Killian caught his breath, his head spinning like a carousel. August had told the truth; his life was a lie. But what now? How could he keep on living a life that wasn't real; or was it? Lie or not, at the end of the day this was his life, how could he let go of it, even if he could? Everything that he went through… or thought that he went through had a significance; in the end it was his past that made him the man he was today. This was his reality. But now that he knew that there was a whole different world waiting for him, how could he keep on living this one? Killian furrowed his brows, his eyes looking downwards. It wasn't all a lie… Mrs. Rooney was real and Murdock, too. His job was real and he loved it. His coffee-addiction was real and his love for jazz music. Emma was real… But what about his memories? Which of them were real? His childhood, his family… his father… Killian swallowed hard; all of a sudden he wanted to remember. He wanted to remember everything. There was so much in his daily life that he didn't understand. And he had never allowed himself to actually think about those things, until now. Like this weird and very demanding ache for alcohol inside of him whenever he was sad or worried. The need was so strong and maddening that one day he decided to never touch a drink ever again. Or this indescribable feeling around his wrist whenever he looked at his prosthesis; it almost felt like cold air cutting it off, over and over again, radiant streaks of phantom pain following it. Or his dreams… his vivid and all-consuming nightmares… and the strange feeling of familiarity to their protagonist… Killian's gaze wandered to Emma, who was still looking at him in complete shock. He wondered, if she felt relieved to filter the lies from the truths. Right now, he couldn't tell.

"Mom, what's going on? Did Walsh come early?" Henry opened his door, curious about all of the noise. When Emma turned her head around towards him, her fluttering eyes suddenly lit up, a bright smile appearing on her face. She almost ran to her son, hugging him as if she hadn't seen him in years.

"Henry," she sighed, silent tears running down her hot cheeks.

"Mom? What's wrong?" Emma cupped his face with her trembling hands, smiling at him earnestly.

"Nothing. Everything's great."

"Really? You seem confused." Emma simply nodded, her relieved smile never fading away. Then she moved her lips to his forehead to kiss him wholeheartedly. Killian couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart. Just as he formed a smile upon his lips and his eyes started to softly glisten with compassion, her mouth touched Henry's skin. Almost instantly a white light emerged from the spot where her pink lips met her son's head, emanating from Henry's forehead and spreading out like a moving wall of energy. Like a drop in the ocean it moved through the apartment, the wave growing bigger and bigger. When it passed Killian, it hit him like a pane of glass; hard and unexpected. The wave had so much strength, Killian had trouble to keep his balance. His eyes widened in surprise, not sure of what he had just witnessed. Then Henry blinked a few times, searching for his mother's eyes.

"Mom?" he almost cried, "Mom!" Emma gasped, realizing what just happened. She repeatedly hugged Henry, the boy closing his eyes tightly when he hugged her back. Killian didn't understand the boy's emotional burst of joy but he figured it must have something to do with the white light that Emma somehow created. It made him smile nevertheless.

Suddenly, the sound of the door bell startled all three of them. Emma already loosened her embrace when Killian waved with his good hand, silently telling her that it was alright, that he would take care of this. Emma welcomed his gesture for she wasn't ready yet to let go of her son, anyways, so she only smiled at him gratefully, allowing him to answer the door for her. When Killian reached and opened the entrance, a stranger's face looked back at him. He was holding a bouquet of roses in his one and a bottle of red wine in his other hand. When the stranger realized that it wasn't Emma who answered the door, his soft eyes turned into confused ones.

"Ex-," he checked the door number, "cuse me, where's Emma? And who are you?" Killian scratched his ear, smiling nervously. Just when he was about to open his mouth to explain himself, he heard Emma's voice calling from behind.

"Walsh, just come in!" The man raised one of his brows, not sure what to think of this whole situation. Then he stepped inside, passing Killian and avoiding eye contact.

"Hey guys," he carefully looked around the apartment, "What's going on? Everything alright?" Emma smiled at him, though Killian could tell she felt a little uncomfortable.

"Yeah, everything's good. How are you?" She kissed him briefly. Watching them, Killian's eyes instantly went down, feeling a weird twitch in his stomach.

"I'm good…," Walsh still raised his brow but when Emma smiled at him, he returned it.

"Here, these are for you," he gave her the bouquet and she smelled the roses.

"Mhmm, thank you," she smiled, "By the way, this is Killian." Killian stepped closer, his right fingers touching the back of his head before he offered Walsh his hand.

"Hello," he said, nodding slightly. Walsh shook his hand, his eyes scrutinizing him.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Walsh," he answered. Then he turned around to Emma.

"Is your friend joining us for dinner?" he smiled at his girlfriend.

"Uh, well-" Emma stuttered before Killian cut her off.

"No, I was about to leave, actually," he looked over to Henry who looked confused and overwhelmed. "See you soon, lad."

