Hello everyone! It's been over a week since I updated, but I had another serious case of Writer's Block this past wee, but this chapter is pretty long, so hopefully that makes up for it. As always, feel free to ask any questions via reviews or PM or on tumblr at captainswanapproved.

I hope you enjoy this chapter. Reviews are magical.

Chapter 5

"Okay, we need to lay down some ground rules if this is going to work," said Emma, who was sitting at the kitchen table.

Killian set down a cup of coffee in front of her and then took a sip from his own, plopping down across from her. "I'm all ears, Swan."

"Nothing can happen between us. You're still my kid's teacher."

"Love, it's a little too late for that," Killian replied with a grin.

"Right, well nothing more can happen," Emma amended, her cheeks coloring slightly. "Also you're going to knock before you enter the apartment. Just in case."

"Are you in the habit of lounging around in your underwear?" Killian drawled.

"You'll never know because you're always going to knock," Emma huffed, staring him down.

"Fair enough," Killian tilted his head and cocked one eyebrow. "Anything else?"

Emma pursed her lips and eyed him for a few moments before she said. "I'm allowed to set more ground rules at any time."

Killian looked at her for a long while, his lips turning upwards before he offered her his hand. She hesitated before taking it. "We have an accord, Swan. Now how about I show you around?"

Emma grabbed her mug and stood up. "Sure."

"It's nothing much. Of course we have the kitchen," Killian said, gesturing to his right, "and the main living and dining area. My bedroom is over there."

Emma glanced over to where Killian was pointing, seeing a bedroom just past the kitchen. It was completely visible from the rest of the loft and Emma's cheeks heated up at what that might mean for her.

Killian grinned, guessing what she was thinking. "Don't worry, Swan. Now that I have a beautiful roommate, I'll actually use the curtain. Unless of course you find that you like the view."

Emma resisted the urge to smack him and just rolled her eyes.

"The bathroom is over there," he continued, gesturing down a short hallway on the other side of the main room. "And of course your bedroom is up the stairs. There will be a whole floor between us, so that should afford you some privacy."

"Thank you," Emma said softly, unsure of what else you could say to a man who had just offered you his home. Especially since they'd only known each other for a week.

"My stuff should get here in the next couple of days," she offered, after a few moments of tense silence.

"Good. Until then, feel free to borrow one of my shirts. I'm sure they would look great on you," he said with a cheeky smirk.

Emma rolled her eyes once again and sighed. "Do you ever stop flirting?"

"With you? Not unless you ask me to," Killian replied, shuffling a little closer.

Emma's gaze flickered down to his lips, remembering how they'd felt against her own, and for a moment she wanted to completely disregard the first ground rule she had set. Shaking her head, Emma groaned inwardly about her own thoughts. She couldn't do that. Things with Killian were already complicated enough. He was her kid's teacher after all, and maybe even a father figure to him. She didn't want to mess that up.

"Well, I don't want to keep you up," Emma said, interrupting the silence.

Killian nodded and backed away. "Goodnight Swan. I'll likely be gone before you wake up, and I haven't gotten groceries in a couple of days but you're welcome to anything I do have."

Emma smiled and nodded, saying softly. "Thank you Killian."

He stared at her for a moment, and Emma realized this was the first time that she actually used his first name and she immediately averted her gaze and murmured. "Well, calling my roommate, Mr. Jones is a bit too formal, don't you think?"

Killian chuckled and took her hand, squeezing it lightly. It was a casual and affectionate gesture, and for some reason Emma's heart started to flutter.

"Goodnight," she said hastily, setting down her mug, grabbing her purse, and retreating up the stairs.

Killian watched her walk away, his lips curving into a smile. Living with Emma Swan was certainly never going to be dull.

A silver hook.

Blood. So much blood.

Killian stared down at what he thought was his left hand. But all he saw was a bleeding stump.

"Captain!" shouted a voice as Killian sunk to his knees, his head smacking against the wood. He had no idea where he was.

All he could hear was frantic shouting. All he could feel was searing pain. It all became too much, and he slipped into darkness.

