A/N: Time for chapter 2! I'm so blown away by the response to chapter one and I cannot thank you all enough for all your love for this fic! I hope chapter 2 continues to impress! Thank you thank you to superchocovian who was an AWESOME beta and overwhelmingly patient with this whole process that turned out like 10x what it was intended to be, and also CHECK OUT THIS ART artistic-writer MADE! Brand new art for a brand new chapter and it is AMAZING! I absolutely screeched when I saw it and I am unashamed lol. Last but not least, thank you x100000000 to any person who liked, reblogged, gave kudos, reviewed, or even read a single word of this fic. You guys are the best :D Away we go!

Chapter2

What did one wear when they were potentially making the dumbest decision ever?

Turned out the answer to that question was a pair of skinny jeans, knee high leather boots, a cream colored tank under an unbuttoned red tartan shirt, all topped off by her long golden hair swept up in a ponytail. She almost grabbed her red leather jacket off its hook out of habit and comfort, but it was June and she didn't fancy heat stroke. Simple choice of outfit, but not leading. Not something she would pick for a date. But for a casual business meeting, she was sure it was fine. God, she was putting too much thought into this.

She shouldn't have been surprised that he showed up first. All the thought put into her outfit had her speed walking through the door of the diner just over the hour mark. He sat with his hands clasped in front of him, staring out the window just watching the world walk by, looking almost out of place in the homey diner. He was wearing a muted purple button down shirt under a black leather vest, the shirt unbuttoned far enough to expose his collarbones and the edge of his thick chest hair, and the sleeves rolled up enough to see a few tattoos on his forearms. Silver rings adorned the two middle fingers on his right hand and one on each his thumb, forefinger, and pinky of the left that caught the light as he rolled and flexed his fingers around each other. He paused his fidgeting to take a drink from the mug sitting in front of him, and that's when he caught her eye. His gaze turned from passive to appreciative as he swept over her form and he moved to stand as she walked towards him with a confidence she wasn't sure she felt.

"Swan," he greeted, reaching for her hand with a barely contained grin. She put her hand in his and smiled wryly back at him.

"Jones," she returned lightly and retrieved her hand from the heat of his grasp as quickly as she could without seeming rude. It bothered her how he could make her stomach flip at the slightest touch. She was a 27 year old woman, not a schoolgirl with a crush, for heaven's sake.

"Wasn't sure you were still coming, love," he said with a forced indifference she picked up on immediately. She looked at him curiously and he held her gaze as they both took their seats across from one another. In front of her sat a glass of iced tea and a glass of water with a slice of lemon on the rim.

"I was running a little late. Apparently I forgot to do laundry this week," she lied a little lamely. Killian's eyes sparked at the comment and the corner of his mouth twitched up a bit.

"Dressing to impress, then, Swan? I daresay that little red number you had on last night made quite the impression, love. But I can see myself getting behind the layered look as well." He ran his tongue over his teeth enticingly, quirking one dark brow up his forehead. She rolled her eyes.

"Okay, put it back in your pants, champ. I already told you, I'm not looking for that," she insisted.

"Ah, yes, the mysterious proposition." He chuckled, a deep and warm sound that rumbled up from his chest, and took another drink from the mug in front of him. His eyes never moved from her as he sipped. It was more than a little unnerving.

"Well you don't have to make it sound so sinister," she replied, looking down to the table and realizing the iced tea and water were for her. "Wait, did you order for me?"

"Ah, just the drinks," he said, reaching up to scratch behind his ear in a way that Emma couldn't help but find endearing. "I wasn't sure what you'd like, and I'd ordered a tea for myself, so I got you a couple of options. Though I'm not sure how you Americans can classify that diabetes inducing iced abomination 'tea', but it seems to be popular here."

"Thank you," she murmured with a small, genuine smile, taking a sip of the sweet tea. He nodded in response. "So," she began, scooting the glass back on the tabletop, "I'm sure you may get this a lot, but I'd like to hire you for an event."