Henry forced himself to smile. "Sure," he nodded.

Then Killian turned his head to Emma, sincere melancholia in his eyes.

"Good bye, Emma." Emma's lashes fluttered, her mouth slightly gapped. Images from a year ago appeared in front of her eye, making this feel like a déjà vu. Now that she had gained back her memories everything felt that much more confusing.

"Bye," she whispered. Killian turned around, his head bowed down and heading for the entrance.

Just when his hand touched the knob of the door he heard Henry's voice calling him from behind.

"Hook, wait!" A cold shiver ran down his spine. What did he just call him?

Hook.

Right. If all of this was really true, then he was a pirate indeed. No, not just a pirate.

Captain Hook.

Killian swallowed hard before he felt another twitch in his stomach. Then, suddenly there was an image, bright and clear. It was only a flicker in the moment, hitting his memory like a lightning bolt. He watched a moment frozen in time, himself and Emma standing somewhere in the midst of a road. He was dressed in black leather, while Emma wore a red jacket. They both shared a wistful look of great sadness, neither of them wanting to leave the other one. Behind them there was a town sign, "STORYBROOKE" written on it. When the image disappeared again, it felt like being choked by an invisible hand. Killian blinked, his lungs desperate for air.

"Here," Henry ran closer to him, offering him something. It was the book. Killian heard Walsh asking Emma what was going on, but he didn't look over to them.

"You need it more than we do. I know how it feels, not being able to remember," Henry looked him into his eyes, earnest and kind.

"So you do remember, then?" Killian asked, his eyes switching over to Walsh and Emma. Walsh's brows furrowed while Emma's eyes were filled with concern.

"Yes, I do," Henry smiled brightly. Killian sighed, smiling a crooked smile. Despite feeling overwhelmed with all that had happened, he still couldn't help but feel such great relief for the boy.

"But how? I thought only the potion was able to make you," he glanced over Henry's shoulder again, whispering now, "remember."

"True love's kiss," Henry still smiled, "It's white magic. It can break any curse." Killian's mouth formed a silent 'o' when Walsh finally interrupted them.

"Can somebody explain me what's going on please?" He turned to Emma.

"What is this talk about magic? And why did your son just call this man "Hook"? I thought his name was Killian?" Emma sighed, her hands almost touching his chest.

"Calm down okay? I know this must be all very confusing for you…"

"You think?"

Killian raised his brow, he didn't like where this was going.

"I know… it's just… it's complicated, alright."

"Emma, can you just tell me what's going on or should I better eat dinner somewhere else, tonight?"

"You wouldn't believe me, if I told you!"

"Try me."

Emma took a deep breath, battling a war inside of her head. This past year was more than real for her and so were the feelings she had for this man but how could she tell him that she was actually part of a fairy tale world and that she had gained back all of her lost memories only seconds before he had arrived here? This didn't just sound crazy, this was crazy, Emma thought. But then she gathered all of her courage, hoping that real love would understand… she sighed again.

"Walsh… this isn't easy to explain, okay, why don't we just sit down, first?"

"I don't want to sit down. Just tell me."

"Okay, alright then," Emma felt the slight rising of annoyance appearing in her chest.

"I… we," she pointed at Henry and Killian, "The truth is, we are part of… well, we're all…"

Walsh crossed his arms across of his chest.

"Yes, I'm waiting."

"Well… look, we're all… okay so, you could say, I guess, that we are…"

"Oh for God's sake, Emma, how hard is it to say fairy tale characters?"

Emma's eyes widened. What did he just say?

"W-what?"

"Yes, I know. You're Emma Swan, the precious and seemingly remembering daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming and this is," he pointed at Killian, "Mr. Captain Hook, who finally found you, even though I gave my best to keep your lives apart for so long. But it looks like," he smiled sarcastically, shaking his head a little, "true love always finds each other."

Both, Emma and Killian felt like they were punched in their guts. They couldn't believe what was happening.

"How... how do you know all of this?" Emma stuttered, her forehead furrowed in deep confusion.

"Oh Emma," he smiled again, briefly stroking her cheek with the back his index finger. "Did you really think you could escape your destiny? Of course I know. You are and forever will be the savior and we couldn't just let you walk back to save the day, could we?" Emma shook her head, not understanding.

"We?" Walsh laughed.

"Yes, darling, we. But don't you worry about that, you won't have much time left to think about it, anyways." Killian stepped closer now.

"Don't you dare touching her," he growled but Walsh only laughed, not even looking at him.

"It's a shame, you know. I really liked you," he said before he turned into a giant winged monkey. Emma jumped back, horrified by the transformation. Then the monkey turned around and crushed through the window, flying away and leaving Emma speechless and shocked on the floor. Killian ran to her, immediately, asking her if she was doing alright. Henry followed him, his eyes scared and bewildered.

