Welcome back. There is a lot of development in this chapter and it spans several months. Enjoy
Chapter 10
Mid-March 2016
Emma should have known that Killian wouldn't have to think twice about including Henry in their lives, as, after all, he understood what it meant to be an orphan. And while he had lost his parents when he was twenty, twice Henry's age, he still remembered how it felt and often anticipated what needed to be said or done before Emma herself.
With some rearranging of their schedules, as well as organization and time management, they were able to spend at least two evenings a week with Henry and one of the weekend days. Most of their time, as was their preference, the three of them were a unit, going to the park, visiting the beach, the aquarium or going to dinner or to the movies. Henry's needs were important and while they were careful to never ignore each other, their relationship continued to grow and strengthen with every passing day.
Blue had been wonderful helping them and Henry slowly opened up, sharing pieces of his life in a town called Storybrooke, Maine. He didn't say much about the last few days of his father's life, and not wanting to push him, but wanting to have answers should he ask, they had quizzed Blue extensively. When she didn't know the answers to their questions and referred them to the detective in charge, they had been surprised but happy to learn it was Killian's friend, Graham.
They learned from Graham that there was an epidemic of elder abuse and it had been under investigation in the Dorchester area of Boston for several months. Unfortunately, the case hadn't gotten very far until Blue happened upon the name of the leader, and that was where Neal had come into the picture. At the time of his arrest, he had been running in the same group as Malcolm Stein, the presumed leader, and the police hoped to use that to their advantage.
It hadn't taken much to convince Neal to help them try and stop Malcolm, and after three months of working long distance with Graham and his partners, Neal had returned to Boston. Having no family, he had reached out to Sister Blue, begging her for help with Henry should anything happen to him. With Henry's safety assured, Neal had left to meet Malcolm in a well-lit public place and had inadvertently walked into a turf war between rival groups, getting caught in the crossfire. As he lay dying of his wounds, his last words were to protect Henry. Unfortunately, the case had taken another six weeks before it was solved, but Henry was safe, as were all the other citizens of Dorchester that Malcolm and his kind had preyed on for almost a year.
With that behind them, Emma and Killian had furthered their efforts in getting Henry to trust them and showing him that he was trusted, also. Wanting him to feel that he could count on them whenever he may need them, they had given him a cell phone, but it came with stipulations. Grades had to stay high, and it remained with Blue or Marion, the Home social worker during the day. Once homework was completed, he got it for a few hours but then back to the adult for safe keeping before bed. So far it had been successful and had led to a little flexibility on the weekends, especially if they were running late.
The persistent whistle in Emma's ear was getting annoying and disturbing a very sexy dream where she and Killian were in a bath full of bubbles and he was getting quite creative in his ministrations. Unable to ignore it any longer, she pushed her hair aside and reached for her phone to put a stop to the annoying sound. Seeing the numerous texts, all from Henry, woke her up enough to check the time. "Killian," she squeaked, "we overslept! Henry's waiting."
Killian groaned and opened one blue eye, before his arm shot out pulling her under him and burying his face against her neck. "Why, that's not the proper way to wake your man, love," he breathed huskily against her neck. Using his lips to his advantage he began laying butterfly kisses just beneath her ear, a place that always sent shivers through her system.
Emma moaned in appreciation, enjoying the attention her man was bestowing on her. Thinking perhaps Henry could wait, she let the phone fall to the bed and as it bounced, it whistled again causing Killian to stop what he was doing and send a dirty look toward the offending object. "I have got to change that alert," she muttered before reaching for the phone and pushing it toward Killian. "We're late, see?"
Killian took the phone and sat up, pushing his hair from his eyes to peruse the messages, which all had the same theme,
Henry: Coming?
A few minutes later.
Henry: Where are you?
Henry: You on your way?
"Bloody hell, Emma. Doesn't the lad ever sleep?"
"Apparently not," she answered climbing out of bed. "What did you promise him today? The moon?" She pulled on one of Killian's t-shirts before realizing he hadn't answered her question. When she looked his way, he was staring at her, with a look, she had never seen on his face before. "Killian?" She walked closer, "You okay?"
Pulling her down onto his lap, he kissed her tenderly. "Do you ever think about the future?"
Unsure what he was getting at or how far into the future he meant, she gave him a vague response, "Of course I do. I think about next week and next month. Why? Where's this coming from all of a sudden?"
"It's not sudden, but something I've thought of often, especially since Henry's come into our lives. He lost someone, just as I did, and that changes a man. Changes how he thinks about things."
Emma looked closely at him, trying to read him to figure out what was really going on inside his head. "What kinds of things, Killian?"
"Us," he hesitated before continuing, "our future." He brushed his hand across her cheek. "Do you ever think about getting married, having kids?" He asked her shyly.
"Oh, that kind of future," she whispered before shrugging her shoulder, and continuing, "I don't need a piece of paper to know that you love me and that we're committed to each other, Killian, if that's what you're asking."
Their eyes clashed, the heat that always lurked between them increasing in intensity. "What if I…" He got out before her phone whistled once again, signifying the end of their serious conversation. He sighed and leaned his forehead against her shoulder. "Go shower. I'll deal with Henry."