"An event," he repeated curiously and Emma nodded.

"My ex boyfriend is getting married. I'd like to hire you to be my date." She couldn't look at him and she took a long drink from her tea.

"You want to hire me to be your date," he parroted again and Emma looked up, annoyed.

"Are you just going to repeat everything I'm saying?" she snapped.

"Sorry, love, sorry. I'm just having a hard time believing you haven't been able to get a date on your own. And it is a little outside the realm of what my usual services cover," he replied, folding his hands around his mug.

"I don't have trouble finding dates," she replied hotly. "I just don't want a real one. I was with Neal for almost a decade and it's only been thirteen months since I split with him, and then there's Henry-" Emma clamped a hand over her mouth, eyes going wide at how easily she revealed the personal details of her predicament.

"Thirteen months, Swan? After a decade? And who's Henry?" Killian's brows had drawn together in angry confusion. Emma shook her head, letting her hand slip away from her face.

"Henry is my son. Our son, I mean. Mine and Neal's. And the only reason I'm even going to this circus. But that's not important. What's important is I would need you for a weekend. The wedding is in three weeks. I can pay you. I've got seventeen hundred dollars saved up. It's yours if you want the job." She fidgeted nervously with a napkin. Something sparkled in Killian's eyes and he reached across the table for her hand, stopping her movements. As he made to speak, though, a hand slammed two menus down on the table.

"Hey, Emma..." Emma's eyes blew comically wide as she looked up with a forced grin at the new presence. Ruby Lucas. Ruby had the important distinction of being Emma's best friend, but right now, she was her worst nightmare. "Who's the stud?" Ruby asked, twirling a strand of her scarlet streaked chestnut hair around a finger. She slid her gaze from Killian to Emma, a large, wolfish smile spreading over her crimson lips and her hazel eyes dancing with amusement.

"Uh..." Emma felt the panic rising in her throat and her mind went blank as she tried desperately to think of something.

"Killian Jones," the man in question answered instead, holding his hand out for Ruby to shake. "Emma's boyfriend."

Emma nearly choked on her own tongue and Ruby's eyes flew back at her so quickly she was surprised they didn't rattle around in her head.

"What the fuck?!" Ruby screeched.

"Ruby Jean! I raised you better than that! We've got customers!" Ruby's grandmother admonished loudly from behind the counter. She looked back at the stern, gray haired woman glaring at her as she wiped her glasses on the apron around her waist before setting them firmly back on her nose.

"I'm sorry about the language, Granny. Did you know that Emma Swan is here with her boyfriend?" she asked, her voice a perfect balance between innocent and tattle-tale. Emma's brow pinched and she gave her friend a look that screamed 'Really?'

"Boyfriend!" Granny nearly shrieked and she bustled her rounded form around the counter.

"Oh, God." Emma let her head fall into her hands and Killian hardly seemed able to contain his glee.

"Girl, I can't believe you didn't tell me you were showing up here with a new boyfriend! And a handsome one, too," she said as she approached the booth.

"This is Killian Jones," Ruby supplied with a smirk and Emma could only peek at the two women through her fingers.

"Enchanted to meet the both of you. Emma's said great things," he said, reaching for Granny's hand. Granny harrumphed as she shook it firmly.

"Well she's never mentioned a boyfriend since that piece of work Neal up and ran off on her," Granny replied, studying Killian like a bug under a microscope as she maintained the handshake. Emma reached for her tea and took a large drink to clear the cotton mouth she'd suddenly developed.

"We've been keeping things quiet. Getting to know one another," he replied smoothly, releasing Granny's hand and taking one of Emma's in its place.

"Well, you just do the opposite of that idiot she had before and I won't have to dust off my crossbow." She raised an eyebrow at him before eyeing their joined hands. Killian visibly swallowed at the threat.

"I assure you, I only have the best of intentions with the Lady Swan." He gave Ruby and Granny both a charming but nervous smile.