Killian's eyes snapped open and he found himself back in his own bed. His head was pounding, a sheen of sweat clung to his forehead and he wiped his brow with his left hand, his fingers shaking as he tried to forget the image of the horrid bleeding stump from his nightmare.

Killian rarely remembered his dreams. Usually he slept like the dead, and he couldn't help but wonder what had brought this on.

Getting out of bed, he padded over to the kitchen and searched for some Aspirin, downing a glass of ice water before he glanced at the clock. It was four in the morning.

Well, tomorrow would be a rough day.

Killian's cupboards were practically bare. Granny's it was then. Emma went up to her room, realizing as she rummaged through her bag that she needed to do laundry. Letting out a sigh, she slumped down on her bed, rubbing a hand over her eyes. She suspected Killian would never let her live it down if she actually borrowed one of his shirts, so she just pulled on her last white tank top and threw on her red leather jacket. Hopefully her stuff would actually get here today.

She was about to leave the apartment when she realized that she didn't actually have a key and she let out a frustrated groan. There were always drawbacks to spur-of-the-moment decisions.

As if by magic though she spotted a note lying on the table and a smile curled up her lips at the hastily scribbled note, telling her where the spare key was. No one had ever been that considerate. Slipping the note into her pocket, she removed the spare key from its hiding place and headed towards Granny's.

When she was nearly there the short blare of the siren pierced the quiet Storybrooke morning and Emma turned only to see Graham getting out of the squad car.

"What's with the siren," Emma asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"It's so hard to get your attention," Graham replied.

"Well, you got it. Are you arresting me again?" She wouldn't put it past Regina to make up some flimsy excuse to have her arrested.

"I'm thanking you," Graham told her quietly. "For helping to find Mr. Nolan. We all owe you a debt of gratitude."

Emma smiled. "Well, what do I get? A key to the city? Or maybe a parade?"

"How about a job? I could use a deputy and you've seen the behind the scenes work."

"Thank you, but I have a job."

"As a bail bond person? I'm sorry, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of that going on around here."

"Well, the police force doesn't seem very active either," Emma shot back.

"Well, this will give you a chance to see it up close," Graham countered. "There's dental, too."

Emma shrugged as he handed her his card. "Why don't you think about it?"

Emma sipped her cocoa as she read the morning paper, and was surprised when Regina sat down across from her.

"What can I do for you, Madame Mayor?"

"I've just heard an interesting piece of news," Regina said carefully,

"And?"

"It concerns you. I hear you finally found a place in town. I was surprised to discover that, considering your track record."

Emma blinked, wondering where Regina was going with this. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"It all comes down to the number seven. You see, I did a little digging into who you are and what I found was quite soothing. You've lived in seven different places in the last decade. Your longest stint was two years. Would you care to tell me what was so great about Tallahassee?"

Emma frowned, dodging the question. "Well, like you said, I found a place here in town. I'm not going anywhere."

"Ah yes. You're living with Mr. Jones. How long is your lease? Oh wait, you don't have one." Regina spoke firmly. "And that's why I am no longer worried. You'll run away from here just like you ran away from all the other places. The only thing that is keeping you here is an illicit affair with my son's teacher."

Emma's expression soured and she said defensively. "It's not like that."

"I have little interest in your love life, Miss Swan. I assume that your track record with men is similar to your lifestyle. You go from one man to another, never staying longer than you need to, afraid that no one will actually want you. All I ask is that you keep your dirty little secret from my son. You have to think of what is best for him. Perhaps you should just consider a clean break. With Mr. Jones, with this town, and most importantly with my son. It's going to happen anyway, and we both know it."

"You don't know me," Emma growled, her eyes narrowing.

"Ah, but I do. You see, Miss Swan, people don't really change. They just fool themselves into thinking that they can. In order for something to grow and flourish, it needs roots, and there is nothing in town to keep you here for long." Regina flashed her a cruel smile before she pushed herself up and left the diner.

Emma debated whether or not it was wise to follow her for about three seconds before she got up, spilling her cocoa on herself in the process.

