Emma was nervously anticipating Killian's arrival as she finished up in the office for the day. This week seemed to go by too slowly for her liking. A few late nights at the library prohibited her from helping him with his growing business as much as she had at the beginning of the semester. She missed him desperately, even the business work made her feel closer to him. After all it would be their business once she graduated.

She'd be lying if she said she didn't have a calendar hanging on her wall filling with little red Xs marking the days until graduation. That would also mean that they were both graduates and ready to move on with their lives. She'd also caught herself daydreaming in class about moving in with him and making a home of their own.

She slide the paperwork into the drawer for filing and looked up to see Will slyly hanging at the edge of the counter. He'd been talking to an underclassman that as he would say "he quite fancied" for about an hour. She grinned and picked up the other stack of paperwork she'd completed for the following day's payroll and dropped it in the to-do bin for Mr. Gladwell.

She glanced at the clock on the wall and happily it was quitting time, which meant only a few hours until Killian would arrive. She turned to go in the office to pick up her bags calling out to her slacker colleague. "Will, I'm heading out for the night." When she got no response she called out louder finally hearing his response.

"Oi, I got it from here."

When she came out of the office her heart nearly leapt out of her chest at the sight of a familiar pair of blue eyes, a bright smile and a bouquet of beautiful flowers. She dropped everything, ran towards him and leapt into his waiting arms. "Ooof. I missed you too Love."

She wasn't done with him yet. She leaned back slightly cupping his face as if taking inventory of his features and then leaning in to kiss him sensually until both of them were breathless. She'd missed kissing him too much to let that moment pass. He was all too receptive to her and clearly missed her kisses as well.

The sound of Will coughing forced them apart. "I think she missed you more Mate."

He laughed."Not bloody likely. "He hugged her so tight almost afraid she would disappear if he let go.

She pulled back and noticed something in his eyes, worry?" Hey, are you alright?"

"Aye, it was just a very long and busy week."

She caressed his face."I'm so happy you're here early, what an amazing surprise."

He pressed a lingering soft kiss to her lips. "I managed to finagle a deal with Liam so I could leave early to surprise you."

She smiled sweetly not letting go of the strong arms around her. She finally felt whole again now that they were together. "I'm finished for the day, let's go back to the apartment and catch up." She said slyly.

He waggled his eyebrows catching her innuendo. "I thought you'd never ask."

She suddenly remembered the flowers. She slid her hand down his arm towards them and brought them up to her nose so she could take in their beautiful scent. "I love them. You are so thoughtful." She pressed her cheek to his chest.

"I'm so glad you like them." He held her tight pressing soft kisses to her crown, one for every day they were apart.

-/-

They were barely through her apartment door when her lips found his. They immediately dropped the bags they were carrying to the floor and held each other in a tight passionate embrace. She slid her hands under his jacket so she could feel the hard muscles in his back under her fingertips. His hand slid up lightly, caressing her cheek as he kissed her. She felt him smile against her lips as he pulled back. His eyes were still closed when she opened hers. It was only the sound of her tummy growling that pulled them apart. She couldn't help the smile that crept up on her face.

"Sounds like you might be hungry?" he said smiling.

"I didn't have time for lunch today and I am hungry but not for food."

He raised his brow. "Is that so?" She snuggled in closer placing her cheek against his chest. "Yes, I've missed you and I think I'd rather have a taste of you right now."

"You don't have to ask me twice." He lifted her up into his arms and kissed her softly as he carried her down the hall. He surprised her by making love to her thoroughly and reverently. She'd initially felt overwhelmed by want and was shocked that he was able to calm her down as he worshipped her. He always seemed to know what she needed without asking. This connection was everything she didn't realize she needed after their separation. Apparently it was the same for him because he'd fallen asleep shortly after they'd reached mutual satisfaction.

She was lying on her side watching him sleep. She brushed his bangs from his forehead to the side and leaned over to press a soft kiss in the middle careful not to wake him as she moved. Now she was actually hungry for food. She carefully pulled back her blankets and covered him. She'd worn him out in a very good way. She smiled to herself as she grabbed his shirt and buttoned a few buttons to cover up before quietly exiting the room.

Their bags still sat by the door where they fell when they first got home. They could sort that out later, now for food. She carefully examined the minimal food items she had in the refrigerator and cupboard before deciding on grill cheese sandwiches.

It was a quick meal, nothing too elaborate and would satisfy her immediate hunger. She and Killian could go shopping later for a more substantial dinner. She remembered his suggestion of lasagna when they were last together. She knew a great little cheese shop they could stop by on the way to the store.

She was halfway through building the sandwiches when she felt his warm lips against the back of her neck. A chill ran through her body exciting her again even though he'd completely sated her earlier. She'd never be able to get enough of him. His arms went around her waist and his chin pressed against her shoulder as he looked over to watch her.