"'The Lady Swan', where did you find this guy?!" Ruby hip checked Emma over in her seat and sat down, planting her chin in her hand and gazing at Emma's companion. "It's like he stepped out of a romance novel," she sighed dreamily. Killian winked at Emma, who prayed to whatever God was listening that the earth would open up beneath her and swallow her whole. She wasn't that lucky.

"Whereas that Whale fella stepped off the pages of a horror novel," Granny snorted.

"Victor is a doctor. And he's a really nice guy." Ruby glared, standing back up.

"A nice doctor with a wagging tongue and a horrible haircut."

"Oh my God, he does not have a 'wagging tongue' and his hair is just fine."

"Um, guys? Can we talk about this later?" Emma seemed to find her voice finally, interrupting the squabbling between grandmother and grandchild. Granny looked at Emma, her features softening.

"Of course, dear," she said, patting Emma's cheek. "Anything you kids want, on the house." She nodded and gave Killian one last sharp look before heading back to the counter.

"She didn't have to do that, we'll pay," Emma told Ruby and she cut her off with a pssh.

"If you would have told her you were coming here on a date, she would've shut down the restaurant and decorated. There may have been a parade," she said with a chuckle, digging out her order pad and a pen. "Now, what can I get you lovebirds? Usual, Emma?" Emma nodded and Ruby turned to Killian. "How 'bout you, hot stuff?"

"I'll have whatever Emma's having. I trust her," Killian replied, holding Emma's gaze. Emma felt a flush creep up her neck and she realized Killian was still holding her hand. She extracted it quickly and wiped the sweat from her palm on the crumpled napkin in front of her.

"Aww! Aren't you two the cutest damn thing I've ever seen? I may vomit. Two grilled cheeses and onion rings, coming right up." Ruby winked at them and flounced off to deliver their order to Granny, who was now watching them with an eagle eye from the kitchen window. Emma watched Ruby walk a safe distance away before turning back to Killian, an apology on her lips already.

"So, love, did I pass muster?" Killian asked with a genuine smile and earnest eyes, beating her to the punch. Emma stared at him for a moment in shock before recovering herself.

"I'm sorry about them. Ruby's my best friend and Granny is a little overprotective. You didn't have to do that," she said, the flush on the apples of her cheeks deepening.

"Nonsense," he dismissed with a wave of his hand. "If we're to do this properly, then it makes sense your friends would approve."

"What? Does that mean you'll do it?" Emma couldn't keep the surprise from her voice.

"Aye, love. I'm all in. I daresay this will be most fun I've had on the job with my clothes on," he replied with a cheeky waggle of his eyebrows and Emma narrowed her eyes, one nostril twitching upwards. He leaned forward so only she could hear him. "Though, I wouldn't expect them to stay there, if you were so inclined."

"That is not-" Emma started vehemently, but Killian cut her off with an easy laugh.

"I'm kidding, Swan. Though you do look quite fetching when you're flustered," he said, eyes twinkling over the rim of his mug as he took another drink of his tea.

"Do you ever stop with the flirting?"

"Not usually, no," he quipped and Emma scoffed. "So, tell me about yourself, love."

"Tell you about myself?" she repeated, a bewildered quality to the question.

"Aye, anything you want."

"Anything I want."

"Are you just going to repeat everything I'm saying?" he asked, tossing her earlier words back at her with a playful smirk.

"Why would you want to know about me? You just have to show up in a suit, smile at people, and stand next to me. We're not actually dating," she reminded him.

"A crime in and of itself, to be certain." He grinned. "How long ago did you RSVP to this affair?" Emma cringed at his chosen terminology.

"About a month ago," she told him, tucking an errant blonde tendril behind her ear and ducking her head.

"Alright, then, so you've responded with a plus one a month ago, which means we've supposedly been dating for longer than that if you feel comfortable enough to bring me to your ex husband's wedding. Don't you think I would have learned something about you in that time?" Emma puffed a breath out, looking for a response, but he continued on. "What should I do if asked how we met and I say something completely outside your interests? Or if I'm to get you a drink and I bring you something you'd normally not touch? I'm just trying to keep this believable, darling." His eyebrow arched high on his forehead, punctuating his point.