"Damn it," she murmured. "Hey, Ruby, do you have a laundry room I can use?"

Ruby nodded. "Follow me," she said as she flounced away.

Emma stripped off her tank top and tossed it into the washing machine, yanking a shirt off the clothesline hanging in the room, shrugging into it, hoping desperately that her things would arrive today.

Next to her a young woman whimpered as she removed sheets from the dryer.

"Are you okay," Emma asked the girl as she buttoned up her shirt.

"They're pink," the girl replied sadly, tossing the sheets aside to reveal that she was nine months pregnant.

"Oh," Emma said, casting a glance at the girl's stomach. She must be no older than eighteen or nineteen and Emma felt a wave of sympathy for the girl, having been in a similar position herself. But at least Storybrooke wasn't prison.

"Last night I felt contractions. The doctor said the baby could come any day," the girl sniffed, wiping her eyes.

"That's great," Emma averted her gaze, turning away slightly. She wasn't great at the whole comforting thing.

"It's just that, when the baby comes, no one thinks that I can do this. No one thinks I can do anything. Maybe they're right."

"Screw them," Emma said, turning back and looking the girl straight in the eye. She remembered having those same thoughts plaguing her.

The girl blinked. "What?"

"Screw them," Emma repeated. "How old are you?"

"Nineteen."

"I was eighteen. I know what it's like. Everyone loves to tell you what you can and can't do, especially with a kid. But ultimately whatever you are considering doing or giving up, it's your choice."

"It's not that simple," the girl conceded.

"It never is," Emma said firmly. "People are going to tell you who you are your whole life. You just gotta punch back and say 'No, this is who I am.' You want people to look at you differently? Make them. You want to change things, you're going to have to go out there and change them yourself because there are no fairy godmothers in this world."

"Thank you," the girl replied, looking resolute. "I have something I need to do."

"All right class, take out your books. We'll do a half hour of silent reading before lunch," Killian told the class, moving to sit behind his desk. His head was still throbbing, and he massaged his temples as his class began to read.

He needed the quiet. After his nightmare he hadn't been able to get back to sleep. He'd just laid there in his bed, trying his best to think about what had brought on such horrid visions. The worst part was that they had seemed so real. As if they were memories. But that was impossible.

If the curse was real, Killian could think of nothing that would have suddenly triggered his memories after all these years. And it wasn't as if he could search Henry's book for answers. He wasn't in it.

Killian tried his best to get some grading done but before he knew it the bell rang and he dismissed his class for lunch. Part of him hoped that Henry wouldn't stay in the classroom for this lunch period. The boy had been looking at him with a curious expression all morning.

"Mr. Jones?" a familiar voice inquired, "What's wrong?" Henry Mills was far too perceptive.

Killian groaned inwardly, cursing the fact that Henry Mills was far too perceptive but when he looked up at the boy, he saw worry in his features and he told him quietly. "Nothing, lad. I just didn't get much sleep last night."

"You're lying," Henry said simply. If anyone else had said that it would have been downright disrespectful.

"You appear to take after your mother," Killian sighed.

"The superpower has to be hereditary," Henry replied, pulling up a chair to the desk. "Maybe I can help?"

"I don't think so, Henry," Killian uttered slowly. "It's confusing."

"Is it about your memories? Are you starting to remember who you were back in the Enchanted Forest?" Henry asked, trying to keep his excitement at bay but Killian remained silent, and Henry nodded in understanding. "So, what did you see?"

"Lad, I don't think now's the time," Killian explained, trying to get him to change the subject.

"This could be important," Henry insisted. "If you're starting to remember, we have to figure out why. What's changed?"

"Nothing that I can think of," Killian admitted, furrowing his brows as he remembered asking Emma to move in with him a couple nights before and he lifted his hand, scratching behind his ear, feeling slightly uncomfortable to tell Henry about Emma's changed living arrangements, not to mention the kiss they'd shared. He shouldn't be the one telling Henry about all that. Especially since Emma had been so adamant about it being a one-time thing.