"Anything I can do to help Love?"

She looked back tossing a smile over her shoulder. "No, I've got this. Why don't you relax and let me take care of it." He continued pressing kisses up her neck until he found her earlobe and sucked it between his teeth. "I think I'm fine right here Love."

She closed her eyes as the sensation of his lips continued to overwhelm her." If you keep that up I might burn these."

He chuckled. "I don't mind a bit of char if it means I get more of you?"

"I'm about to take you back into the bedroom and forgo the sandwiches but I'm afraid I'll pass out if I don't eat."

He turned her in his arms and captured her lips for a passionate kiss. She pulled back capturing his boyish playful grin. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright Love, I'll sit right over there and be a good boy."

She laughed. "Thank you. I promise, once I've had some food I plan to return the favor."

He waggled his eyebrows. "Can't wait."

She teased him by opening one additional button exposing just a bit more skin as she calmly pulled apart her grilled cheese. He sat across from her silently grinning and watching her as he sipped on a glass of juice. She'd look up from time to time, careful to hide her smile knowing she was secretly driving him crazy.

She sat the plate in front of him at the table and grabbed the chair opposite of him. She sat comfortably in her seat once again popping a button for him. He groaned as she shifted exposing a bit more skin. She looked up through her lashes to see if he'd been affected and couldn't help but feel his hungry gaze over her skin. She placed the remaining crust from her sandwich on her plate and stretched her arms over her head bringing up the shirt even higher. "I feel like I could use a shower." She cocked her eyebrow and watched him bite his lip. "Care to join me?"

He pushed aside the table and pulled her from her chair. "I thought you'd never ask."

She leaned up sliding her lips slowly across his. He took that opportunity to slide his hand down to pop the last of the remaining buttons. The bare skin on his chest was cool against her warm breasts. She moaned against his lips driving him wild. She pulled back, cocking her eyebrow and pulling him by the waistband of his pants towards the bathroom.

-/-

He walked around the bedroom looking for clean clothes when he remembered his bags by the door. He tightened the towel at his waist before walking down the hall. The sound of the hairdryer in the bathroom let him know Emma was doing her beauty routine, which meant they would be heading out in town.

As he went to grab his bag he noticed several missed calls appeared on his phone along with one voice mail message. He picked it up to review them. "Hmm, Mrs. Nolan." He whispered to himself.

He clicked on the voicemail button and reviewed the message.

"Hi Killian, I need your help. Emma's father has been admitted into the hospital. He collapsed this afternoon and they are running tests. He's conscience but they don't know what's wrong yet. Please break this news gently to Emma and let her know I'm with him. I expect she will want to come home and I'm worried about her driving. I'll try and call again when I have more information."

His face fell just as Emma walked into the room. She approached him cautiously. "Is everything alright? You seem like you just got bad news." He put down his phone and grasped her shoulders as he looked into her eyes." Emma that was your mother who called. She wanted me to let you know that your father is in the hospital."

"What, what happened? Is he Ok?" She exclaimed.

He carefully caressed her shoulders. "He collapsed, but he's ok. They don't know what caused it and they are running tests. Your mother said she would call when she had more information."

"I need to get home!"

She tried to pull away and he held her firm. "Please Love, Listen. I'm going to drive you. Just gather some things and we'll leave right away."

She took a deep breath and stopped to look at him, tears in her eyes. "Ok, let's hurry."

-/-

She was quiet the whole ride home as she continued to look at her phone and fidgeted in her seat. She'd tried reaching her mother several times but her phone kept going straight to voicemail. He tried to keep her calm by caressing her hand and giving it little kisses when he could. She was tearful and nervous. He wanted nothing more than to hold her and make her feel ok.

When they arrived at the hospital she jumped from the car and ran into the great glass doors of the Emergency Room. He quickly followed behind her as she was directed towards the patient rooms at the far end of the hall.

He was ten seconds behind her and when he caught up she was staring through the window of her father's patient room holding her breath. She turned to face him when he placed his hand on her shoulder. With tears in her eyes she looked up at him wistfully. "I can't go in there."

He nodded his head lightly. "He's alright. Your mother said so. He's just sleeping."

"He's my dad. He's not supposed to be like this. He's strong and protects me. He looks so weak." She sniffed.

He peered over her shoulder into the window. Her mother was sitting by her father's bedside with her head on his chest and his hand in hers. He appeared to be sleeping comfortably. He leaned in close and carefully held her in his arms until she relaxed against him. "Love, we can go in whenever you are ready. I'm sure your mother would like to know you've made it safely though." He felt her nod against him. "OK."