"He's just my ex boyfriend. We were never married," she corrected bitterly. "And I guess you have a point."

"I'm wondering more and more what you saw in that bloke the more I learn about him," Killian replied, a note of distaste in his tone.

"Who, Neal? You and me both, brother," Ruby said with a snort as she arrived at their table, hands full of food. She set the plates on the table in front of each of them with a clatter. "If you figure it out, let me know. Enjoy your food, you crazy kids. Holler if you need something." She smiled again and set off to check on her other tables.

"Oh my God," Emma muttered as her eyes settled on her plate and the ketchup heart Ruby had doodled on it next to her onion rings, and she flushed again to match the condiment.

"I think she approves, love," Killian said, dragging an onion ring through the identical design on his own plate and popping it into his mouth enthusiastically. Emma rolled her eyes and picked up her sandwich, taking a vicious bite.

They ate in silence for a awhile, long enough for Emma to polish off half her sandwich and all but two of her onion rings. Killian, however, had already cleared his plate and was now trying to sneak one of Emma's remaining onion rings from her plate. She smacked his hand as soon as it came close to touching.

"Ouch, darling," he said, shaking his hand exaggeratedly. "Violence is never the answer."

"Pilfering my onion rings is a capital offense in most cases. You're lucky you got off with a warning," she replied, and holy shit what was this flirtatious tone that had seeped into her voice? She mentally shook it off, even as Killian's eyes seemed to brighten with the change, and popped another ring in her mouth.

"I'll have to remember that," he replied softly, as if a piece to the puzzle that is Emma Swan snapped into place for him.

She chewed thoughtfully for a moment. Maybe she should tell him something about herself. Something more meaningful than 'I like onion rings'. She swallowed and reached for her tea, taking a quick drink to clear her throat, and a generic ringtone sounded from her pocket. She fought back a groan as she freed it from the denim, but her brow furrowed as Neal's name popped up on her caller ID. She mumbled an apology to Killian, before turning slightly away from him and answering.

"Hello?" She ignored Killian as he watched her intently from across the table.

"Hey, Ems. You busy?" Neal's voice was loud. He had to have her on speakerphone wherever he was calling from.

"A little, what's up? Is everything okay? Is Henry okay?" That sudden thought made her heartbeat speed up slightly. She could see Killian lean forward with what looked like concern.

"Oh, no, Henry's fine. He's great. Right, buddy?" Neal replied, switching the direction of his words to their son who must have been listening close by. She breathed out a sigh of relief and Killian visibly relaxed in his seat as well.

"Hi, Mom!" Henry's excited little voice came over the phone, making Emma smile.

"Hey, kid, are you having fun with Dad?" she asked. Her eyes darted back to Killian and she mouthed the word 'sorry' that he waved away with his hand and a smile.

"Yeah! We went to get our suits for the wedding!" he practically yelled.

"I'll bet you look very handsome. I can't wait to see it when you come home," she told him with a smile. Killian was still watching her, a soft look on his face that made Emma's heart beat a little faster.

"Yeah, Ems, about that. I'm gonna have to bring him home a little early. Had some stuff come up. Is that cool?" Neal's voice sounded sheepish and now she knew the reason why she was on speakerphone in front of her son.

"How early? Tomorrow morning?" she asked, trying to keep her voice even.

"Uh, we're actually on our way. Maybe an hour out?" he said and Emma turned completely from Killian in the booth, facing sideways. She could feel his gaze melt back into one of concern.

"Neal!" she hissed. "Take me off speakerphone." She heard rustling and a click.

"Okay, you're off. I'm sorry, Ems." Preemptive strike by Neal. His apology only further incensed her, like it was just his automatic response, not that he was actually sorry. She'd heard that tone a thousand times.