She continued her study of his face for a few more seconds before he kissed her on the cheek, and helped her stand up. "Go, we'll talk later." With one last glance, she pulled clean clothes from the closet and ran to get in the shower.
cs~cs~cs
When she was gone, Killian sent Henry a quick text telling him they'd be there soon. Then, pulling on sleep pants, he started coffee and turned on his computer to check on the idea he'd tentatively promised for their day's activity. Purchasing tickets for an afternoon cruise to go whale watching, he sent Robin a quick text for a little help.
Killian: Taking Emma and Henry whale watching today. Can I use the binoculars?
Thankfully, Robin was pretty anal about answering quickly,
Robin: Sure. I'm headed to the Home for Roland's first soccer game.
Robin had formed a connection with Roland and spent as much time with him as Emma and Killian spent with Henry. Unfortunately, he hadn't been able to catch their instructor, but not for lack of trying.
Killian: We are swinging by to pick up Henry so can you leave them with him?
Robin: No problem. Cheerio.
Exchanging places with Emma, Killian showered and shaved and they were ready to leave.
They stepped out of their apartment at the same time as Elsa, who was wearing jeans, an oversize sweatshirt, a ball cap and had a camera strap slipped over her shoulder. "Where you off to, love?" Killian smirked at her. "Robin convince you to take pictures of the big sporting event?"
She laughed, "Is it that obvious?" She looked down at herself. "I didn't overdo it, did I?"
Emma poked Killian in the stomach. "Ignore him. You look fine. We're actually headed to the Home now. Need a ride?"
Elsa grinned, "I would love a ride. Have room for Regina too?"
Killian cut his eyes to Emma, lifting a brow, "Regina is going?"
"Yes, she is," she answered haughtily as they started down the stairs.
"Matchmaking, Elsa?" Emma asked, her eyes twinkling with laughter.
"Worked with you two, didn't it?"
"True." Emma acknowledged her comment. "When will it be your turn?"
"Let me pass the bar exam in July, then we'll talk," she groaned as she knocked on Regina's door.
cs~cs~cs
"This was an excellent idea, lad," Killian popped his last fry into his mouth and pushed his plate aside. "There's no better burger anywhere." He smiled as he watched Henry stuff french fries into his mouth, smearing ketchup across his cheeks.
Swan, on the other hand, was taking her sweet time eating her grilled cheese and onion rings. She had taken the entire experience to a whole new level, almost seducing him with her moans and sighs. He kept having to look away from her and change the direction of his thoughts, especially after Henry had interrupted their morning playtime. He swallowed hard as she took a bite, moaning in delight, before licking the salt off her bottom lip. Her facial expression reminded him of how she looked when he was pleasuring her. "Swan," he whispered, "please." He wasn't sure what exactly he was begging for but when she looked over her shoulder and he saw the twinkle hiding in her eyes, he knew her sounds were on purpose.
She grinned at him, leaning close to share a kiss, before shoving the piece of fried onion she was holding into his mouth. "Isn't it delicious?" She wiped her mouth and dropped the napkin on her plate, before passing one across the table to Henry. "Here, kid. You left a little ketchup on your face."
He wiped at it ineffectively, before Killian took pity on him. "Shall we use the facilities to clean up?"
"Good idea, Killian," Henry agreed. "I can do it."
He had just stood up to go wash his face when a boy and girl about his age ran up calling his name, "Henry!"
A smile blossomed on Henry's face as he greeted the newcomers, "Hi guys."
"Who are your friends?" Emma asked, curiosity getting the best of her.
"Oh, this is Ava and Nicholas," Henry pointed to the kids, and then pointed to her, "and this Emma, and Killian."
Nicholas looked back and forth between them before turning to Henry, "Are they your new mom and dad?"
"Nicholas, Ava," a man came up behind them, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. "Sorry about them," he addressed Emma and Killian. They ran over here as I was paying."
"No problem, it was nice to meet some of Henry's friends." Killian slipped an arm around Emma's shoulders as the adults introduced themselves and made small talk while the kids ran off with Henry. When he returned with a clean face and his new friends left with their father, Emma and Killian found it interesting that when little Nicholas had referred to them as Henry's new mom and dad, neither had been in much of a hurry to correct them.
cs~cs~cs
Holding Killian and Henry's hands as they boarded the ship that would take them out into the ocean, Emma had to appreciate its beauty. The Jewel of the Sea was a 160-foot Schooner Zodiac that could skim across the water as if she were flying when in full whale watch mode. While it was still early in the season for whales to be seen in the waters off Boston, a young humpback had already been spotted, so for Henry's sake, she had her fingers crossed.
As they walked over the gangplank, Henry couldn't contain his excitement and his hand literally vibrated in hers. When they reached the ship, he couldn't wait any longer and, pulling his hand from hers, ran to the side to peer over into the water.
Killian, keeping her hand in his, took her along with him until they were close enough to be overheard without yelling too loudly, "Henry, mate," he leaned on the side next to him, "your first time on a ship?"
Henry couldn't keep his eyes away from the water and, as he talked to them, kept looking back and forth between the two adults. When he answered it was with a head nod and a smile that was bigger than they had seen before, "It is! It's so cool!"
