Hello Everyone! This is the second chapter of the chapters that cover the events of "The Shepherd". Enjoy the fluff while you can because the next chapter is going to be painful and angsty. 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 7

The day of David Nolan's birthday party dawned clear and bright.

On one side of town, David awoke to the sounds of his wife clamoring around in the kitchen as she made him breakfast. Despite their marital strife, Kathryn was nothing if not a traditionalist, and breakfast in bed on a birthday was a must.

On the other side of town, Killian Jones awakened to the smell of burnt toast. He rolled out of bed, pulled a shirt over his head and ran his hand through his rumpled hair. He padded into the kitchen to see Emma trying in vain to scrape off the burnt bits.

"Good morning Swan," said Killian cheerily. "Remind me to never let you cook in here. I wouldn't want you to burn the place down."

This remark earned him a glare from Emma and a threat to swat him with her spatula as she returned to the eggs she was scrambling. "With that attitude, you can go have breakfast at Granny's, Jones," she grumbled.

Killian grinned and poured himself a cup of coffee. "What has you in such bright mood this morning, Swan?"

"It's nothing," she said quickly, "Eggs?" She proceeded to scoop the finished eggs onto two plates, and brought them over to the table.

"You're going to have to do better than that, Swan," Killian chided lightly, "Open book, remember?"

Emma ignored him and began to eat her eggs, and Killian took note of the way her fingers clenched around her fork. Emma was certainly more tense than usual. They had only been living together for about a week, but Killian already had a sense of her routine and her moods. Something was off this morning.

"Emma?" he asked, reaching over the table to lay his hand over hers. She flinched at the contact and refused to meet his gaze. "You're not nervous about tonight, are you?"

Emma scoffed. "Why would I be? It's just a party."

"You know what I really mean," he said softly.

"It's not a date," she reminded him.

Killian nodded. "Well, Swan, you needn't worry. I'll be a perfect gentleman, and you'll have a whole town to watch over you."

Emma huffed. "I don't do this sort of thing," she admitted.

"What sort of thing?" Killian asked.

"Going to parties, meeting a bunch of strangers. I'm used to being alone."

"Emma, you're not alone anymore," Killian said, his thumb sweeping across the back of her hand as he gripped it in what he hoped was a reassuring move.

He was thrilled when he saw the corners of her mouth tip upwards. "Yeah, I guess."

Emma Swan was nervous, and she cursed the fact that Killian had called her out on it. She couldn't suppress the butterflies in her stomach, as she got ready for the party. Even though Emma had made it perfectly clear that this was not a date – her son was going to be there after all - it still felt like she was getting ready for one. Emma sighed as she finished curling her hair. She wasn't going to put on too much makeup, nor was she going to spend hours debating what to wear.

It was a casual small town party and Killian Jones was not her date.

She finally settled on dark wash jeans, black boots and a blue silk blouse. When she emerged from the bathroom, she heard Killian whistle in appreciation, and once again, felt the urge to smack him.

"You look beautiful, Emma," he said, walking over to her.

"Thanks," she replied, feeling her cheeks heat up. "You look good, too," she admitted, and she immediately regretted her words.

Not because they weren't true. Killian did look great in his jeans, white button-up and black blazer. Hell, he looked hot. However, she regretted the words because of the way he was looking at her now, like he wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her, and the scary thing was, if he tried such a thing, she probably wouldn't even try to stop him.

Killian, though, ever the gentleman just opened the door for her, his hand lingering at the small of her back, before dropping down.

They drove to the Nolan's home in Emma's bug, and found that the house was already filled with people.

Henry spotted them from his place in the living room and ran over to them. "You came," he said, with a grin.

"Miss Swan," said a cool voice from behind Henry.

Emma's gaze flicked up to meet Regina's.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Regina said, placing a hand on Henry's shoulder and pulling him back slightly.

"I invited her," Killian spoke.

