Disclaimer: I do not own OUAT or any of the characters.

Chapter 5-Birthday

The next week was spent just getting reacquainted with the town. Spending time with her parents and Henry. Her relationship with Henry was improving but she could tell there were parts of his life he was not ready to share with her. Kili had fallen in love with Storybrooke. During their daily breakfast at Granny's he waited impatiently for Killian to arrive with Colin and Catie, both still reluctantly holding their father's hands (she still was not sure what they had done to extend their punishment). As soon as they entered Kili ran over to them and they started talking a mile a minute. What they had to say after less than twenty-four hours apart was beyond her. This morning Killian gave her his usual nod while stifling a yawn. She knew from Henry that the protective barrier around the town was going off several times a day at random. Henry had explained at dinner the night before why Killian was so tired. 'Being linked to the barrier Dad is aware every time it goes off and even if he does not check it out he has to direct those that do. Robin is almost as exhausted trying to take the rest of the pressure off Dad.' Emma wished she was able to help but she was no longer sheriff or a deputy and she had not used her magic or even really felt it since she left.

"Long night?" she asked, taking the seat next to Killian. They had talked little since the discussion on the Jolly Roger over a week ago.

"Manners," he reminded Colin, who was blowing bubbles in his milk, before turning to her to answer. "Long day, long night, long whatever. When we catch whoever is ringing the bell and running I may just throw them in jail on general principles. Disturbing the peace," he muttered.

Emma couldn't help laughing. "I don't think preventing you, and Robin, from sleeping can be called disturbing the peace."

Stifling another yawn Killian did not bother to look up from where his head was leaning on his arm, propped on the counter. "It is when you add in the Merry Men, Dwarves, and anyone on town line rotation." He straightened, putting his hand over Colin's milk glass. "Any more bubbles and you will be holding a hand for another week." With a last warning look he turned back to Emma. "When I discovered I could control the barrier and people could come and go it was decided that the town line needed to be patrolled if I was going to let people come and go. Everyone takes a turn but those two groups carry the majority. Those patrols have nearly tripled due to our potential intruder and we have had to double the number of people on call." He stifled another yawn. "I hardly think I am the only unhappy one."

"I, for one, am completely annoyed," Robin stated, depositing Kerry next to Colin and taking a large drink of the coffee Granny handed him. "If I get pulled out of bed again I think Regina will sign an arrest on sight warrant with no questions asked."

"If Henry's birthday party is ruined she will sign a shoot on sight," Killian added. "What time do you want us to come over?"

After another sip of coffee Robin shook his head. "David and Mary Margaret said they would take care of the set-up. We are, and I quote 'to get some sleep before we fall flat on our faces'." He grinned. "Regina reiterated the command by threatening to use a sleep spell."

Killian's head had dropped back on to his arm. "If that bloody alarm doesn't stop going off I may ask for one."

Having just arrived with Mary Margaret David clapped him on the back. "It just went off a few hours ago so go get some sleep. The phones are transferred to me as an auxiliary deputy." He turned his gaze to Robin. "You, too. We'll take care of the kids."

Both men rose without a word of protest, dropped a kiss on their kids' heads and turned to leave. Emma thought they must both be truly exhausted to not even put up a token protest. "Colin and Catie are released from hand holding as long as they stay within five feet of their guardian adult and do not take a step into the street without permission."

"Thank you, Daddy!" Both twins charged their father, nearly knocking him over.

Killian crouched down to give them each a hug. "Be good. I love you both." He only waited long enough to see them climb back on their stools before quickly following the already departed Robin.

David laughed as he took Killian's stool. "I have not seen either one of them that anxious to take a nap since the kids were newborns."

A part of Emma wished she had been around to see that, maybe even share in it.

Mary Margaret pulled out a list. "Regina gave me a list of what needs to be done. Ruby is going to watch the kids so that frees us up to get to work. Hurry and finish your breakfast," she told the kids. "I want this to be Henry's best birthday."

In full agreement David and Emma dug into their pancakes as the kids all but inhaled their breakfasts.

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Once at Regina's she was put to work folding napkins with Belle. Mary Margaret was putting tablecloths and centerpieces on while David was moving table and chairs with Victor. For a few minutes they folded in silence while Emma tried to find the words to open the conversation she had been wanting to have with the librarian. "I'm surprised they don't just use magic. It would be faster."

"Neither Regina or Killian like to use magic frivolously. Besides the personal touch is nice." Belle looked up from her folding. "You can ask me whatever you want to."

Emma looked down at her folding. "It still seems surreal that Killian has magic."