"Aye, Henry, it is cool. Lucky for you, I know my way around a ship such as this." Killian winked at her before giving Henry an indulgent smile.
"Really?" Henry beamed up at him. "Teach me?"
"I've got an idea," Emma interrupted before they started talking ships, "why don't I sit over here," she pointed to an area where benches were located for the viewers, "and you two can have your pow wow."
Killian took her hand and squeezed her fingers. "You sure, love?" He asked as he pulled her body closer to his.
She looked at Henry's expectant face, "I'm sure," and ruffled his hair before murmuring, "Have fun kid."
Killian wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her quickly against his body to give her a firm, but sexy kiss. "We'll be back shortly, Swan."
After she left them against the rail and moved toward the benches, she heard Killian say, "Did I tell you my brother used to work on a ship?" Henry's answer was inaudible as they moved in opposite directions and she had a seat.
As she relaxed under the early spring sun, she watched man and boy make their way toward the front of the ship. Killian was even more patient than she had anticipated, which was saying something since he was the most patient person she knew. She could tell by the way Henry was gesturing that he had a lot of questions and Killian stood quietly, his head inclined slightly, listening and answering, always with a smile on his face. So similar was their body language, they could have been related.
A family, she thought, which brought her back to the comment Henry's friend had made. "Is this your new mom and dad?" She hadn't corrected him. Killian hadn't corrected him. Were they beginning to think that way? More importantly, was Henry?
She realized that the time was rapidly approaching to have a serious conversation with Killian. Was that what he had in mind earlier, she wondered? Were they on the same page regarding the future? Her phone pinged, halting any other thoughts. Swiping her finger across the screen, she read,
Elsa: We need to help Regina and Robin.
Emma: I thought you were doing that by taking her to the game?
Elsa: I did too but Regina needs to relax more.
Emma hadn't spent a lot of time with Regina but she knew that Elsa had, and they seemed to get along. She also knew Robin had a thing for Regina, but it hadn't gone anywhere yet. Perhaps an evening with friends.
Emma: Pizza night at the Home? I'm sure my boys wouldn't mind.
She couldn't help but smile at the comment because they were, she thought, her boys.
Elsa: That works. Perhaps seeing Robin with others around will relax her.
Emma: Sounds good. See you then.
Pocketing her phone and noticing the ship was moving, she leaned back on her hands and closed her eyes, relaxing her hair lifted with the breeze from the sea.
cs~cs~cs
As he answered the lad's questions about the ship, Killian kept glancing toward the stern where Emma sat basking in the sunshine. She looked so beautiful, he thought, with her face tipped up, her cheeks rosy and her blonde hair shining brightly. Was she thinking about him? Was she thinking about his comment about the future? And what about the comment Henry's friend had asked referring to them as his parents? Was that on her mind just as much as it was on his?
"Ahoy there, matey," he heard, turning to see the Captain of the ship advancing on Henry. "Would you care to visit the bridge while we pull out to sea?"
Henry looked at Killian, a bright smile on his face, "Can I?"
"Sure lad, go ahead." He pointed back to where Emma was, "I'll just be back with our girl."
He watched him skip off next to the Captain and turned back out to sea. With graduation only a couple months away, there were plans to make. He knew what he wanted, but did she want the same thing? And with constant interruptions, serious conversations were not the easiest thing to have.
Hearing the motor start, Killian made his way back to Emma, pulling her up for a quick kiss.
She let out a little squeak before relaxing in his arms and kissing him back. "Killian Jones, you about gave me a heart attack."
"Sorry about that, love." He turned her around to lean against the side of the ship so she could look at sea as they motored out. Caging her in, he placed his chin on her shoulder. "The lad is with the Captain," he whispered, feeling her shiver in awareness. Pressing himself tightly against her behind as the crew released the sails and the ship picked up speed, he engaged in a little payback for the sensuous sounds that had she made eating her lunch. When she wiggled her delectable arse and his body immediately responded, he thought perhaps the joke was on him. He heard Henry's giggle, and it had never been more welcome, as it served to pull him back from the edge.
"That was so cool," Henry called over the rushing wind as he struggled to reach them.
Since they were traveling at quite a clip, Killian couldn't help but notice the wind buffeting the lad around and, reaching out, clasped Henry's hand to pull him against the railing and into the circle of his arms. It feels right, he thought as they stood there together looking out at sea. Briefly, the description his family flashed through his mind before he shoved it and other heavy thoughts away and enjoyed the moments that were being given to him right now.
After several hours of no whale sightings, the Captain had turned the ship around, heading back toward shore when a loud roar went up on the other side of the boat. Rushing his family to the starboard side, they were blessed with the sighting of a young humpback whale breeching in the distance. Killian put his hand on Henry's shoulder as the boy gazed over the side in fascination. "There you go, lad. He's showing off, just for you."
"It's so awesome," Henry murmured, still mesmerized. When the whale swam out of sight, Henry whirled around, wrapping his arms around Killian's legs. "Thanks, Killian."
"Anytime, lad. Anytime," Killian repeated as he tried to convince himself that the dampness he felt on his face was spray from the sea.
cs~cs~cs
The pizza was gone and the men had scattered to various places in the house, entertaining the kids. Killian had donated the Xbox game, Guitar Hero, and currently he, Robin, Henry and Roland were involved in a game. So far, before adjourning to the kitchen for girl talk, Emma had heard Talk Dirty to Me and Welcome to the Jungle. Who knew where it would go from there?