"MOM, MOM ARE YOU OKAY?" Emma hugged him tightly, kissing his hair with trembling lips.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine. It's all good now, it's all good."

"Are you sure?" Killian asked and Emma just nodded.

"Yes, I'm alright," she caught her breath, "But what the hell just happened?" Killian shrugged.

"I have not a single clue, love. I hope whatever it was, it won't come back. I can assure you that I'm no longer in doubt of any of your stories," he gently poked Henry with his elbow, making their joined laughter sound like a melody of relief and joy.

"Come," he offered Emma his hand to help her get up again. "Let's get you on the couch. And then I'm going to make us all a fine cup of cocoa, what do you think of that?" he winked at her.

"Yes!" Henry cheered and Emma laughed along with Killian. She took his hand, letting him help her up, but he pulled her closer so quickly, that she almost ended up crushing into him. She was able to feel his sweet breath striking her skin, their heads almost touching. Now that she had gained her memories back everything seemed just that much more confusing. She couldn't deny that there was a spark between them, not only now but even back when she had to leave Storybrooke a year ago. Neverland had bonded them together and Emma remembered the ache that she had felt when she had to say good bye to him. And now she had experienced this new side of him, this kind and gentle person that was so different to his past self. This wasn't Hook, this was Killian. Maybe, she thought, this is what he used to be, back when he wasn't a pirate yet. Emma blinked, realizing that she was staring at his lips for far too long. When she stepped back a little, she couldn't stop herself from smiling shyly. Killian returned the smile. But then it hit her again; Walsh and everything he had said to her. Despite everything that she had lost during her memory loss, this relationship, or better her feelings for Walsh, they had been real; and so were these feelings of betrayal and heartbreak. He had used her… but for what? Emma felt anger pounding inside of her. How could she have been so wrong about him? Again? Was this the price of being the savior? Not getting a happy ending, at all? When she raised her head again, she found graciousness and admiration in the azure reflections of Killian's eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as she felt a streak of hope running across her chest.

Then they heard a weird high-pitched shrieking outside of the building that made them both look out of the broken window, synchronously. There was a woman flying on a broom, coming closer with every millisecond that passed away. When she raised her hand to form a green ball of light in the palm of her hand, Killian didn't think twice before he threw himself in front of the woman he loved. As if in slow motion he moved through the air, shielding Emma with every inch of his body. And then he got hit, a green ray of light striking him right in the middle of his chest. Killian fell down like a big rock hitting the hard ground. Emma rushed to him, immediately, Henry by her side.

"HOOK?" she called, shaking him but his eyes kept being closed. "KILLIAN! KILLIAN!"

"Is he breathing?" Henry asked, his voice shaking.

Emma moved her ear to his chest, relief all over her face when she heard his heart beating against his ribcage.

"He is," she sighed, sitting down next to him. "He is alive." Emma cupped her face with her hands, rubbing the shock out of her eyes.

"What happened?" Henry asked again, his face still perplex.

"I have no idea," Emma raised her brows, her eyes distant. This could have been her, she realized. If he hadn't…

"I think he's sleeping," Henry poked Killian gently. Emma tightened her eyes. Sleeping?

"A sleeping curse?" she whispered.

"Mom, you're amazing! That's it! We have to awake him!"

"And how are we going to do that?" Emma raised her brow, skepticism all over her face.

"True love's kiss," Henry nodded, convinced that he had found the solution.

"Kid, how in the world are we supposed to find his true love? We're in freaking New York City. I don't even know where he lives, let alone who he loves." Henry sighed, realizing that his mom was right.

The boy looked over to Killian's face. After a few seconds he finally broke the silence.

"Do you think he's in pain?"

Emma turned around her head, her face confused. She hadn't given it a thought, if she was honest to herself.

"I don't know, but I hope not."

"Look at his eyes, they're moving," Henry came closer to the body.

"Of course they are, he's sleeping." Emma turned her head away but Henry didn't let go.

"But look," he pointed at Killian's right hand. "He's making a fist!" Emma's eyes widened as she realized that her son was right. Killian was making a fist.

Henry moved even closer to his friend, taking his hand and placing it in his lap. "He's bleeding," the boy figured out. Now Emma moved closer too.

"He is," she whispered.

"Mom, we have to do something! Maybe he's in great pain, we have to wake him up!" Henry's voice sounded panicked and Emma, too, felt fear crawling up inside of her.

"I don't know what to do!" she almost screamed.

"You have to try!" Henry begged her.

"What?"

"TRUE LOVE'S KISS!" Henry's scream almost felt like the lash of a whip, exposing every single fear she ever had since the day she had set a food on this damned island called Neverland.

"True love's kiss?" she whispered. "Me?"

"Yes!" Henry insisted, "Just try!"

"But what if it won't work… what do we do then?"