"Well, enjoy the party," she said, her voice dripping with insincerity before she dragged Henry away. "Come help me in the kitchen, Henry."

"Unbelievable," Emma scoffed.

Killian laid a hand on her arm. "Emma, love, I'll get you a drink."

Emma nodded. "Rum," she said.

Killian shot her an appreciative grin and resisted the urge to kiss her. Then he wandered off to where the bar was set up.

Emma glanced around at the house filled with so many unfamiliar faces. She practically jumped out of her skin when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Emma," Mary Margaret greeted her, "you came."

Emma turned and smiled, glad to see a familiar face.

"You know, the new girls in town have to stick together."

"Well you're not exactly new," Emma pointed out.

"Not exactly," Mary Margaret agreed.

Killian returned a moment later, and handed Emma a glass of rum.

"Thanks," Emma said. "Have you met Mary Margaret yet?"

Killian grinned and extended his hand. "Killian Jones."

"Mary Margaret Blanchard," Mary Margaret replied, taking his extended hand.

"Ah yes, David's mentioned you. I have to say he didn't do you justice."

Mary Margaret flushed, and Emma watched the exchange with amusement, wondering if Killian was always this charming with everyone he met.

"Speaking of David," Mary Margaret said, "have you seen him yet?"

"From what I understand, Kathryn and Regina dragged him into the kitchen thirty minutes ago and he hasn't been seen since. Ruby Lucas always knows everything."

"That's strange isn't it?" Emma furrowed her brows. "It's his party."

"Not really," Killian admitted. "David didn't want to have this party, but Kathryn and Regina insisted."

"Well then we're just going to have to make this party a little more memorable," Ruby announced, as she flounced up to their little group.

After sampling all of the appetizers, David managed to get out of the kitchen. Once he was out, he was immediately flocked by Kathryn's friends, all offering him birthday wished.

He smiled halfheartedly at each of them, all the while scanning the room for Mary Margaret or Killian or Ruby and he was relieved when he spotted all of them huddled together near the liquor cabinet and he wandered over to the group.

"There he is, the man of the day. Happy Birthday, mate. You don't look a day over thirty," Killian said teasingly.

"I'm twenty nine, mate," David replied, clapping Killian on the shoulder, "And I'm plenty hot."

"You might need a second opinion on that," Killian shot back.

David rolled his eyes at Killian before turning towards Emma. "Emma Swan, right? How did this idiot ever get you to agree to come with him tonight?"

Emma's cheeks turned red, as she felt several pairs of eyes on her. Luckily Killian came to her rescue. "Emma took pity on me and said she couldn't let me go to my best mate's party alone."

Ruby whistled lowly and said with a wolfish grin. "That would be pretty pathetic. Speaking of parties, Jones and I were thinking that we should move this celebration to a more appropriate venue. Let's go to the Rabbit Hole. What do you say David?"

David was happy to accept any offer that got him away from the house. Regina and Kathryn had been smothering him all day with frivolous party details. He glanced around the room, and the rest of Kathryn's guests were engrossed in their own conversations, and none of his friends were having any fun anyway. "Let's go."

Regina brought out a tray of shrimp cocktails from the kitchen only to find that the guest of honor had departed. She scanned the room but there was no sign of Jones, Miss Swan, Ruby or Snow anywhere either. Regina cursed. Everything was going wrong. Snow White and Prince Charming were being drawn to each other, her son kept seeking out Miss Swan, and she had a feeling that Jones was planting dangerous ideas in her son's head.

Well, Regina would have to get to the bottom of this, but first, she would have to find some way to get rid of Snow White.

"Regina?" Kathryn said, coming up behind her. "Where's David?"

"He left," Regina growled, "I think he went off with Jones somewhere."

"It's fine." Kathryn sighed. "This party is a disaster. I'm just going to send everyone home and clean up."

"I'll come back and help you as soon as I put Henry to bed."

She looked over at her son who was sitting on the stairs with his video game. At the very least she had kept him away from Emma tonight.