The choice was made for them though when the nurse came to check in on her father. As soon as the door opened her mother perked up and noticed their presence. "Emma, Killian, you've made it." She whispered.

Emma rushed in and hugged her mother as she stood. "Mom, is he really ok."

"He's fine. He's strong as ever. Sleeping now but he is fine."

He watched the tearful women in front of him feeling a bit helpless. "Mrs. Nolan is there anything I can do?"
Snow looked over still holding onto her daughter tightly. "Thank you. You've already done so much just by bringing my daughter home safely."

"I'm happy to do whatever you need. Please don't hesitate to ask."

"Let the boy help." Said a scraggly voice coming from behind them.

Emma turned quickly. "Daddy, you're awake."

Killian let out a sigh of relief.

"Nice to see you Honey."

She leaned over and hugged her father gently. "I was so worried."

"I'll be ok. Your mother is going to put me on a strict diet now." He grumbled.

"You're damn right I am. Scaring me like this, no sir. You will do whatever the Doctor tells you to do!"

He smiled with softness in his face." See what I mean Honey. You're going to have to sneak me the good stuff."

Emma laughed through her tear-filled eyes. "We'll see Daddy."

"Killian, Thanks for bringing my little girl home."

"Of course Sir, anything I can do to help."

"Ok, now you three are going to have to clear out of here while I do my job." Said the grumpy nurse.

Snow grumbled, leaned over and kissed Charming on the forehead. "I'll be right back."

He grabbed her hand and kissed it lightly. "I'm not going anywhere dear."

Emma knew that meant more than just that moment as she knew her father was trying to comfort her mother in any way he could. She grabbed Killian's hand as they left the room and closed the door behind them.

"Mom, is he really alright? He looks so tired."

"Yes, the doctor will be in soon to review everything. So far he is doing alright."

"How are you Mom? Have you eaten? Do you need a shower?" she asked.

"I don't want to leave him." Snow whispered.

Emma hugged her mother tight. "I'm here now too Mom. If you need a break please take it."

As he watched the two women comforting each other he couldn't help but remember a sad time for his own family. "Why don't I go get you both something to eat?" asked Killian.

"That would be so nice of you Killian." Said Snow.

Emma walked towards him and hugged him tight. "Thank you. I love you for taking such good care of me."

He caressed her back and whispered. "Of course Love, I'd do anything for you. I'll go quickly and be back before you know it."

She looked at him staring into his eyes."Ok, please don't go too far."

He felt her reluctance to let him go. He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I'll be right back."

She nodded. The door popped open and the nurse appeared. "You can go in now."

"Is everything alright?" asked Snow.

"He's fine Mrs. Nolan. As well as to be expected." Said the nurse.

Emma looked at him with a small smile on her face. "You'll be right back?"

"Aye, I'll be right back."

She and her mother walked back into the hospital room as he left them. He hadn't been in a hospital since his Mother died. The feeling of losing a parent punched him in the gut. He knew how scared Emma must be having lived this before himself. He only hoped her outcome would be much better than his own.

-/-

He walked into the Snowflake Café immediately catching Elsa's gaze from across the room. He moved forward quickly towards the kitchen.

"Killian, I thought you were with Emma at school?"

He rummaged through the refrigerator grabbing a few items before turning to face her. "Eh, Emma's father had a mild heart attack and is in the hospital."

Elsa gasped. "Oh no, that poor man. Is he alright? Can I do anything?"

"It appears he will be alright, I'm just gathering some food for Emma and Mrs. Nolan at the hospital."

"Let me help you. You look so frazzled. Sit down. I'll make some sandwiches and I have some fresh cookies."

"Are you sure, I can do it?"

She urged him to sit down."It's fine. Please sit."

He felt a bit relieved to sit down and let Elsa help him. "Thank you. I'm a bit tired from all the driving today."

"Oh, Killian I can imagine. Not to mention the fact that it can be draining to be the emotional support. Is Emma alright?"

He whisked his fingers across the table in front of him. "She's doing better now that we are here and she's with her parents. I think it was the fear of the unknown that kept her in such a panic. Her mother was in the room with her father and cell phone use is prohibited at the hospital."

"Oh, I see." Said Elsa as she closed the bag of food she'd prepared.

"I'm glad he is ok too. Mr. Nolan is a very nice man and I know how much Emma loves him. I'd hate to see anything bad happen to him."

Elsa grabbed his hand. "Of course Killian. Please be sure to let them know we are thinking about them. We'll help if they need us."

He hugged his sister in law gently not to squeeze the baby. "Thank you. I'll let them know."

"I'll let your brother know what's happened when he returns. Call us ok?"

"I will. Thank you again."

"Of course." She said smiling.

He quickly left the café almost bumping into Walter. "Sorry about that mate."

"It's ok Killian. Is everything alright?" asked Walter.