Henry tapped his fingers against the desk impatiently. "You know I'm going to find out. Either you or Emma is going to crack."

"I think that you should speak with your mother first, lad. You and I can talk later. Now, forgive me Henry, but I am quite behind on some grading."

"Fine," Henry conceded, recognizing when he was being brushed off. However, something had changed. If Killian was suddenly remembering glimpses of his past it meant that the curse was weakening.

Mary Margaret stood behind the counter of Mr. Gold's shop since he had expressed the importance of her anticipating her new cursed persona for the time being.

Mr. Gold certainly was an avid collector. It was only her first day working in the shop, but already she recognized a few items from her old life, including the unicorns that had hung above what would have been Emma's crib. Her heart clenched at the sight of them and she decided she would speak to Gold about purchasing them when she got the chance.

The bell rang and a young girl stepped in. Mary Margaret recognized her friend Ella immediately.

"May I help you?" she asked.

"Is Mr. Gold here? My name is Ashley."

"No, he stepped out for a bit," Mary Margaret responded. "He should be back in an hour or so. Perhaps you could come back later?"

"No," Ashley said determined, shaking her head. "The item I need to buy is pretty important, but I'm not sure where he is keeping it."

"I would be happy to find it for you," Mary Margaret offered. "I wouldn't want you to strain yourself in your condition."

Ashley smiled and questioned, "Do you have children?"

"I—" Mary Margaret trailed off, not sure how to voice the complicated situation she was in without telling the truth, finally settling on a half-truth. "Yes, but I haven't seen my daughter in many, many years."

"I'm sorry," Ashley said.

Mary Margaret shook her head. "It's fine. Now what was it you were looking for?"

"A pair of glass slippers."

Mary Margaret smiled. How fitting. "Well, Mr. Gold keeps the more valuable glassware in the back room. I will go check for you. Wait here."

When Mary Margaret was gone, Ashley crept behind the counter and pushed aside a picture frame to reveal a safe. She fiddled with the knobs until she heard a clicking sound and opening the door, she revealed a packet of legal documents and she rifled through them until she found her quarry. Slipping the paper into the pocket of her apron, she closed the safe, replaced the picture frame and hurried out of the shop.

Mary Margaret returned a moment later, furrowing her brows as she found the store empty.

"Ashley," she called, scanning the cluttered shop. Something was wrong. She noticed that one of the picture frames was askew, the one that hid the safe. Of course, Mary Margaret had no idea what was in the safe, so if Ashley had stolen something, then only Mr. Gold would know what it was. What she did know was that Mr. Gold certainly wouldn't be happy when he returned.

"Ella, what have you done?" Mary Margaret whispered.

When Regina came to pick up Henry after school, she discovered that he wasn't waiting for her as per usual. Regina huffed in exasperation as she headed for Henry's classroom, only to find Henry speaking with Mr. Jones in a low voice.

She cleared her throat. "Henry, you were supposed to meet me outside. It's time to go. I have a council meeting to get ready for."

"Right. Sorry, Mom," Henry said quickly and jumped up from his chair. "Goodbye, Mr. Jones."

"Have a good afternoon, lad," Killian answered with a wave.

Regina's eyes narrowed as she glanced at her son's teacher. Killian Jones was becoming more of a thorn in her side by the day. She hadn't meant to take him. He was nothing but a pirate after all and of little use to her. Still, for some reason Henry was very fond of him. It didn't sit well with her. However, she couldn't dwell on the insufferable man at the moment. She grabbed Henry's hand and practically dragged him out of the room.

"What were you two talking about?" Regina asked.

"Today's lesson," Henry replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Regina sighed and shook her head slightly. She obviously needed to deal with Henry, using a firmer hand from now on.

"You know I'm not fond of these last minute council meetings," Regina said as she finished lining her lips. "But sometimes they are just unavoidable. You know the rules?"

"Yes on homework, no on television, and stay inside," Henry listed the rules from his place at the kitchen table.

"Good boy," Regina spoke, coming over to him. "Under no circumstances will you leave this house or there will be consequences."