"I don't understand why you're not more upset about this," Regina said, as she scrubbed at the dishes.

"We haven't been happy in a long time," Kathryn explained. "I don't even know if we were ever truly happy."

"Kathryn, you two are meant to be together."

"How can you be so sure?" Kathryn said doubtfully.

"I just do. Trust me. I'm your best friend. Just try a bit harder. Sit down and talk with him. You need that. Both of you need it."

Kathryn nodded. "Well, there's nothing more I can do to salvage tonight, but I guess you're right. I should try to fix things."

"Very good, dear," Regina replied, moving to embrace her friend.

"Bartender, open a tab under the name David Nolan and get us a round of shots!" Ruby shouted as she waltzed across the bar to the old jukebox in the corner, picking some music and turning it up full blast.

The bartender slid several glasses down the bar to Emma, Killian, Mary Margaret and David. Emma threw back the shot and felt the tequila burn down her throat. Killian and David drank their shots with identical expressions of disgust forming on their faces and Mary Margaret simply shook her head and pushed the glass away.

Ruby came back over to them and threw back her shot. "All right, we're going to play 'I Never'," Ruby announced as she ordered a few pitchers of beer.

The bell tinkled at the front of the bar, and Ruby whirled around to see Victor Whale coming in. "Victor," she hollered, "come join us!"

Victor sauntered over. "So this is what the good deputy does on her night off?" Victor asked Emma with a winning smile.

"I could say the same thing about you, Doctor," Emma replied with a raised brow.

"You've got yourself a feisty one there, Jones," Victor said with appreciation.

"Oh believe me, I'm well aware," Killian told him, shifting closer to Emma. He'd known Victor Whale for years, and sure they were friends but Victor had a reputation as the town letch, and he felt better having Emma closer.

Emma glanced at him before linking her fingers with his.

All six of them gathered around a table and sat as Ruby passed out the mugs and filled them. "All right, I'll start," she said happily. "I have never been married."

David rolled his eyes at Ruby and took a drink. "You did that on purpose."

"I just thought the birthday boy could use a drink," Ruby giggled. "It's your turn, Victor."

Thus started a rousing game of 'I Never'. They each took turns sharing things that they'd never done, drinking and laughing and sharing stories. Soon, Emma became pleasantly buzzed due to the alcohol, and she shifted so close to Killian until she was practically sitting in his lap. He wrapped his arm around her, as she said "I have never lived in Storybrooke for more than a year."

Everyone took a drink, and Killian leaned in and whispered, "Bad form, love."

"I've got to use what little I know," she said with a smirk.

"Get a room," Ruby said after a wolf whistle. Emma jolted back when she realized her position, and Killian shot her a questioning look. She felt her cheeks heat up. This wasn't supposed to be a date, and yet here she was, hanging all over Killian.

Ruby grinned as if she knew some sort of secret before saying. "I have never kissed someone at this table."

Emma wanted to crawl in a hole as Ruby looked at her and Killian expectantly. They dutifully raised their glasses and took a drink.

Anyone else would have missed it, but Emma, with her super power, saw the look that David and Mary Margaret gave each other, and Emma suddenly wondered if David was the married man that Mary Margaret had told her about.

"I knew it," Ruby gushed, grinning from ear to ear. "By the way you two look at each other, it's totally obvious."

Emma wanted nothing more than to disappear, and she was sure that her face resembled a cherry tomato. She felt Killian's hand at her side beneath the table, and she resisted the urge to lean into his touch.

"Quite perceptive, aren't you, Ruby?" Killian said, staring down at his beer.

"Oh please," Ruby replied, "A blind man could see it."

"She's right about that, mate," David added. The remark earned him a nudge from Mary Margaret who suddenly looked rather uncomfortable.

Killian sighed deeply. "On that note, I had best be getting home. I have a lesson plan to write, and I don't imagine that a hangover would increase productivity."

"Oh, come on, Jones," David whined.