He looked to the dark café across the street and took a breath. "I'm headed over to the hospital to deliver this food to Emma and her mother."

"I heard about it this afternoon. Is he alright? Do they need anything?"

"He seems ok, they are still doing tests but doesn't appear to be critical."

"That's good news. Let them know I'm here to help if they need me. Why don't we reschedule our meeting for next week? I'm sure they are going to need you."

"Thanks Walter. I appreciate it. I'll let them know and yes, I'll call you to reschedule."

Walter clapped him on the shoulder." Great, I'll see you soon."

He nodded and quickly moved towards his car. He just wanted to get back to Emma. He was her rock and he knew she'd need him.

-/-

When they got back into the room her father was resting with his eyes closed. She carefully pulled a chair over next to the one her mother was sitting in. She looked over to her mother whose eyes were carefully trained on the man in front of her.

"Mom." She whispered.

"Yes, Emma sorry I was lost in thought."

"He's going to be alright. I know he will. You heard him joking when I got here."

Her mother smiled and nodded softly." I'm hopeful but of course I'd like the confirmation from the doctors."

She grabbed her mother's hand and squeezed. "Ok. I have a good feeling."

"What's this all about?" grumbled her father.

"Charming, don't try to talk. Just rest ok?"

"I just don't want to see my girls looking so blue. I'll be fine. I'm tough."

Her mother huffed and she smiled.

"Daddy, you scared me."

His face softened. "I'll be ok, it was probably nothing."

"Charming, it's not nothing. You collapsed in front of me." Said her mother.

"Honey, I know you were scared but I'm going to be ok." He said softly.

Emma rubbed her hand over her mother's back to try to soothe her. "I'm sure you will be fine Daddy but you scared us so we are going to take this seriously."

The door flew open and a man with white blonde hair walked in. He seemed familiar but she didn't know his name. "Hello."

"Hello, I'm Dr. Whale. How's the patient feeling?" he asked grinning.

"Doc, I'm feeling better. Please tell my wife and daughter I'm fine."

"Mr. Nolan, Your vital signs have improved but you did in fact have a mild heart attack. We are going to do further tests and you will need to take it easy for a while."

"How long's awhile Doc?"

She felt a lump form in her throat as she watched the exchange between her father and the doctor. Her mother sat silent with her hand covering her mouth as if to hold her tongue. She shook her head to try to listen again. "Wait, Doctor did you say heart attack?"

"Yes, he had a heart attack, a mild one but yes one nonetheless."

"Thank you." She whispered as she looked to her mother.

Her mother piped up. "How long will he need to remain her at the hospital?"

"I'd like to keep him for observation overnight and possibly tomorrow night as well. We'll see how it goes."

"Ok, Thank you." Said her mother quietly.

"Mr. Nolan you should get some rest. I've prescribed a mild sedative for you. I'll have the nurse come down to administer it for you."

She looked to the door and saw Killian standing outside. She got up immediately and left the doctor to talk with her parents.

She walked right into his arms. "I'm so glad you're here."

He breathed against her lightly. "I saw the doctor in there so I figured I'd wait."

She snuggled closer to his chest." He had a heart attack. They want to keep him here for observation."

"I'm sorry Love. How bad was it?"

"He said it was mild but they need to run tests on him."

"I'm sure he will be ok. He's a tough one."

She laughed. "That's what he said too but still, Killian it's serious. My Mom is sitting there between pissed off and sad. She's not in a joking mood, that's for sure."

"Ok, no jokes."

She nodded. "I'm sure my Dad would like that but my Mom is on edge. What smells so good?"

"Oh, Elsa packed some fresh cookies in the bag with sandwiches. She said to let you now she's thinking about you and your family. They'll help with whatever you need."

She kissed his cheek. "Thank you. Please let her know how much we appreciate that. I also appreciate that you drove over and back to bring some food."

The door popped open and the doctor appeared. He tilted his pen towards them and smiled as he continued down the hall to the nurses. "That's Dr. Whale. He's looking after my Dad."

"How is he? Looks like a punk rocker."

She laughed. "Yeah, I guess he does. He does seem ok though."

The nurse appeared just as they were about to walk into the room. "I'm going to do some testing and give your father a sedative. Give me about 30 minutes and you can come back." She said.

"Ok, Thank you."

Her mother came out right away. "Killian, you're back."

"I've got plenty of food. Why don't we walk towards the cafeteria to eat since we've got to wait any way."

"That's a good idea. Come on Mom. It's down here." Said Emma taking her mother's hand.

Snow nodded her head. "Ok. Thank you. What smells so good?"

"Elsa packed some cookies." She grabbed Killian's hand as well and he gave it a little squeeze, thankful once more that she had him in her life.