Emma took the dish Blue had just washed, dried it and handed it to Ashley to put away. "You girls still work well together," Blue told them as she took the towel and wiped out the sink before hanging it on a rack.
"We should," Ruby, who was cleaning off the counter, retorted, "You made us do it enough."
"That's because chores-" Blue started to say
"-make responsible adults," Ruby, Ashley and Emma chorused.
Elsa, who was making coffee and stacking juice boxes on a tray, laughed and shook her head. "Your comedy routine is entertaining."
Emma laughed at Elsa's remark and noticed how Regina was meticulously placing the cookies on the tray. "Regina," she complimented, "your cookie display could win an award, it's so perfect."
Regina looked up with a startled expression on her face. "Oh, is it too much?" She worried her bottom lip while waiting for an answer.
Glancing at Elsa, Emma raised her brow in question, but Elsa's quick shrug told her she wasn't sure what was going on. Upon further inspection though, Emma could see a slight tremor in Regina's hand when she lifted it to nibble on her nail. Was she nervous? "Not too much, no. But if I know those kids out there, the big ones included, they will be gone in seconds."
Regina looked down at the tray again. "That's okay, my mother always says presentation is everything."
"That's a good motto," Blue was quick to assure her as she picked up the tray with juice boxes. "Come with me and let me show you where these things go."
As soon as they were gone, Elsa walked closer to Emma. "Did you see all the looks Robin and Regina were sending each other when they thought no one was looking?"
"It's sweet and sad at the same time, isn't it? Such longing behind them." They moved closer to the door to see what was going on. Regina had laid out the tray of cookies and was helping Roland look over the display. He pointed to one and after she handed to him, hugged her before running off to join his friends. When Regina watched him leave, Emma could tell that his affection had shaken her a little.
"Oh, look," Elsa murmured just as Robin walked up to where Regina was standing.
"Think we should rescue them?" Emma asked as they watched Robin reach around Regina, picking up a cookie and taking a bite. As he chewed, Emma could tell that their eyes were clashing and there was a battle warring between them. Regina's hands kept opening and closing and while she could only see their profiles, she knew it wasn't anger that Regina was feeling, but something else.
"She's freaking," Elsa labeled the emotion that Regina was exhibiting. "Let's rescue and regroup."
Early April 2016
Emma was busy with the girls, Henry was spending a day with friends, Robin was catching up with homework and Killian was at loose ends. Every time he sat and tried to concentrate on his last project, he felt anxious and caught his legs bouncing up and down, unable to keep them still. He had tried running, but after five miles and then cleaning up, he was right back to where he started. Anxious. Frustrated. And if he were totally honest with himself, scared, as what if Emma wasn't willing to leave Boston. Could he go without her?
The answer to that was simple; no. He'd give up the perfect job to stay by her side if she would have him. He just needed to get his arse in gear and spell it all out. Question was when, and why did he feel guilty asking her to give up everything for him. And now with Henry in their lives, he was another part of that talk. Sighing as if the weight of the world was resting on his shoulders, he put away his project and wandered into the kitchen for a snack.
He was waiting for the popcorn to pop when his phone rang. Hoping Emma might have gotten done early he answered without even checking the ID, "You must have missed me."
"Why would I miss a wanker such as yourself?" Liam spouted.
Feeling like the wanker Liam had just called him, Killian took a deep breath, grabbed his popcorn and sank down onto the sofa. "Sorry, Liam. Thought you were Emma."
"I'm not your Emma," he clipped. "I'm your brother and since graduation is next month I think it's about time to talk about your commitment to Innovative Designs."
Killian's thoughts went to what he knew about the company. He knew that Innovative Designs had been established not long after Dakkar had graduated from Harvard and had quickly grown into a large architectural firm in New York. As the years passed, it continued to grow and by the time Liam had joined the company its clientele had encompassed the entire eastern seaboard.
Liam had convinced Killian and Robin to join with plans for expanding into the western part of the United States. Robin would be involved in finding the perfect locations, Liam would design the buildings and Killian's job would be assuring that the building melded into the environment as seamlessly as possible. The plus would be working with his family creating buildings to be proud of, the negative was location. Liam was right, Killian did need to talk about the future, but he needed to discuss it with his girl before he discussed it with his brother.
"I realize graduation is next month, Liam. I just need to talk to Emma first." His body demanding movement, he set the popcorn bowl down and picked his pacing spot on the floor and walked while he waited for his brother's sure-to-be disappointed answer.
And when it came it didn't surprise him. "I fail to see what Emma has to do with your position here with this company."
"Liam," Killian began, his tone weary of the struggle, "I know what needs to be done, but Emma is my future. Give me a little more time."
Liam was quiet for a long time and Killian had just about given up receiving an answer he could live with, until he heard Liam suck in some air, "Fine," Liam gave in, "but the way I see it is your responsibility is to do what is best for you. Just know that I will do what needs to be done, brother. You can be assured of that."
"I'll deal with it. Just let me be. Tell me, though, are you and Nemo coming for graduation?"
