I do not own Once Upon a Time.

Again, Emma is alone with Killian and now she is uncomfortable. Heartbreak stories for the both of them.

Later that week found Emma and Killian once again together outside of the office. Another lead, this one had dealt with the address. According to the Jewel's phone records, someone called the office, well instead of a voice, there was a song.

It had confused everyone, and after Liam's murder made the situation more uncomfortable. But the address was just an abandoned warehouse. Emma had tried to get the information on who owned in. Either it was just a prank or the person was very good at covering their tracks.

Killian followed behind Emma, he wanted to lead but she was detective and he was just… well he didn't know exactly what he was. The helpless man who followed the beautiful detective, hoping to catch the person who ordered his brother's murder.

That pretty much summed it up.

They had been silent for most of the day. It wasn't that they didn't have anything to talk about. Emma was very focused on the case and throwing her off while they were out was the last thing he wanted to do.

Finally, she broke the silence. "Tara told me the story behind her tattoo, what's yours?" Emma asked, curiosity was in her voice.

Killian froze and his breath was caught in his throat. He didn't look at her. "You lived in Storybrooke long enough. You must know the story already." He said quietly.

"Everything I know I hear through the grapevine. I want to know the truth." She stopped walking and stood in front of him. She had to know before anything even had a chance of happening between them.

Part of him didn't want to go down that road, it still hurt. But on the other hand, there was a story he wanted from her. So he sighed and began the tale.

"I met Milah at a car show in the city, she was bored out of her mind. There was an instant connection. She told me that she hadn't smiled so much in years. One thing led to another and I was head over heels in love. But she was stuck in a loveless marriage. Milah said she would leave her husband to be with me. That was the plan. But my siblings weren't on board. They were willingly to pay Milah two million dollars to stay away from me. That's when I left and joined Milah in Storybrooke."

Emma had heard bits and pieces of that story. Liam and Tara had sunk to bribery? They had two million dollars to throw around? Emma doubted she would see that time of money in ten lifetimes. They really were all about the image.

"We struggled to live in Storybrooke, I was cut off financially from my family. But we were happy and in love. Then she got sick. Well, you know the rest."

Emma's heart dropped. That was terrible. "I'm sorry. I think Liam and Tara were just trying to protect you." She told him. While she never met Liam, Tara didn't seem capable of senseless ruthlessness.

"I see that now."

Silence fell over them again. Killian wanted his tale to sink in before wanting the favor returned. "Swan, I'm taking the ball out of your court."

She was surprised and slightly worried. "What do you want from me?"

Killian reached out and took her left hand. "The story behind this."

Emma almost panicked. She didn't think anyone could see that indent on her ring finger anymore. But apparently Killian could, maybe he was a super hero. She shook her head.

"You owe me a story…"

"I don't owe you anything, Killian." She hated talking about the past, it still hurt.

His hand closed around hers and squeezed, pushing in his own way. And for some unknown reason, she gave in.

"I was eighteen, I meet Walsh on the subway. He was slightly older than me, but as you said, there was an instant connection. He was loaded and got me anything I needed or wanted. He took care of me like no one had ever done in my entire life. He was my first everything. Then a year later, he proposed. I was happy. But we never settled on a date. A year passed, two, three. I didn't care, we were happy. Until that day when I met her. His wife. She found me somehow, slapped me and called me names. I didn't talk to him for days, figuring out what to do. He begged me not to go, that he loved me. But he was married, and had kids. I was not going to ruin a family. I gave everything back, left him and went to Storybrooke. Now I know I can't rely on anyone but myself. Don't trust, don't let people in. It's better to be alone."

A tear rolled down her cheek. Killian reached out to wipe it away. Instinct told her to pull away, don't make a connection. But for once Emma Swan didn't listen to instinct.

And if he went into kiss her, she wouldn't stop him.

"Thank you, for sharing that with me." Killian said quietly.

"Now we are even. Ball is back in my court." Emma said, there was an unexpected harshness in her voice.

What was he supposed to say now? Nothing except: "Swan, I'm sorry."

"I don't need your pity…"

"It's not pity. It's admiration. You overcame heartbreak and now living the way you want to. You are your own savior."

Emma was rendered speechless. No one had ever said that to her. Well, she never opened up this much to anyone is such a long time. She felt safe with him. "Thank you, Killian." She leaned up and this time, did kiss his cheek.

"Missed the target there, love." He commented mischievously.

"Not this time." She grinned. Now all Emma wanted was for the case to close so that Killian wasn't a job anymore.

Bonding time. With this case ever be solved?

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