"JUST TRY MOM!"

Emma swallowed hard, the what-ifs circling her head like a spinning top. What if it won't work, she repeated to herself. There was a part of her that secretly hoped that she could have found her own happy ending with this man… but what if it won't work? And what if it does? Would it mean that he was her true love after all? Killian Jones? Captain Hook? Really? Emma didn't know what to feel but then she remembered how he threw himself in front of her, rescuing her without even thinking about it twice and Emma knew, she had to try it. She owed him.

Emma slowly moved closer to him, her entire body trembling. She felt how her heart started to beat faster, the tension rising inside of her stomach. When she almost reached his lips, she stopped for a second, taking a final deep breath.

'You can do it,' she said to herself, closing her watery eyes tightly and pressing her lips against his. Not even a second passed by before a white light emerged, spreading out like a thousand sunrays at once. Then another green light appeared, leaving Killian's body step by step.

When Emma parted her lips from his, her hot cheeks were flooded with tears. Killian slowly opened his eyes, blinking in confusion.

"Swan?" he asked, "What happened?" Killian moved his fingers to his lips, remembering the green light beam.

Emma smiled, cupping his cheek with one of her hands.

"You came back," she whispered, moving in to kiss him one more time. When they finished the kiss, Emma furrowed her brows slightly.

"Wait, did you just call me Swan?"

"Aye," he grinned and Emma gasped with joy. Henry joined them immediately.

"You remember!"

"That I do, my boy," he ran his hand through Henry's hair before he realized he had blood on it.

"Oh, my apologies," he pouted.

"It's alright, I need a shower anyways," Henry laughed and the other ones joined him.

When Henry got up to enter the bathroom, Killian finally got up to sit on one of Emma's couches, her never leaving his side.

"Do you need something?" she asked, concern in her eyes, but Killian only shook his head.

"No, love. Just come and sit," he pointed to the space next to him and Emma sat down. Killian looked her into her eyes, deeply and earnestly and only a single question left his mouth.

"What happened?" Emma took a deep breath, not sure what to answer.

"Well, Regina had to break the curse and we all lost our memories and-"

"No, Swan, after that. What happened after the green light hit me?"

"Well…," Emma avoided the eye contact, "You fell asleep. The green light was a sleeping curse."

"A sleeping curse?" Killian repeated, raising his brow.

"Yes."

He opened his lips slightly, his tongue playing with the corner of his mouth.

"So… how did you awake me then?"

Emma was sure he already knew the answer to that question, but she couldn't show him that she was afraid of this word. She cleared her throat.

"True- true love's kiss," she said, without looking him in the eye. Killian smirked.

"So that's why I had the pleasure of receiving another kiss right when I awoke, I suppose." Emma hit him slightly with the back of her hand, not able to hide her smile.

A few seconds passed by in silence before Emma found the courage to speak again.

"What now?" she asked him, her eyes wide and confused. Killian wished he had any answers. He sighed.

"Perhaps so rum?" he joked but Emma didn't laugh.

"I honestly don't know, love. The monkey said something about how you couldn't just walk back to save the day. Perhaps Storybrooke's back and they're waiting for you?" Emma pursed her lips, she wasn't sure if she was ready for even more fairy tale drama right at this second. Killian noticed her worries, so he put his arm around her, embracing Emma with a gentle hug.

"We can leave tomorrow, I suppose. Let's just have this day in peace, or what's left of it." Killian felt Emma's chuckle against his chest. He smiled.

"You know," she whispered, "For a second I really thought you were dead." Killian swallowed.

"I sure am not," he bowed his head, trying to sound cheerful. Emma raised her head from his chest, meeting his gaze from under her long lashes.

"Why did you do it?" she asked, her voice shaking a little. "Why did you risk your life for me?"

Killian blinked, sighing deeply.

"Wasn't your wake-up-kiss answer enough?" he whispered. Emma's eyes fluttered as she realized what he meant to say.

"But you couldn't remember. You didn't know," she said, unable to fully accept his answer. He smiled.

"Emma," he said, looking into her jade eyes as if he was searching for the northern star and her pupils were the night sky.

"There are certain things you don't have to know. You plainly feel them, nothing more or less." He took her hand now, gently playing with her fingers.

"Even though I had only known you for two days, I felt the special connection we had." A couple of seconds passed by until he smiled again, looking at Emma, tenderly.

"Finitely I was able to save you." Emma furrowed her brows.

"What do you mean?"

"In my dreams, you always begged me to save you and I always failed. Not this time, though."

"Maybe because I didn't beg," she smirked cheekily and Killian gently poked the side of her ribs. He took another deep breath before he went on.

"I suppose it doesn't matter how far away you are, I will always find you. You're my destiny, Swan."

Emma smiled before she kissed him again, fondly and honestly, breaking down her walls, brick by brick.