Liam's voice softened which gave Killian hope that the brother he knew when he was growing up was still in there and one day would be back for good. "Aye, Killian. Dakkar and I will be there to see you graduate. We are, after all, quite proud of you."
"Wonderful," Killian nearly shouted, "you can finally meet everyone."
"We won't be there long. Just don't overbook us."
Not having the heart to get into it any further, Killian ended up giving a noncommittal answer and hung up the phone. Something was up with Liam, he just didn't know what. He did know, though, that as much as he loved his brother, he wasn't going to be bullied. What happened in his future was just as much up to Emma as it was to him and Liam needed to understand that. Tossing his phone aside, he dug into his bowl of popcorn and picked up the T.V. remote thinking mindless chatter was just what was in order.
Late April 2016
While waiting for Killian to get dressed, Emma sat on the sofa in his apartment and thought about the conversation she'd had with Regina a few days ago. The fact that she and Robin obviously cared for each other, yet were unable or unwilling to do anything about it was painful to watch. She didn't know what she would feel if she were in that position. To know someone was out there who cared, but being together was impossible. Could she do that? She didn't think so, thinking that perhaps not remembering at all would almost be preferable. After all, what you can't remember, can't hurt you, right?
Those words had served her well most of her life as she never really missed parents but rather the idea of having them. In a way, she felt fortunate that she hadn't known what it felt like to have something and then lose it; that would have been even more difficult. Was that how Henry felt? Thankfully, he had Killian who could understand those feelings. But what about Robin and Regina? She was happy and wanted that for all her friends.
When the front door opened, her thoughts quickly moved from the past and Regina to the present and Robin. He looked lackluster and, if she weren't mistaken, his shirt was wrong side out. And there was something off with his smile too, as it didn't reach his eyes. They were hollow, appearing a little lost.
"Robin," she asked hesitantly, "Is everything okay?"
He grimaced, "I'm sorry, Emma. I'm just a bit out of sorts."
"Because you want something and are tired of waiting?" She gently prodded.
"Sure, that's part of it," he gave her a half smile, "but there's more to it."
"There's more?" One delicate brow lifted. "Exams are in less than a month which takes away that obstacle. What else is there?"
"True," he nodded his head, "but that's only part of the problem." Hesitating, as if unsure how much to say, he cut his eyes toward the shower, making Emma wonder if the issues had anything to do with Killian. Seeming to make up his mind, he continued, "Once the class is complete, there's what comes next and those complications."
Emma felt a little like she was trying to put together a puzzle without all the pieces and wasn't sure where to go with the conversation. "Agreed. Then we have to get jobs."
He met her gaze, "That's right, Emma." He took a deep breath, and again cut his eyes down the hallway, just as the shower turned off. "What if our jobs are in two different places? What if we want two different things? What then?"
Emma watched a variety of emotions move across Robin's face, and wanted to help. "Maybe you need to talk to her. If it's right there's nothing you can't overcome." Great, Emma, just great, shethought, here you are giving advice that you won't even follow on your own.
"Easier said than done when we aren't a couple," his tone lowered, before continuing, "and I'm not sure we ever will be."
"Robin, don't give up hope," Emma told him quietly. "Believing in even the possibility of love is a powerful thing. Hold on to that hope. It kept Killian and me going for that year until he found me."
"Thanks." His smile held affection. "I hope Killian knows he's a lucky man." Running his hand through his hair making it stand up in several directions, he gave Killian a cheeky smile as he walked into the room. "Why, aren't you quite dishy?" he quipped, and then laughed at his roommate when his ears turned red.
"Stuff it," Killian retorted before taking Emma's hand and pulled her to her feet, into his arms, "Ready, love?"
"I'm ready." She peered around at Robin. "Do you want to go with us?"
"Where are you going again?"
"To the Jolly Roger, that new jazz bar in Harvard Square."
"No, thanks." He shrugged his shoulder. "I think I'm going to finish my project for Regina's class."
Killian gave him a look of astonishment. "Why, that's new," he exclaimed, "Aiming for teacher's pet, are you?"
Expecting a snappy answer, he glanced down at Emma with a concerned look on his face when instead Robin gave them a saddened look and disappeared down the hall. "What was that all about?"
"I think Robin needs a little intervention. I have an idea."
He gave her a quick kiss as they left, locking the door behind them. "I'm listening, Swan."
On the way to the Jolly Roger, they made plans.
cs~cs~cs
A few days later, Killian burst through the door of the apartment and, while on the way to his bedroom, passed by Robin, who was sitting at the table. Taking one of his electric guitars off its stand, he slipped the strap over his shoulder and picking up a small amplifier, retraced his steps into the front room. He plugged in the amplifier, connected it to the guitar and then once tuned went through a few finger exercises before realizing that Robin hadn't moved. In fact, he hadn't said anything at all, which was quite unlike him.
"Robin, you alright, mate?" Killian stopped playing and waited to see if his friend would respond.
Robin's eyes moved from the window to him and by the look in his eyes, Killian could tell that something had happened. "I received an email from Liam. He expects me to start mid-June."
"Oh." Killian was taken aback a little by this information because while Liam had mentioned they needed to talk, there had never been anything definite about specifics, such as a starting date or time. "He thinks you can graduate, find an apartment and move in two weeks?"