"You mean don't see my mom," Henry sighed.

"She's not your mother. She's just a woman passing through. I'll be back at seven sharp."

As soon as the coast was clear, Henry grabbed his backpack and left the house to go find Emma.

"Mary Margaret, it would appear you have something to tell me," Mr. Gold said, stepping into his shop.

"Well, Ella came into the shop earlier. She said she wanted to buy a pair of glass slippers that you had."

"Ella goes by Ashley Boyd in Storybrooke and I am no longer in possession of her glass slippers."

"I know that now," Mary Margaret told him. "I went into the back room to try and find them for her but when I returned she was gone. I think she might have taken something from your safe but there was no way to be sure."

Gold studied Mary Margaret and took note of the glimmer of fear in her eyes. "Well, I suppose it was not your fault," Gold said as he went to check the safe. Just as he surmised his contract was gone. "But I will need my property back."

"If you don't mind me asking, what did she take," Mary Margaret inquired.

"Something of great value. I'll need to find her."

"How?"

"Well, your daughter has a penchant for finding people. Close the shop and go home, dearie."

Mary Margaret nodded, resenting the fact that Mr. Gold would get to see her daughter while she sat alone in her apartment.

Killian left the school earlier than he usually did. After his sleepless night he simply wanted a couple of extra hours to rest. He arrived at the apartment only to see Emma sorting through six or seven boxes.

"Good afternoon, Swan," he said. "I see some of your things have arrived."

Emma looked up at him and said. "This is all of it."

"Really?" Killian asked, "There's not much of it."

"I'm not sentimental," Emma replied, shrugging her shoulders.

"It must make moving a lot easier," Killian spoke casually.

"I've done a lot of moving around."

"Well, perhaps you've finally found someone who will make you stay," he said, looking directly back at her, adding softly. "Henry."

A sharp knocking broke the tense silence and Killian went to answer the door, frowning when he saw that the visitor was Mr. Gold.

"Mr. Gold," Killian nodded sharply.

"Mr. Jones," Gold replied tersely. "Is Miss Swan here?"

Emma came up beside Killian. "Miss Swan, my name is Mr. Gold. We've met briefly on a couple of occasions."

"I remember."

"I have a proposition for you," he said. "I need your help. I'm looking for someone."

Her gaze flickered to Killian as she could feel the tension between the two of them, the same tension she had felt at the Police Station. Again, she wondered about the cause. Clearly though, Gold wasn't going to say much more in front of Killian.

Killian glanced at her, and then back at Mr. Gold, realizing that he wouldn't say more as long as he was there.

"I was just going to take a nap," Killian said, leaning towards Emma and whispering into her ear, "Be careful, Emma."

Killian walked towards his bedroom and drew the thick curtain, disappearing behind it.

"The two of you seem rather cozy," Gold said as he stepped into the loft.

"He's been very kind to me," Emma retorted.

"Well, I have a photo of the person I need you to find," Mr. Gold elaborated, handing her the picture and changing the subject.

Emma recognized the young woman from the laundry room earlier that day.

"Her name is Ashley Boyd, and she's taken something quite valuable of mine," Mr. Gold explained, speaking lowly.

"Why don't you just call the police?" Emma questioned..

"Well, she's a confused young woman. Alone, pregnant and scared. I don't want to ruin this young girl's life but I do need my property returned."

"And what is it?"

"Well, one of the advantages of you not being the police is discretion. Let's just say it is a precious object and leave it at that."

Emma tried to ignore the uneasy feeling in her gut but Mr. Gold was right about one thing. If the police got involved Ashley would be in far more trouble than was necessary.

"Okay. I'll help." Emma relented. "When did you see her last?"

"She came into my shop while I was out. Ms. Blanchard was attempting to assist her but Miss Boyd sent her looking in the back room for an object not in my possession. Then she broke into my safe and slipped away. "

"And you've got no other information for me?"