Belle smiled. "You could have knocked him over with a feather when he got it." Her eyes were curious when they met Emma's. "You have asked very little about the specifics behind the changes that have taken place. You have asked what changed, but nothing beyond that."

Keeping her focus on the napkins Emma did not answer. She was not sure herself why she had not asked more questions. No she knew why, she didn't want to face the changes which was why she had not been able to bring herself to ask more questions.

"Killian thinks you do not want to face the reasons because that will make them more real." Belle spoke without looking up.

Emma's gaze shot to her. "You and Killian talk about me?"

"Killian and I talk about everything," was her easy reply. "But for this I was asking him why you had not sought him out more. He said it was easier not to know than to face just how much you had missed. Or that was his guess. He said returning from Neverland taught him that."

She swallowed. "I am having enough trouble accepting all I have missed of Henry's life. I am not sure how much more knowledge of what I missed I can handle knowing." For a few minutes they folded in silence. "Can you tell me more about him?"

Pushing the napkins away from her Belle locked eyes with her. "Are you sure you want to know?"

"No," she answered, surprising herself with her truthfulness. "But I think I need to understand those changes before I can move on to other things."

Belle nodded once. "Allowing Henry the chance to say goodbye at the town line was one of the main reasons he was able to move on as well as he did."

"Killian made me," Emma admitted guiltily. "He caught me at the line. He had contacted Regina to bring Henry before I could say anything." With a sad shrug she went on. "At that point I could not leave without saying anything."

Eyes filled with a knowing look Belle commented, "you could not hurt him like that to his face."

Emma nodded, trying and failing to push aside her remorse for that horrible day. "I almost lost my nerve and stayed. In the end I am glad he forced the goodbye."

"Mary Margaret has never quite forgiven Killian for not giving her the same chance to say goodbye."

That revelation startled Emma and explained what she had heard and seen about her mother's and Killian's lack of relationship. "They could not have gotten to the line before I fled. The only reason Henry did was because Regina poofed him."

All Belle could do was shrug. "Logic and love do not often go hand in hand. As you have probably already guessed Killian and Henry were there for each other." Her smile was sad. "Henry needed Killian's support and understanding of you, Killian needed to be there for Henry, to remind him of what embracing the Light had given him. We refused to let him isolate himself. For your parents it was more difficult, especially Mary Margaret."

Emma sank down in her chair. "We were not on the best of terms when I left."

Not sugar coating her words Belle nodded. "Since Killian saw you last it was easy to blame him for not stopping you."

"He wouldn't," Emma stated quietly. "He would never have taken away my choice. Henry may have been able to guilt me into staying but I doubt it would have lasted. All I wanted to do was escape what I had been, what I had done, the almost smothering concern of so many people that I did not deserve." She looked up. "What happened then?"

"You should talk to your parents about that," she recommended before answering her question. "What always happens in Storybrooke-the next villain showed up. Without really thinking about it Killian and Robin took the lead in stopping him, Regina supplying the magical muscle when necessary. David helped, but he had resigned from the sheriff's office almost as soon as you left and new elections had not yet been held."

"Killian had already pretty much been acting as a deputy," was Emma's reply.

Again Belle nodded. "That was the town's opinion as well. He was pretty much handed the job with Robin as deputy. Killian was nervous at first, but also surprised and a little awed that the townspeople trusted him in that position. You should hear them complain about the paperwork. Grace has been working part time as an office assistant and I know the guys are dreading her going away to college."

"It sounds so easy."

"It wasn't. You broke a lot of hearts when you left, but Henry and Killian were adamant that it was your choice and you had the right to make it. But the world did not end, the villains did not stop coming. Life had to go on. Your family leaned on each other and got through it, but there was a hole that was never filled, could never be filled." Belle fell silent for a minute. "If you leave again it will cause more pain, but again those who care for you will find a way through it. But I do not think they should have to." She pulled the napkins back to herself and started folding again, signaling the conversation was done.

Reluctantly Emma followed her lead, thinking over what she had just been told.

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The buzz caused by someone or something attempting to breach the barrier pulled Killian out of a sound sleep. Cursing under his breath, having two curious children who liked to repeat Daddy's words had taught him quickly to only curse under his breath or silently, he reluctantly rose and dressed. Still yawning he grabbed his jacket and slipped into his shoes. A quick glance at his watch showed that he still had a couple of hours before Henry's party. Sending a quick text to Robin he poofed himself to the town line and almost saw red. "Crocodile," he hissed.

"Pirate," was the hateful reply by Rumplestiltskin who was standing in middle of the road in a gray suit leaning on a cane.