Closing his laptop and pushing it aside, Robin moved to the sofa across from where Killian sat. "There's more. They are ready for me to start looking into locations and have me scheduled to start traveling right away, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, etcetera, etcetera."
Setting his guitar aside, Killian leaned forward onto his knees. "You know, when Liam called the other day, I had a feeling he was up to something." He still couldn't get a handle on exactly what it might be, but something felt off. "Have you talked to Ms. Mills?"
"I talk to her all the time. Ask her about projects, papers, designs, shall I continue?"
"Arsehole," Killian leaned back and crossed his arms, "you know what I mean."
"Have you talked to Emma about New York?" Robin turned the tables on him.
Killian gave his friend a disgusted look, "You know I haven't talked to her yet, but I plan to, and soon. But," he picked his guitar back up, "I'm meeting Emma and Henry in a few hours and I have orders."
Once Killian had explained Emma's idea, Robin went to get his guitar and they spent time jamming in preparation for their next performance with The Minors.
Early May 2016
Emma pulled on her dress, ran a brush through her hair and was ready to go. Opening her door, she met Elsa and together they descended the stairs to Regina's apartment. Elsa lifted her hand to knock and just before hitting wood, Emma stopped it. "She knows we're coming, right?"
"Of course, she knows we're coming," Elsa responded with just enough hesitancy in her voice that Emma knew there was more to the story.
Pulling Elsa away from Regina's door lest they be overheard, Emma whispered, "Okay, spill. You were supposed to arrange this evening."
Elsa grimaced, "I know, but I was afraid she would say no, and well..."
Emma just shook her head. "That explains why she looked at me like I had two heads when I said I'd see her later, when we rode the T together earlier." Unsure how to proceed, she was relieved when her phone pinged, giving her a brief reprieve. With a smile, she read the message from Killian, put her phone away and with a determined smile looked back at Elsa, "Now what?"
Elsa's eyes grew round and she laid her hand on her chest. "Tag team?" Upon Emma's nod, they linked arms and ascended upon Regina's door once again.
When Regina answered the door, Emma gave Elsa a look that said what the hell do we do now as, apparently, they had interrupted spa night. Regina's hair was wrapped in a towel, she was wearing a ratty old robe, her face was covered in a mud mask and she had just finished a pedicure as she still had cotton between her toes. "Elsa? Emma? What's going on?"
Squaring her shoulders and taking a deep breath, Emma took charge. "It's not what's going on, but who." She took one of Regina's arms while Elsa took the other and they led her toward the bathroom. "And the who is Robin and Killian, in about an hour."
Not giving Regina time to question, they pushed her down onto the commode. One removed the toe cotton and the other handed Regina a cloth to remove the mask. Once that was complete the towel was removed, causing deep sighs when they discovered that Regina's hair was dry and just needed to be straightened. "Do you want to do your make-up, or shall we?" Elsa asked her exasperated friend.
Finally gathering her wits, Regina pushed back and stood up. "Wait a damn minute." She stomped out of the room. "You know how I feel about the whole Robin thing."
"Yes," Emma agreed, "we do. You've been mooning over him, just as he has been mooning over you. Can you take tonight to be just Regina, our friend, and not Ms. Mills, classroom instructor?"
Regina didn't say anything for the longest time, just stood there worrying her bottom lip. Just when Emma thought they were going to end up leaving without her, it was as if a light went off behind her eyes. They shone with excitement and her cheeks flushed. "I'm in," she squealed breathlessly in a total un-Regina like manner, before disappearing into the bathroom for make-up.
Elsa looked over at Emma with a slight smile on her face. "See. I told you it would go well."
Emma rolled her eyes and walked into the living area to send Killian a quick text, leaving Elsa in charge of Regina's dress choice. Twenty minutes later, they were on their way to The Burren.
cs~cs~cs
Walking into The Burren, Regina wasn't sure what to expect, but what she saw and heard certainly wasn't it. She was used to sedate bars where all the tables and chairs were placed just so, with music that was sedate, the conversation a low hum that didn't take away from the music and the waiters wore black pants and white shirts. What she encountered was so far removed from that her senses had difficulty keeping track.
It was loud, so loud in fact that if you wanted to talk you needed to yell in a person's ear or be seated far away from the music. There was dancing, not slow, gentle dancing, but fast gyrating bodies swinging around with a lot of bumping and grinding. It was crowded, also, with people sitting at tables, standing two to three deep at the bar and in between the tables. The wait staff could be seen carrying trays of food and drinks weaving in and around customers as if the large crowds were commonplace.
Regina followed Emma and Ruby, who were doggedly making their way around various parties as if they knew what they were doing and had a specific destination in mind. Wherever it was, she hoped it was away from the music, as any closer it would be difficult for her to think, much less have any kind of a conversation. When they stopped at a table and pulled out chairs, she almost turned to go the other way, but when Elsa pointed to a chair between her and Emma, she had no choice but to sit down.
Their table was situated in such a way that it was close to the stage, close to the dance floor, but out of the main flow of traffic. Thankfully the huge speakers weren't directly in front of them, so while it was loud, when the waitress stopped by for their drink order, she could order without too much yelling.