"We were just teasing," Ruby said.

"No really, I had better get going. Emma, would you like to come with me, or do you want to stay?"

"I'll stay," Emma told him. "I don't work in the morning."

"Okay. Goodnight, Emma, I'll see you in the morning." Killian said softly and without thinking he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide, and he suddenly realized what he had done. "I apologize, Swan. I shouldn't—"

"Shhh, Killian," she said, lying a hand on his chest, not even caring that the others were watching them. "It's okay. I'll see you at home."

With that Killian left, feeling mortified and hoping that this little incident wouldn't push her away. His lips tingled though, from the memory of her flesh against his.

Snow decided to call it a night about a half hour later, and she said her goodbyes to Ruby and Emma, but David insisted on seeing her home safely.

The cool air was bracing and just what Snow needed. Although she could have done without David by her side. Everything had been going fine that evening. If she ignored the fact that they were cursed, it felt like an evening out with her husband, daughter and best friend, with the addition of Killian and Whale of course, but that was a whole other issue.

A few moments later, David broke the silence. "Mary Margaret, what's wrong? You've been acting strangely ever since that question that Ruby asked."

"Can you blame me?" Snow asked, turning around to face her cursed husband. "What happened between us was inappropriate and now we have to go around lying to everyone because you're married."

"Is that it? Are you just going to walk around pretending like nothing has changed? Like you're only the woman who rescued me and nothing more?"

Snow closed her eyes, wishing more than anything that she could tell him the truth. "That's all we can be for now." Until the curse is broken, she thought to herself.

David clasped her hand with his. "Mary Margaret, the night we kissed was the happiest night I've had in years. You are the only thing about this town that feels truly real. Please, you can't tell me that this is one sided."

"It isn't," Snow said.

"Well, then what's the problem?"

"You're still married," Snow shouted.

"Whoever married Kathryn wasn't me," David replied calmly. "I didn't choose her. I can't remember anything about how we met or how we fell in love. But with you, everything is different. Better. I'm choosing you."

Before she could say anything David was leaning down, his lips pressing against hers and even though she knew it was wrong she wrapped her hands around his neck and returned the kiss with equal fervor.

They clung to each other. David's fingers tangled into her dark hair, and she clutched his broad shoulders. When they broke apart, Snow looked up at him with wide eyes, looking for any trace of recognition of who she really was. There was none, and her heart sank in her chest all over again.

"I'll tell Kathryn that I'm leaving her in the morning," David said, sounding resolute.

Regina's fingers curled into a fist as she watched the two idiots head to Snow's apartment together. She would have to take matters into her own hands to save the marriage she had fabricated.

"Quite a sight isn't it," said an oily voice behind her.

"Gold, what are you doing here?" Regina asked through clenched teeth.

"I could ask the same of you, Madame Mayor. It's not polite to spy on people, but then again, the sight of True Love coming together is hard to ignore."

"I won't let her get away with this," Regina growled.

"No I expect you won't. However, I will remind you that you cannot harm Snow White. We made a deal. Good night, Madame Mayor."

Regina's lips curled into a smile. She couldn't harm Snow White, but she knew someone who could, and this time she had the power to ensure that he would carry out her wishes.

"So what's the deal with you and Killian?" Ruby asked, after finishing her beer.

Emma gaped at Ruby, and she was grateful that Whale had left for the night. "There's nothing going on between us."

Ruby stared at her like she had two heads. "Oh, come on! You guys kissed, you're living together, he kissed you goodbye, which was totally adorable by the way, and he looks at you like you're the best thing that's ever happened to him."

"He does?" Emma asked.

"Yup," Ruby said. "It's adorable really. Besides, Killian Jones is smoking hot. I'm surprised nothing had happened between the two of you."

Emma would later blame it on the alcohol, but suddenly she felt a rush of jealousy. "Has anything ever happened between the two of you?"