Closing his eyes a moment to center himself Killian faced the former Dark One. "What do you want?" He held up a hand when he started to speak. "The truth, you have been nibbling around the barrier for more than a week and hiding when we come to investigate or are running our daily patrols."

Rumplestiltskin glared hatefully at him, but also knew that at the moment Hook held all the cards. "I want to spend part of my only grandson's eighteenth birthday with him."

Not at all surprised by the answer, he had actually been expecting it ever since he had realized who had been tripping the alarm, Killian pulled out his phone and sent a quick text. Unfortunately it was now time to ruin a few more people's afternoon. At least they'd had Henry's graduation. As he stood there waiting for the others, determinedly not glaring at the Crocodile, he half wished he had taken his car. It would give him something to lean against and reinforce to Rumplestiltskin that he was not going to ruin this day for Henry or his family.

Gold was leaning on his cane. "He becomes an adult today."

"In this realm only," he stated, knowing that was not the complete truth. He took a step closer to the barrier, keeping his body relaxed as he strengthened the invisible field. "Try again." While he knew Rumplestiltskin was supposed to have no magic Killian had no intention of taking any chances.

The former Dark One just glared at him.

Killian was not impressed and simply raised an eyebrow. "I do not have all day."

If the look of hatred he received was any indication Killian would be dead if the Imp still had magic. "The savior," he grudgingly admitted. "I found her several years ago and have kept an eye on her ever since. I knew you would one day find her and drag her back."

Before he could reply Regina and Belle appeared in a swirl of purple smoke. "Rumple," Belle almost collapsed to the ground, only Killian's quick grab keeping her on her feet.

"Belle," the once Dark One breathed, eyes lovingly caressing his former wife. He spared a glare for the pirate that was still holding her. "You look wonderful."

The librarian straightened, standing on her own but not stepping away from Killian.

"What do you want?" Regina snapped, clearly not happy at seeing the unexpected visitor. "And are you responsible for Robin not getting any decent sleep?"

Killian answered before the Imp could, he was still staring at Belle like a starving man presented with the finest buffet. He did not like that look aimed at Belle. It was making him uneasy and he knew Belle was barely holding on to her composure. "Yes, he is responsible for the sheriff department and patrollers' chronic sleeplessness. He says he wants to see Henry on his coming of age birthday. Apparently he has been watching Emma."

"She will love that," Regina replied absently, stalking right up to the barrier to lock eyes with Rumplestiltskin. "Swear you are not here to cause trouble or enact any nefarious schemes."

Affronted Rumple pulled himself upright. "I need to do no such thing."

With a satisfied nod of her head Regina turned away from the town line. "Good. We will simply tell Henry you came but were unable to guarantee that you would not cause harm. He will understand."

Aware of what the former queen was doing Killian turned away to hide his smile. At the same time he sought Belle's eyes, giving her hand a quick squeeze in support. "We will warn Emma as well. I am sure that means of intelligence gathering will dry up."

It was only moments before Rumplestiltskin swore the requested oath.

Killian turned back around as he felt the barrier accept the oath. He silently breathed a sigh of relief. It had worked. While still not perfect the extra layer of protection he had spent more than three years figuring out how to weave into the barrier had worked. "It took."

Despite no longer having magic Rumplestiltskin had to have felt the oath taking effect. "What was that?" he demanded.

Regina smiled. "Just a little trick our sheriff came up with. The protection in the barrier will hold you to that oath. I will text Henry to see if you may come to his party." She walked a short ways away.

As Belle shifted slightly beside him Killian knew she wanted to hug and congratulate him. Other than Regina she was the only one who truly knew just how much work and effort had gone into creating that spell. But Rumplestiltskin's presence was inhibiting her. He hated to see his beautiful, strong Belle in this state of indecisiveness. His Belle? The possessive thought caught him by surprise but he pushed the revelation away for the moment. There were other, more pressing concerns. "The only power he has over you is what you give him," he stated in a low voice that would not carry outside of the barrier.

Before she could reply Regina returned. "Henry said ok."

Not surprised by his son's willingness to give all members of his family a chance Killian closed his eyes and focused on taking down the barrier. It was harder than usual because he really did not want to let the Imp in. "I will take Belle, can you take Rumple?"

The mayor was clearly not happy but nodded curtly. "We will go directly to the house," she said. "That will allow Henry to see him in private first. Get changed and join us." Before they could respond she and Rumplestiltskin were gone in another swirl of purple smoke.

As soon as they were gone Belle stepped into his waiting arms. Without letting go Killian focused on his magic and willed them home, on the couch, Belle in his lap still in his arms. He would give her whatever strength he could. Silently he held her, content to wait for her to speak or let him know she was ready to go. He had learned never to underestimate the importance of a simple embrace.