As soon as a drink was put in front of her, she took a sip for a little courage and glanced up at the stage, expecting to see Robin and Emma's Killian rocking out with a few friends. What she saw caused her to blink several times to make sure her vision was clear. Glancing at Emma and Elsa, both watching her closely, she could only shake her head and grin for the members of the band could have very well stepped out of the pages of a book.
"So, what do you think?" Emma grinned at her, "Aren't they good?"
Finally getting a chance to listen to them, she had to admit they didn't do too badly covering some of the 80's rock bands, but she was having a hard time getting beyond their appearance. "They're good but don't they remind you of Disney characters?"
"Like who?" Elsa leaned over to join the conversation.
"Oh like," Regina looked from one to the other, "the dwarves who were best friends to Snow White. Isn't that why they call themselves The Miners?"
Emma studied the guys on stage to see if she thought they resembled any of the characters from the story she had loved so much as a child. Since she had dreamt that Snow White was her mother, then the dwarves would have been her honorary uncles. Squinting at Leroy, who was playing the drums, she tried to picture him in bibbed coveralls with a pick-ax over his shoulder but it didn't fit. "Sorry, Regina, I just don't see it. And it's The Minors, with an "o" as in a minor key."
Regina nodded her head, "Oh, okay, that makes more sense," she answered before turning back to the stage.
Emma kept watching Regina for signs of fear, but so far she just seemed curious, absorbing everything around her as if it were all new. She was a thirty plus year old woman though, surely, she had been to a bar or a concert before. "You've been to places like this in New York City, right?"
The look she got was all the answer she needed to assure her that, no, Regina hadn't. That this was a new experience only added to the mystery surrounding the woman who had captured Robin's attention. "My mother wouldn't feel that it was appropriate to be in a bar like this. And concerts, yes, I've been to concerts, but the type where there's no singing, unless it's opera and the music is generally classical, much more refined than this barbaric, hedonistic environment. But," a huge smile lit her face and when she looked at Emma again, her eyes were shining, "I love it." And as the music died down, her applause was loud and enthusiastic.
"Wow, that's just… wow." Emma looked over at Elsa, before coming back to Regina. "Your mother sounds like an interesting person."
Regina rolled her eyes, "I love my mother, but she's rather domineering. I feel so free." And she giggled, but quickly covered her mouth to quiet it. "I thought you said Robin and Killian were singing."
"Oh, they are. They go on," she checked the time, "in about ten minutes."
"Are they any good?" Regina side-eyed her.
Before she could answer, Elsa popped in, "Well, Killian pretty much sang Emma out of her panties the first time she heard him."
Laughter burst out before she could control it, "Oh, stop. He did not." When Elsa raised her brow, she amended her statement, "Well, not out of them the first time, but he certainly made my lady parts tingle." She giggled, "Now since then..." She left it hanging thinking about just how many times he had sung them off her.
As Emma watched Regina waiting for Robin and Killian to take the stage, she kept a close eye on her face to see if she could tell what she was thinking. What she saw was yearning for a man, just as he yearned for her. The question was would Regina continue to allow her guard to stay relaxed or would she freak and slam it right back up when Robin sang the song he had planned?
cs~cs~cs
Sitting backstage waiting for their turn, Robin had to admit he felt a little anxious, nervous even. This mattered to him. She mattered to him and with all the changes happening soon, he needed to know if they were on the same page. However, as he sat waiting, he had to wonder if the unknown, or better yet what he had been imagining, would be better than his reality.
"Earth to Robin," he heard Killian calling his name, looking up to discover him standing directly in front of him.
"I'm right here. No need to shout." Standing, he moved across the room. "Plus, blimey Killian, give a man some space." Killian didn't move but also didn't take his eyes off him. "What?" He couldn't stand it any longer, finally giving in to the demands he could see in his friend's eyes.
"Why are you so nervous? You're never nervous when we perform."
"Regina's out there," he blurted to his chagrin, feeling embarrassed by his admission.
Killian shrugged his shoulder. "You've sung for a woman before, Robin. I can remember a handful of times as we made our way across Europe, you'd croon into the eyes of some pretty lady, flash those craters you call dimples and have your choice of who warmed your bed. Why is this any different?"
Robin's head immediately lifted. "This is nothing like those times," he started before noticing the gotcha grin on Killian's face. "Weren't you nervous when you were planning to sing to Emma that first time?"
"Sure, I was. Just as I was nervous when I finally found her, but do you remember what you told me?" Robin shook his head. "You said I'd been mooning over the girl for months and I should go get her.
Robin laughed, "Well, that was certainly true."
"Aye, and now I'm returning the sentiment. You've been mooning over this woman for months. Go get her."
As they started to walk onto stage for their first set, Killian stopped him. "I've got your back, bro."
Meeting his serious gaze with one of his own, Robin returned the favor. "And I'll always have yours."
The first set went well and Robin had a good time. He felt that he and Killian and the band had really jelled and the audience got into the songs. He even noticed Regina smiling and clapping along with Emma and Elsa. Finally feeling comfortable, he kicked it up a notch, singing the words as if his life depended on them.