"You dropped him off early last time, too, Neal. And the time before that! He was crushed! He asked me why you didn't want him to stay! I told you this," she growled, trying to keep her voice low.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. I'll make it up to him. Things with the wedding have been crazy and now Tamara's grandmother is flying in tomorrow morning instead of next week because she found a cheaper flight, so it's gonna be hectic and it would just be better if Henry went home,"

"He should feel like he has a home with you, too, Neal. And you didn't give me any kind of warning! What if I was out of town on a case?"

She could feel her anger rising. Suddenly, she felt a hand on hers, unfurling the fingers she had wrapped around a spoon, one she didn't realize she'd been holding, so tightly the metal had left imprints in her skin. She looked at her hand and up to Killian's face. His brow was furrowed as he tried to soothe the marks in her skin by rubbing his thumb over them.

"Jesus, Emma, he does have a home with me. And you always tell me when you're leaving town for a case when I have Henry."

"That's because I never know when you're going to be 'on your way, maybe an hour out'," she retorted, paying no mind to the patterns Killian was massaging into the heel of her hand. "Just forget it, Neal. I'm not fighting with you. I'll see you when you get here. Drive safe." She didn't let him respond before she slammed her thumb into the screen to end the call. A warm thumb slid across her wrist, causing her to look up at Killian.

"I take it you have to run, love?" Killian asked softly. Emma nodded, stuffing her phone in her pocket. She haphazardly piled dishes together on her side of the table, patting herself down to make sure her phone was back in her pocket safely, along with her keys. Killian reached out and stilled her frenzied hands with his own, holding her fingers lightly and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. Emma's eyes widened at the feel of his soft lips and stubble against her skin again, sending the same electric current up her arm as it had the previous night.

"I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to this, Emma Swan." His blue eyes pierced into hers, captivating her for a moment.

This isn't real, her mind hissed at her and she pulled her hand back and huffed a chuckle out.

"Alright, Romeo. I already said I'd pay you. Tone down the theatrics," she replied.

"You know, Swan, most men would take your all business facade as off-putting. Luckily, I love a challenge," he said with an open mouthed grin. Emma rolled her eyes and stood from the booth.

"I'll, uh, call you again to discuss the finer details. Soon," she promised. Killian stood as well, removing his billfold from his back pocket and putting a twenty on the table.

"Oh, no, Granny really meant it was on the house, she'd kill me if we paid-" Emma started.

"A tip then," Killian said, leaving the bill where it lie. "For excellent service. Come, love, I'll walk you out." He put his wallet back and motioned for her to go first.

"You don't need to walk me out, I'm okay," she replied, wanting to put some distance between the two of them. She was already feeling too comfortable around him. He stepped closer to her and slipped his arm around her lower back.

"Yes, but that saves you from having to explain why you didn't kiss your boyfriend goodbye to your friend, and save me from an inquisition where I may say something foolish," he murmured in her ear, simultaneously leaning in close and pressing his hand to the small of her back to urge her to walk with him.

Damn him for always being logical, Emma cursed in her head. Then again, escape artist must be a part of the job description.

She straightened her shoulders and walked out slightly in front of him, shooting an apologetic smile to Ruby over the counter.

"Wait, you're leaving? I didn't even bring you pie!" she protested.

"I know, Ruby, I'm sorry. Neal's dropping Henry back early, but Killian left a tip, though! I'll call you later!" She gave her friend another contrite smile and hurried out the door as she spoke.

Emma took a deep, grounding breath of the fresh outside air. Killian's hand met her back again, making her start.

"I'm sorry, love, didn't mean to give you a fright."

"It's fine, you didn't. I'm down this way," she said, gesturing with her arm and heading in the same direction. It was no surprise to Emma that Killian immediately began following her. She felt her cheeks heat as she made her way to her little yellow bug. As she approached the vehicle, she turned to walk backwards in order to address Killian face to face.

He was much closer than she expected him to be and she took a larger step backwards, continuing to walk until her back hit the driver's door.

"This is me. I'll, uh, call you tomorrow or something with more details," she said, flashing him an uneven smile.