"I just wanted to have a good day for Henry. Now that things are somewhat easier with Emma I thought, hoped, it could be a fun, relaxing day."

For a few moments he was silent, unsure how to answer. "If you would like we can keep him away from you tonight." He put a finger to her lips before she could protest. "It would just be for Henry's party. I know he would never leave town without at least talking to you. And I believe you need to talk to him as well. The past can never truly be behind you until you face it, him. Seeing Emma again is proving that to me. And don't worry about it being an imposition. I am already planning on arranging it for Colin and Catie. After the sleep disruption and extra miles of walking he has caused there are several people who would get great enjoyment out of thwarting him. It will not ruin Henry's party. If he notices he will understand and agree."

After a few moments of thought she slowly nodded. "Only for tonight and it is not to interfere with Henry's party."

"Agreed."

Reluctantly Belle disentangled herself. "Go, get changed, I will get Henry's gifts together." He was halfway up the stairs when she spoke again. "Killian." She waited for him to turn around and look at her before going on. "I don't want to change how we act around each other."

"I won't," he promised. "While I will never like or trust the Crocodile I have moved past that state of my life. I have worked too hard to become the man I am to allow old hurts to take me back to the man I was. I do not intend to allow the Darkness back in."

"I never thought that. I just want us to still be ourselves." She smiled up at him. "Get going or we will be late and Regina wants you there to help greet the guests."

"Bloody Royal Protocol," she heard him mutter as he continued up the stairs. As she gathered the items they needed to take with them she reveled in the light-hearted banter that was so much a part of their life together. It was something she had never truly had before, or maybe never been in a position long enough to develop it. Time to think about that later, right now she needed to figure out where the twins had put their presents for Henry. Red and Victor were still watching them and would take them to the party with Mark and Kerry, who they were also watching.

It wasn't long before Killian came down the stairs, twirling the car keys in his hand. "I thought we would drive."

She could not help smiling at his thoughtfulness as she placed the last gift in the bag to take with them. "In case I need a quick escape?" While she did not intend to allow Rumple to spoil the night she knew she might need an escape, if only for a temporary breather. This was Henry's coming of age party and she did not intend to miss it or allow it to be ruined.

Wrapping his arms around her Killian pulled her close. "You will not ruin Henry's party. Just go and have fun. Leave Rumplestiltskin to the rest of us."

At her nod he led her to the door, his arm remaining on her shoulders while she leaned into his side, her head comfortably resting on his shoulder.

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As she stood looking around the mayor's backyard Emma thought this was the closest Storybrooke could come to a ball. A dance floor took up the center of the yard surrounded by tables. White lights twinkled softly from the trees. Regina or Killian must have erected some kind of protective field since the rain was not affecting the yard and there were no annoying insects. The clothing was a formal mixture of Enchanted Forest, Modern, and most a mixture of the two. When she had arrived with her parents Henry, Regina and Killian had greeted them. 'Abbreviated receiving line' Mary Margaret had muttered. Seeing Henry in his dark blue suit, complete with vest and tie was another painful reminder of how grown up he was and how much she had missed. She had hoped to sit with Henry at dinner but found his table was already full with Regna, Robin, Roland, Kerry, Killian, Belle, Catie, Colin, Grace, and Jefferson. And while there were no formal seating assignments everyone just seemed to find their place with relative ease. She was seated with David, Mary Margaret, Kili, Leo, Neal, Granny, Red, Victor and Mark. Rumplestiltskin had been corralled to a table with several of the dwarves and their families. His presence had surprised her and the fact that he had been spying on her and Kili even more so. That had yet to be addressed, but it would be. She had not trusted his sudden appearance but David had assured her it was being taken care of.

After dinner it was time for the dancing to begin. "The first few dances will be for family," Mary Margaret explained. "Then, after a few more songs, the kids will head to the playroom. While not as good as Hook and Belle's there is enough entertainment for the kids."

"Who watches them? I know there seemed to be an informal rotation at the graduation party."

David grinned. "The younger teenagers. They are thrilled with the excuse to escape. Most find keeping an eye on the younger children an acceptable price to pay."

Rolling her eyes at her husband Mary Margaret went on, "the adults will check on the kids but no one is required to supervise." Her eyes lit up with delight and turned to the dance floor. "It is starting."

Emma turned to the dance floor as well to see Henry leading Grace to the middle of the floor. When the music began she was impressed by how effortlessly Henry led Grace through the waltz. 'There is one rule, pick a partner who knows what he's doing' Killian's words from the long ago night at Midas' ball came back to her. "He is good," she commented, unable to tear her eyes away.