"Actually, yes. You see. I received a call from the father of Miss Boyd's ex. Apparently she went to see him before she left. The young man's name is Sean Herman and he lives with his father. He wouldn't tell his father anything else about Miss Boyd's visit. But perhaps someone looking out for her best interests would be able to get through to him."

"Okay, I'll start there and I'll let you know as soon as I find her."

"Grand," Mr. Gold replied, handing her a card, tipping his head slightly before leaving the loft.

Emma felt instantly relieved once he was gone. There was something seriously odd about that man. He might seem perfectly unassuming but Emma couldn't shake the feeling that he knew everything about this town and its citizens.

Killian emerged from his room, eying her warily for a few moments before he spoke. "Emma, I don't think it's wise to get involved with Mr. Gold."

Emma could see the worry in his features and part of it, she suspected, wasn't unfounded but she still was in charge of her own life.

"I can take care of myself, Killian," Emma responded sharply..

"I have no doubt of that but—"

Emma held out a hand to stop him. "Look, I met the woman he was trying to find. She could be in real trouble and I don't want anything worse to happen to her. I can do this."

Killian nodded, realizing that Emma Swan certainly was a stubborn lass.

"Okay, but Emma, promise me you'll be careful." His blue eyes were imploring her and Emma's heart clenched. It wasn't often that someone was genuinely concerned for her well-being.

"I promise," Emma told him. "I'll deal with this and I'll pick up dinner from Granny's. It will be my treat."

Killian smiled slightly. "All right, Swan. Good luck."

Emma headed towards her bug with a brisk pace, and was surprised when she heard Henry calling out for her.

"Emma! Wait up!"

"What are you doing here?" Emma questioned. "Your mom isn't going to be happy."

"She's gone until seven. I thought we could hang out."

"I'd love to, kid. But there's something I've got to do. I need to find someone."

"Who? I can help. I know almost everyone in this town."

"I'm looking for a pregnant woman. She's a maid, and she stole something from Mr. Gold. You can't come with me. It could be dangerous."

"I can help," Henry insisted.

"Look, kid, I'm just trying to be responsible here."

"And I just want to spend time with you," Henry shot back, getting into the car before she could stop him.

"That is really not fair," Emma grumbled but at this point there was no use in arguing. Her kid had apparently inherited her stubborn streak.

Sean Herman was a handsome young man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He seemed friendly enough, but his father was a different story. Emma was suddenly glad that she'd made Henry stay in the car as Mr. Herman raged on about Ashely Boyd's inability to raise a child.

"Look, Mr. Herman," Emma interrupted his rant, her voice rising. Each of his claims against Ashley felt like a personal offense. "I need to find Ashley Boyd, and for me to do that I need to know what your son knows. He won't talk in front of you so you need to leave."

"You can't order me around in my own house, Miss Swan," Mr. Herman replied angrily.

"I'm doing this for Mr. Gold as much as I am doing it for Ashley," Emma tried to reason with him, ignoring that she was only telling a half-truth but the mention of Mr. Gold's name did the trick.

"Fine," Mr. Herman gave in, stalking out of the kitchen.

"So, Ashley came to see you?" Emma asked the moment Mr. Herman closed the door behind him, getting straight to the point.

"Yes, she wanted to get back together and raise the baby. She thought we could make it work."

"And you didn't?"

"It's not that," Sean told her. "My dad will throw me out on the streets if I get back with Ashley."

"Listen, Sean, do you love Ashley?"

"Yes."

"Then this makes your decision easy. Are you going to do what is best for Ashley, the woman you love, and your child, or are you going to let you father control your life?"

"It's not that simple—"

"Actually it is." Emma cut him off. "Ashley is going to be in serious trouble if she runs away with this baby."

"I know. Especially because of the deal she made with Mr. Gold."

"What deal?"

"She agreed to give up the baby," Sean explained. "Mr. Gold is going to give her enough money to start a new life. For the price of the baby. That's why she wanted to run away. She thought Boston would be a good place to go. She just wants to keep the baby."

"Okay. I'm going to find Ashley and I'm going to make sure that she is allowed to keep the baby. If you want to be involved with her and your child I strongly suggest you come with me and make amends."