Ruby laughed. "Nope. We've always been good friends, but no one in this town was good enough for Jones, until you came along. I think you'd be good for each other."

"It's not like that with us," Emma said. "I'm not looking to start a relationship, least of all with my kid's teacher."

"That kind of thing doesn't matter. Killian and Henry are thick as thieves. I don't know if you know this about Henry, but Regina has kept him isolated his whole life. I think Killian might be the closest thing he has to a friend."

Emma's heart panged in her chest at the thought of her son being alone and friendless just like she was.

"So what's the real issue?" Ruby questioned, pushing another drink towards her.

"I don't do relationships. I'm used to being alone."

"Well, that's a sad way to live," Ruby said, her voice laden with sympathy.

Emma nodded and took a long pull from her drink. She was going to have a hell of a hangover in the morning.

When Emma finally stumbled out of the Rabbit Hole, it was two or three in the morning. She'd really enjoyed having a normal night out, despite Ruby's probing questions about her and Killian. The night air was cool and crisp, and she slowly made her way towards the apartment.

When she got there, she unlocked the door and closed it as quietly as possible so she wouldn't wake Killian. The apartment was pitch black and her head was thrumming and spinning. She stumbled into the main room, groping in the dark. In her drunken haze, it slipped her mind that she lived upstairs, and when her knees hit the edge of a bed she tumbled into it and burrowed into the covers, not even bothering to remove her clothes. She'd change in the morning.

It slipped her notice that she had climbed into Killian's bed and she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, not even noticing when an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer. She felt safe and warm, and despite the alcohol, this would be one of the best nights of sleep she'd had in years.

"Liam! Liam! Someone help! Help!"

Killian held his brother in his arms, cradling his head and hoping against hope that he wouldn't lose him.

There was a scuffling in the Captain's Quarters as one of the older crewmen arrived to take a look at Liam.

The man checked his pulse, and after a long moment, he looked up at Killian. "Killian, my boy, I'm so sorry. The captain is dead."

Then the whole world seemed to collapse on top of him, and Killian slipped back into darkness.

Killian awakened to an unfamiliar sensation. He was pressed against something warm and soft. His eyes widened at the sight of golden curls fanned out across the pillow, and he suddenly realized that he was spooning with none other than Emma Swan.

She was molded perfectly against his body, her breathing slow and even and her lips curved up in a slight smile.

Killian briefly wondered how this might have occurred and he guessed it had something to do with the amount of alcohol she had consumed. She would no doubt be surprised when she awakened.

Killian was loath to leave the bed, but it felt wrong to take advantage of the situation. So he gently removed his arms from around her waist and slipped out of the bed, instantly mourning the loss of her warmth against his bare chest.

He pulled the blankets up higher, tucking her in and somehow resisted the urge to kiss her, instead brushing her golden curls from her face.

He put on a shirt and padded over to the kitchen, trying to ignore the nightmare he'd had. He had never known a Liam, at least he couldn't remember one. In an attempt to shake off the remnants of the night mare he cracked a few eggs into a frying pan and placed several slices of wheat bread into the toaster.

He suspected that Emma would awaken with a particularly nasty hangover and he wanted to have breakfast waiting for her.

He peeled a couple of bananas and sliced them up, placing the fruit in the dish. He had battled several hangovers in his time, and eating a decent breakfast always helped. Fifteen minutes later, he'd prepared a tray and decided to bring it to Emma in bed.

He set the tray down on his nightstand. "Emma?" he said softly, and she groaned and rolled over.

Sitting at the edge of the bed, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Emma, love, I made breakfast for you."

Emma stirred and pushed herself into a sitting position. It took her a moment to realize where she was, and when she did she looked absolutely mortified. "Oh my god, did we—"

Killian shook his head. "Relax, Emma. Nothing happened last night, and if it had, I promise you that you'd remember."

Emma swatted his hand away. "I don't even remember coming back," she said tiredly. "My head hurts."