His eyes sparkled and he smirked back, stepping forward and almost crowding her, but still leaving a respectable distance.

"Quite the vessel you captain, Swan," he said. "I'll look forward to your call."

"Uh, yep. So I'm just gonna..." she trailed off pointing over her shoulder at her car. He took another step forward and her breath caught. "What are you doing?" She hated the airiness of her voice.

"Practicing."

Before she could ask him what he meant, his hands came up to cup the sides of her face and his mouth descended on hers. Her eyes flew wide at the action and she was shocked still. His lips were soft, warm, and he didn't just smush them sloppily against hers. No, he moved cautiously, gently, dare she say tenderly, as if he was savoring this, and she felt herself beginning to respond. He pulled back and her eyes fluttered open, though she wasn't sure when they'd closed, or when she'd gripped his elbows. He looked down at her, the barest hint of heat and curiosity in his ocean eyes, his lips only scant inches from her own.

"Thank you for lunch, Swan," he murmured, the soft puff of breath with his words brushing her lips.

"Yeah, sure," she replied dumbly. He seemed pleased with himself and took three steps backwards, hands tracing the edge of her jaw as they returned to his sides. He winked and turned back the way they'd just come and Emma couldn't help but watch him go.

"Ladies, a pleasure," he nodded as he passed the fenced patio area and Emma's eyes snapped to the diner to find Ruby and Granny pretending to clean tables and sweep in the area. Ruby at least had the decency to wait until he passed before turning and fanning herself, mouthing "OH MY GOD CALL ME" to Emma. Granny promptly smacked Ruby with a dish towel and hauled her away by the elbow, giving Emma an approving smile and nod.

Emma rolled her eyes and got into the car (finally) to begin her journey home. She absolutely did not think about that kiss on the drive.

She had been home for maybe half an hour before the door was bursting open and it sounded like a herd of elephants was stampeding into the living room. She made her way from the kitchen and felt Henry collide with her midsection before she could see him.

"Oof! It's good to see you, too, kid," she said and stroked her hand over the top of Henry's messy brown hair, a small content smile creeping over her lips. Her son's small arms wrapped around her waist felt like a long lost puzzle piece snapping back into place.

A short sharp knock sounded and Neal's sheepish face came into view as he walked through the still open door. His slightly curly brown hair looked like he'd been running his fingers through it and the lighter brown goatee he sported made him look like a college stoner, despite the small patch of gray that had worked its way into it. His face still had that same charming, boyish quality he'd had when they first met. She once would have found it endearing, but now it just reminded her of his immaturity.

"Hey. I left Henry's bag in the entryway. Suit bag, too." he said, rubbing at his arm. Emma gave him a look.

"It's so cool!" Henry piped up as he stepped away from his mother. Emma smiled affectionately at her son.

"Why don't you say goodbye to your dad and go put your stuff away? I'll come in and look at your suit in a minute, 'kay?" she said encouragingly.

"Okay! Bye dad!" Henry shouted, giving Neal a two second hug that he barely had time to return and racing out of the room.

"Bye... buddy..." Neal said almost sadly after him before turning his attention back to Emma. "I really am sorry about this Ems." Preemptive strike number two.

"It's not me you should apologize to, Neal. I'm not the one inconvenienced by our son," she retorted, turning back towards the door.

"C'mon Emma, don't be like that. I just don't want him to feel neglected. With the wedding getting closer, things are just getting hectic. You know how it is," he said as he followed her. Emma spun on her heel at that, jade eyes blazing, and Neal stopped short and swallowed hard.

"No, Neal, I don't know how it is," she growled pointedly. He at least had the decency to look chastened.

"You know I didn't mean it like that," he said softly, looking at his feet. Emma huffed and walked over to the door.

"It doesn't matter, Neal. This isn't about me. Life keeps happening when you're a parent and your kid is a part of that life. You have to figure out how to be a parent and live your life. Not just when it's convenient for you." She pulled open the door motioning for him to leave. Neal sighed heavily.