"I don't think I can. At least not until I talk to my father and take care of things. "

"Well best of luck."

"You too."

"So where to next?" Henry asked the moment she had slipped behind the wheel.

"I'm going to Boston and you can't come."

"She can't go to Boston," Henry exclaimed. "She can't leave. No one can."

"Henry, this isn't about the curse. She is in real trouble."

"She'll be in even more trouble if she tries to cross the town line. We have to stop her."

"I'm taking you home," Emma said firmly.

"You can't," Henry told her, his tone urgent. "If we don't stop her she'll get hurt. Mr. Gold will call the police and she'll be sent to jail."

"Buckle up," Emma conceded. Henry was going to be in big trouble when she finally got him back home.

They discovered Ashley's car smoking and crashed on the side of the road next to the 'Welcome to Storybrooke" sign.

"I told you," Henry exclaimed worriedly.

The bug jolted to a stop and Emma ran to the side of the road only to see Ashley in the grass and clutching her stomach. Her eyes flew to Emma's.

"The baby is coming. "

Ashley groaned as another contraction rocked through her body.

"Is the baby really coming?" Henry questioned, sounding somewhat frantic.

"Yes," Emma replied. "But don't worry. The hospital isn't that far away."

"No," Ashley cried, panting heavily. "Take me to Boston. I can't go back there."

Her face was red from crying, and Emma could see the fear in her eyes. Fear of losing her child.

"I won't let Mr. Gold take your baby," Emma assured her, squeezing her hand.

"You won't?"

"No. But do you know what this means? Are you really ready to be a mother?"

"Yes," Ashley nodded her head.

"Are you sure? Because I wasn't. If you want to give this kid its best chance than it has to be with someone who is ready. Your whole life is going to change and once you decide that it's yours this running away thing can't happen. You have to grow up and you can't ever leave. Understand?"

"Yes. I want my baby."

"Okay. Anyone who wants to be a mother should be allowed to be one. I'll handle everything."

Emma and Henry were in the waiting room. Emma was pacing restlessly.

"You know, Emma. You're different," Henry spoke up. "You're the only one who can do it."

"Break the curse?" Emma said. "Yeah. I know. You keep telling me that."

"No. I mean you are the only one who can leave Storybrooke."

"But you left and came to Boston to find me."

"Yeah, but I'm ten. I had to come back. This place is my home. If anyone else tried to go, bad things would happen."

"Anyone except me," Emma sighed.

"You're the Savior. You can do anything you want."

Emma could hear the underlying worry in Henry's words. He was afraid she was going to leave him. Hell, up until a few days ago, Emma was sure that she was going to leave too, but after everything that had happened with Ashley she knew more than ever that she needed to stay. Henry was her son, and she wanted to be in his life and make sure he was safe and happy.

"You know, Henry, I did find a place to stay," she told him, hoping the words would soothe his fears.

Henry's face lit up as he asked eagerly. "Really, where?"

"Um, with Kill—Mr. Jones. Is that going to be okay with you?"

"Of course." Henry exclaimed with a big grin on his face. "He's a good guy. He's part of the team remember? And—"

"And what—"

"He likes you a lot."

"Did he say something?" Emma asked while at the same time cursing herself for sounding so eager. She knew he cared. He had said so, but it was nice to have a second opinion.

"I can just tell," Henry said. "And I think you like him too."

"Henry, he's your teacher!"

"That doesn't matter. Don't be afraid to give him a chance."

"Henry, it's not like that—"

"But you'll think about it, okay?" Henry pushed.

At that moment a nurse came in. "Miss Swan, the baby is a healthy six pound girl and the mother is doing fine."

"What lovely news," came a familiar voice behind her and Emma's stomach dropped as she turned around and saw Mr. Gold came strolling into the waiting room. "Well done, Miss Swan. Thank you for bringing me my merchandise."

"Can we talk?" Emma asked, pointing towards the corner at the other side of the room. "Alone?"