Killian offered her a glass of water and some Aspirin. She took them gratefully and chugged the glass of water. "Thanks," she said, setting down the glass and rubbing her eyes. "You said something about breakfast?"

"Yes," Killian said. "Eggs and toast. It always helps with the hangover."

She gave him a small smile. "Seriously?"

Killian nodded. "I'm happy to take care of you, Swan. Despite how surprised I was to wake up with you in my bed."

"Don't get cocky, Jones," she said with a smirk.

"Wouldn't dream of it, love," he shot back. "Now I have to go into school for an hour or two. You're welcome to stay in my bed until I get back."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Thank you for everything, Killian," she said.

"Anytime, Swan. Anytime."

"Kathryn," David said, coming down to the kitchen. "We need to talk."

Kathryn looked up at him from over her newspaper, her expression neutral. "Yes, I suppose we do."

"This isn't working, and I don't think we should try and pretend anymore. Neither of us is happy, and we haven't been happy in a long time."

Kathryn gazed up at him, furrowing her brows. Of course his thoughts mirrored her own, but she had made a promise to Regina that she wouldn't give up so easily. Yet here David was, offering her an out and she desperately wanted to take it. "So you're leaving me?"

"I wouldn't put it that way. You're not happy either, are you?"

She shook her head.

"I think we both deserve a chance to find happiness, don't you?"

"Yes," Kathryn replied. "I care about you, David. But we don't love each other. Not any more. I'm trying to remember a time when we did, and I just can't."

David nodded, grateful that he didn't need to voice the sentiment. "I'll move out as soon as I can find a place." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Thank you."

"It's for the best," she said.

Regina made her way towards the Nolan house and knocked, tapping her foot impatiently.

Kathryn answered the door, and Regina instantly took note of the peaceful expression on her friend's face. "Where is David? I realized I forgot his present last night."

"He left," Kathryn told her.

"What?" Regina said, her voice rising, as she pushed her way into the house, and dragged Kathryn with her. "Explain."

"Regina, it's okay," Kathryn said, trying to placate her friend. "It's better this way. Neither of us was happy, and it's silly to pretend otherwise. We were only making each other more miserable."

"You promised me that you were going to fight to save this marriage." .

"I did. But Regina, I swear this is for the best."

"No dear, it's not. He didn't tell you about her, did he?"

"About who?"

"Mary Margaret Blanchard. I saw them kissing last night on my way back home."

Kathryn averted her gaze. "That doesn't matter. He's had one foot out the door for months."

"You have a right to be angry," Regina almost shouted.

"I'm not," Kathryn said lowly.

"Well you should be. That woman is a home wrecker."

"Regina, please, just let this go. I don't want anyone else to get hurt."

Regina studied her friend for a moment. The woman was weak, but over the years Regina had come to care for her. "Fine. If that's what you want, I'll stay out of it. I only want you to be happy. You know that right?"

Kathryn smiled and embraced her. "I do," she said. "Thank you, Regina."

Regina breezed into the diner and found Snow sitting at a table in the corner. "Ah, Mary Margaret Blanchard, just the person I wanted to see."

"Madame Mayor," she said. They were not back in the Enchanted Forest. There was a whole new set of rules in this land.

"I saw you and David last night," Regina said, getting right to the point. "Did you know that he's leaving his wife because of you?"

"You and I both know that Kathryn and David were never meant to be together. It's all because of your curse."

"Careful, dear. You have no idea what I am capable of in this town."

"Perhaps not," Snow replied, "But I know your curse is getting weaker. It's how I was able to escape from your cell."

Regina's eyes narrowed. "What else do you know?"

"Nothing."

"You've always been a poor liar, dear," Regina huffed. "I'd be very, very careful if I were you."

Later that night Regina rummaged through her vault, removing a dusty wooden box. She opened the lid to reveal a glowing human heart.

"Sheriff," Regina whispered into the organ. "I am in need of your services."

On the other side of town, Graham Humbert awoke in a cold sweat.