"I just could never do anything right with you, could I?" he replied, a bitter tone to his voice.

"Just worry about doing right by your son. Anything else? You have a long drive back." Emma tapped her foot impatiently. Neal started to walk through the open door, then paused.

"Actually, yeah. I noticed you RSVP'd with a plus one," he said. Emma arched an eyebrow at that.

"So? You sent me an invitation with a plus one option," she pointed out.

"So am I going to have to worry about David punching me at my wedding?" His voice was exasperated and Emma slipped on a sly smile.

"I wouldn't bring David specifically for that reason," she replied and Neal relaxed before looking at her curiously, turning to face her as he stepped into the communal hallway.

"Well, then, who are you bringing?"

"I don't think that's any of your business."

"Well, it's kind of my business who you'll have at my wedding." He had a point, the bastard.

"I'm bringing this guy I've been seeing," she said, shrugging. She hoped she looked cool on the outside because on the inside she was Freaking Out (capital F, capital O). Neal looked so surprised, she doubted he would have noticed if she didn't give off her intended nonchalance.

"You're seeing someone? Since when? Why didn't you say something?" His rapid fire questions made Emma feel deliciously smug.

"It's been awhile now. I don't have to clear my love life with you anymore, Neal," she retorted. His brow furrowed.

"I should have the right to know who you're bringing around my son," he argued and that did it for Emma's temper.

"Are you fucking kidding me, Neal? You had a full blown affair behind my back, you didn't ask me once how I felt about you introducing her to our son, and Killian hasn't even met Henry yet! How dare you question my love life like it is even remotely your business when your love life is the reason it isn't? And don't you ever act like I'd put my son in any kind of danger, like the company I keep is so shady that you'd need to check up on it. How fucking dare you?" she nearly shouted. A door slammed somewhere down the hall and Emma's face colored as she realized she was fighting with her ex in plain view of all her neighbors.

"You're right, I'm sorry," Neal said quietly and Emma rolled her eyes, hiccuping in a breath. She would not cry in front of him.

"Stop apologizing, Neal. You should go." She couldn't even look at him, she was so mad. Tears burned at her eyes and throat and it only made her angrier.

"Okay, Ems. I hope this Killian guy is treating you right," he said.

Emma slammed the door in his face.

She turned around and leaned heavily against it, burying her face in her hands and fighting back the angry, shameful tears. Because, while what she had said to Neal was mostly the truth, the situation was nowhere near ideal. His words hurt her in more ways than one. Honestly, what kind of person was she for even entertaining the idea of bringing a male escort around her son? And just to spite her ex. This was an absolute mess.

"Mom?"

Emma's head popped up at Henry's voice and she gave him a too bright smile to compensate for her actual state.

"Hey, kid. Did you get your stuff put up?" She sniffed and tried to wipe her face discreetly. He nodded.

"Did Dad make you cry?" Henry asked and Emma felt like the biggest piece of trash on the planet. She shook her head no, probably too vehemently.

"No, I'm okay, Henry," she said, moving towards him and putting an arm around his shoulders. She steered him towards his room, hoping to distract him.

"I heard you fighting," Henry said matter-of-factly, making Emma wince. "I don't like it when he makes you cry."

"I'm really okay, Henry. Can I see your new suit?" She redirected him as they walked into his room. He grinned up at her, a gap toothed smile due to the tooth he'd lost a week and a half ago, then ran over to where the suit was laying in its garment bag on his bed.

They looked at his suit together and Henry told her about his visit with his dad. Apparently Neal had taken him to the aquarium and Central Park, and he, quote, "ate so much ice cream he thought he was gonna puke".

"We were supposed to get pizza tonight, but I had to come home," he said, his voice dropping a little. Emma felt her anger with Neal flare again in her belly, but she quickly tamped it down.

"Well, we can still have pizza for dinner, if you want," she offered. Henry fist pumped the air with a loud "yes!" before running off to get the menu for their favorite place from the drawer where it was kept in the kitchen.

The incident with Neal was all but forgotten.