondering if your relationship with her is going to come between us. You might not love her anymore, but she's clearly still on your mind."
She turned to walk to the door, throwing the picture on the bed as she went past it. Killian finally seemed to come to his senses. "Emma, wait!" he shouted, as he ran after her.
She was opening the door but stopped when she heard him. With her back still to him, she said, "I'm sorry, Killian. I can't go out with you tonight. I need...some time, and I think maybe you do, too."
Then she left, closing the door behind her. Killian stood in the middle of the room, running his hand through his hair and wondering if he'd just lost the best thing to ever happen to him.
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