Between sets, he and Killian had gone out to sit with the girls and when Killian had stolen Emma away for a slow dance, he had thought about extending an invitation to Regina. However, the panicked look in her eyes as well as the fact that it would have been rude to leave Elsa alone prevented it from happening. When they said goodbye to go prepare for their next set, he felt her eyes follow him as he left the table and, just before disappearing into the green room, he had looked over his shoulder to see if he were imagining it. To his delight, he had been right and the shy smile she bestowed on him warmed him much more than he had ever thought possible.
As the evening progressed and it was time to make their way to the stage for their final set of the night, he took several deeps breaths and said a silent prayer. He was covering Foreigner's, Waiting for a Girl Like You, and he hoped the message was received loudly and clearly and that it wouldn't send her running from him.
cs~cs~cs
Regina was feeling good and, best of all, she was having fun. She couldn't remember the last time she had gone to a bar with other women and listened to music while enjoying life. Sadly, her only other bar experiences had been work related and those times certainly hadn't been fun. She had been bored and felt awkward, never knowing exactly what to say to the other women. And they hadn't helped making it obvious they weren't interested in getting to know her, either.
Emma and Elsa, on the other hand, had gone out of their way to make her feel comfortable and take some of the fear of the unknown away. The conversation had been easy and flowed smoothly all evening and when Robin and Killian had been singing, she had felt a little like a girl with her first crush. She laughed silently to herself, thinking that in a way she was, for Robin was the first man that she had chosen. And while she couldn't have him quite yet, her heart seemed to have made up its mind. Could she make it a few more weeks without getting herself into trouble?
When the last set started and Robin and Killian walked out, the mood was different. The lights lowered and the music was quieter. "This is different," she murmured as she watched Killian take his place at the microphone and Emma sat forward in her seat.
"Just wait," Emma murmured back, never taking her eyes off her man. "Killian's going to sing a song we danced to at the Ball in the fall."
When the music started and he started singing the song that was made famous by Josh Groban, When You Say You Love Me, she thought Emma was going to melt into a puddle. "See what I mean," Elsa leaned closer. "Right out of her panties."
"Yeah," Emma gave them quick grin before turning back to the stage, "he's so getting lucky tonight."
"Did we need to hear that?" Regina asked Elsa as they continued to watch the display of unadulterated adoration between the singer and his Swan. "I started to ask if he had women throwing themselves at him, but one look at him when he's singing to Emma and they would know they didn't stand a chance."
"Agreed," Elsa responded. "It must be wonderful to have someone treat you as if you are the only thing they see. You know," she nodded her head toward the stage as Robin moved toward the microphone for his turn, "much like another certain singer behaves toward you."
Not recognizing the melody to the song Robin was strumming on the guitar, she leaned on her hand while listening. His voice sent chills down her spine and his eyes were doing an amazing job of making her forget all of the reasons why she needed to be cautious. The lyrics reached inside, touching her heart, making her feel things that she shouldn't be feeling just yet and she had to fight with herself to not run away from those feelings.
As the song faded away, she surreptitiously wiped away a tear and returned the tender smile he was giving her. When he left the stage and disappeared into the back room, she knew she needed to get away to think because if she stayed, she would surely do something that needed to wait. Timing was important, and she knew that, but did he?
"Emma, Elsa, I need to go," she could hear the panic in her own voice. "I need to think. I'll take the T and see you at home." Gathering her bag and saying goodbye, she disappeared into the crowd.
cs~cs~cs
Robin caught up with her just before she reached the T and, not wanting to startle her, calmly called her name. Worried that she would ignore him, he continued moving her way and when she stopped and turned, his heart resumed its beating.
"Robin?" Her voice was hesitant but didn't sound unhappy, which pleased him immensely.
When he reached her side, they moved out of the flow of traffic. Taking her hand, he rubbed her fingers with his while her dark eyes pulled him closer. "Did I do something wrong?" Not breaking his gaze, he waited patiently for her to answer.
She sighed, "Robin, you didn't do anything wrong. In fact," she closed her eyes and swallowed before continuing, "it was perfect. You were perfect."
He heard the words, but they made no sense and didn't explain why she had run away. "Then why did you leave?" He had to ask her but hated that it came out sounding so pathetic.
She stared at him so long he wasn't sure she was going to answer. When she took a step closer and put both hands on his arm, he stopped breathing and waited for her next move. "I was afraid of doing something I shouldn't," she told him quietly.
He tilted his head, giving her a small smile. "And what would that be, Regina?"
It didn't take her long before she went up on her toes and just before her lips touched his, she breathed, "This." Their kiss set his heart racing, and when she released his lips, he immediately dove back in for one more mating of their lips. The kiss slowed and as their lips parted, she stepped back and dropped her hands from his arm. Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him. "We have two weeks before you're finished with my class. Will you wait?"
He gave her the benefit of his full smile. "Do you even have to ask?"
"No." She smiled, shaking her head
"Good." He grinned and then told her in a no-nonsense voice, "And then you'll go to dinner that night with me and we'll talk."
She gave him a little smile, "Until then," and started toward the T again. "But don't expect extra points just because you're a good kisser." She giggled before she disappeared into the station.
Thanks for reading. Let me know your thoughts. Stay tuned for the next chapter which will give you the meaning of the story title.