"Killian taught him," David informed her. "He has taught several of the kids."

"You are the prince," Snow commented.

"I will teach our children," David spoke in a tone that said this was not a new conversation.

"If the Pirate doesn't beat you to it."

"Let's just enjoy Henrys first dance of adulthood," he ended the conversation.

When the song ended to light applause Emma noticed Killian rising and extending a hand to Regina. Another song began and they joined Henry and Grace on the dance floor. Emma found her eyes watching them instead of Henry as they whirled effortlessly across the dance floor. They were as good as some of the professionals she had seen on TV.

Ruby leaned towards her. "They are the most sought after dance partners. It really is not fair."

About halfway through the dance Robin and Belle rose and moved to the dance floor. Without breaking the flow of the dance Killian and Regina changed partners. While the sight of Henry so grown up and dancing touched her Emma wished she could be a part of it. She could not miss the significance of Regina and Killian starting the dance together and then being joined by their respective partners. Parents dancing to start with then stepparents (or as close as possible in Belle's case) joining in. As she watched Charming and Snow joined them. Her parents still looked so in love after all this time. Her gaze drifted back to Killian and Belle. They were talking softly while smiling at each other. If she had stayed would it have been her with Killian to start while Regina and Robin also began together and Belle and Rumplestiltskin joined in with her parents?

"Killian is going to be so upset he missed this," Victor suddenly commented.

"I've got it," Ruby said with her phone out and focused and the dance floor.

Emma followed her gaze to see Colin leading Kerry onto the dance floor in a manner very close to how Killian had led Regina. While their dance steps were clumsier than the adults they quite clearly knew what they were doing.

"Storybrooke is going to need to watch out as he grows," Ruby stated. "Not even five and he is already a charmer. Killian is going to be so proud."

The next song opened the dance floor to all and she noticed Henry dancing with Regina while Killian partnered Grace and Robin and Belle paired off. Catie made a beeline for their table and Kili as Victor and Ruby rose to join the now crowded dance floor. Emma was content to sit back and watch as Catie complained about her brother and Kerry abandoning her. This fairytale stuff made her uncomfortable. Although deep inside a part of her really wanted to be a part of this. Another song had gone by when she was aware of Henry in front of her, hand extended. "Dance with me?"

"My pleasure."

Happier than she would have believed Emma allowed her son to lead her to the dance floor. "We did not meant to exclude you from the family dances," he apologized as he led her smoothly around the dance floor.

Emma forced herself to smile. "You did not. I did. It was my choice to run and not return."

For a few minutes they danced in silence. It was Henry that broke it. "The last week has shown me something. I want you to be a part of my life. If you return to Chicago I still would like to keep in touch. I do not want to lose my little brother or my birth mother."

"Henry-"

His look silenced her. "I do not expect an answer now. You have to make your own decision. No one can decide for you." He smiled. "Dad taught me that. Leaving me here when you left was the right choice-in my opinion- the hard choice. It left me with my family to support me. But your choice to flee has left you feeling alone. Look around. This is our family. You could be, should be, a part of this." The song was ending. "Think about it. I need to get back to Grace."

David intercepted her for a dance before she could retake her seat. As they danced she noticed the children drifting out, Roland and the other kids around his age clearly supervising the exodus. Colin and Kerry were still dancing. Most of the high school aged children seemed to have decided to stay. Many of them were dancing but universally they seemed unsure. As the night went on she realized Killian was subtlety assisting them with the Enchanted Forest dances but they were also adding some modern moves. As she moved around the yard socializing and occasionally dancing she realized there was another unscripted dance going on. Every time Rumplestiltskin tried to get near Belle he was neatly cut off or the Librarian was whirled onto the dance floor. Towards the end of the night she sensed a familiar presence behind her and turned to see Killian extending a hand to her. With only the slightest hesitation she accepted it and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. They moved together as easily now as they did all those years ago. All she had to do was trust him. "I still trust you," she found herself saying. "No matter what I did or did not do you were always there for me. You still are."

"I am a man of my word." He was silent a moment. "You seem a lot more at ease."

Slowly she nodded, thinking about his words. "I am. Henry gave me some good advice today. You and Regina have done an excellent job of raising him."

"He is an easy kid to love." Gently he used his hook to brush her hair behind her ear. "You know we will always be here for you, no matter what you decide."

Touched by the familiar affectionate gesture she laid her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his waist. It had been years since she had allowed anyone this close. "Thank you."

A/N: Thank you for reading and the reviews.