"Certainly, Miss Swan," Mr. Gold replied and went with her, out of earshot from Henry.

"A baby? That was your merchandise? Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because at the time you didn't need to know."

"Or maybe you thought I wouldn't take the job," Emma scoffed.

"On the contrary," Mr. Gold told her with a small smile "I thought it would be better if you found out on your own. After seeing Ashley's hard life, I thought it would make sense. If anyone could understand the reasons for giving up a baby it would be you."

Emma's expression hardened as she spoke. "You're not getting that baby."

"Actually, Miss Boyd and I have an agreement, and my agreements are always honored." Mr. Gold's voice had an edge of menace. "If not, then I'll have to involve the police and that baby will end up in the system, and that would be a pity. You didn't enjoy your time in the system, did you, Emma?"

Gold's little smile confirmed that he knew the exact effect that his words had on her.

"That's not going to happen." Emma repeated through clenched teeth.

"I like your confidence. It's charming really. But all I have to do is press charges. She did steal my property."

"I'm guessing it was a contract."

"Perhaps."

"No jury in the world is going to keep a mother from her child," Emma told him. "I'm willing to roll the dice that the contract doesn't hold up. Are you? Not to mention what would come out about you in the process. I suspect that there is more to you than a simple pawn broker."

Emma shuffled forward, jubilating inwardly as she could see his triumphant expression falter.

"I like you, Miss Swan," Gold spoke after a long moment. "You're not afraid of me, which is either cocky or presumptuous. Just ask your roommate. In any case, I would rather have you on my side."

"So she can keep the baby?" Emma pressed.

"Not just yet. There is still the matter of my contract. "

"Tear it up."

"That's not what I do," Gold said. "Contracts are the very thread of civilized society. Take them away and the whole system falls apart. So I put it to you now. If you want Ashley to keep her baby are you willing to make a deal with me?"

"What do you want?" Emma questioned.

"I don't know just yet. You'll owe me a favor."

"Deal."

Ashley was holding her baby in her arms when Emma and Henry came into the hospital room.

"What's her name?" Emma asked, smiling down at the new mother.

"Alexandra," Ashley responded with a watery smile.

"That's pretty."

"Thank you for getting me here."

"No problem. Mr. Gold was outside but I took care of everything. I made a deal with him. She's yours."

"Thank you so much."

Emma glanced at the clock. "Oh, kid, it's almost seven. I have to get you home. Goodbye Ashley."

"I'll see you tomorrow, kid."

"Great," Henry replied. "Say hello to Killian for me."

"I will," Emma told him. "Be good."

Henry grinned and hugged her before getting out of the car. "Thanks, Emma."

"For what?"

"Everything."

True to her word, Emma stopped by Granny's and picked up a couple of burgers and some fries for Killian and her. It was strange to know that she had someone who was expecting her. Now that she had a place, it felt like she had roots in Storybrooke.

Emma smirked as she remembered Regina's words from earlier, the smirk turning into a grin as she thought about showing Regina how wrong she had been and the first step towards this goal was to call Graham.

"Hello?" Graham's accented voice sounded through the phone.

"Graham? It's Emma. I was wondering if that deputy job was still open."

"Of course," Graham replied.

"Great. Are you sure Regina will be okay with this?"

"It's fine. This is my department. I will see you tomorrow morning."

"See you."

Emma entered the apartment carrying the take out and Killian looked up from a stack of papers he was grading, his lips curving into a smile. Emma's heart fluttered, and she was reminded of Henry's words.

He likes you.

"I brought dinner as promised," Emma said, holding up the bags.

"My hero," Killian replied with a grin. "Do you want a drink?"

"No thanks. I have an early day tomorrow. I got a job."

"You did?"

"Yes. Say hello to the new Deputy of Storybrooke."

"Does this mean that if I do something to annoy you, you'll have me arrested?"

"We'll just have to see, won't we?"

"Well, Swan, I'll admit that getting handcuffed by you doesn't sound so bad."

Emma rolled her eyes and sat down across from Killian. "Let's just eat."

"Whatever you say, Deputy Swan."