A/N: Hey everyone! I'm sorry I haven't updated this story in a while, just because I've been pre-occupied with moving, pregnancy, and a whole slew of crap. Here's a chapter that shouldn't have taken as long to finish as it did, but hopefully I can gather the energy to write like I used to, and make it up to you guys.
Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time, ABC or Disney.
Finding the memories of Emma and Elsa was almost harder than previously thought to be, because it wasn't in the Ice Cream Truck in the woods. While they checked there, Killian and I checked the Ice Cream Parlour with Rumple.
"If I were magic memory stones, where would I be hidden," I said, as I used minimal magic to feel out where they were. Gold pointed to an ice cream tub, that lit up as I waved my hand over it. He used his own to pull the hidden stones from the bottom, making me smile.
"Now, we just need to get to Emma," I said, noticing how Gold looked relieved.
"No need, I can put them back from here," He offered.
"How? As far as I know, the person they belong to has to hold them for reabsorption back into the memory."
"I can put them in their hands," He explained, wiggling his fingers and making me nod.
"I'll text Emma to expect them," I said, getting my phone out. She responded she was waiting patiently, but to hurry.
"So, is that it for today?" Killian joked.
"You know it's never that simple," Gold said, "I wasn't honest earlier. I knew Anna."
"Oh, great. What did you get her to do?" I asked sarcastically.
"I wanted to see if she would poison the Sorcerer's apprentice for me. What she didn't know was that it was actually a potion to counteract the effects of a potion I already planted in his food. I turned him into a mouse. I knew she had a pure heart, and what I needed was a pure heart to get what I needed to split myself from the dagger."
"So you used her to remove the loophole of the dagger, but keep your magic. Sounds like something you'd do," Killian said, judging him as we kept searching for anything we could use against this Ice Queen. Gold went on to explain the history he had with the Ice Queen.
"I wasn't able to do it yet. I had to collect enough power to do so, but before I could collect it inside the Sorcerer's hat, Ingrid, our Ice Queen, stole it from me. I wouldn't give back the ribbons I took from her and her sisters many years before, in exchange for the urn."
"And let me guess, you popped in, just in time to steal the urn from her, not realizing Elsa was in it."
"I simply placed it in my vault without doors. So when the Saviour and Bae came back through the Time portal, so did Elsa's urn."
"So where is Anna?"
"I left her and her husband-to-be frozen, like the Ice Queen had. I took what I needed, and nothing more. She's back in Arendelle."
"But why not tell us when it happened?" I asked gently.
"I still deal with the hunger for power. I thought getting Bae back, and being a better father to him would be enough. I know Belle wants me to be content with who I am, and she sees the good in me, but the dagger still gives the paranoia. That I could be overpowered and killed, and lose everything I just got back and worked for."
"That's the human condition. The debt that all men pay is death, and we fear death, because it's the unknown. Everyone's time will come, but we shouldn't stop living our lives because of that fear," I said softly, knowing how he felt. It reminded me of the fear I felt knowing Adam was gone. I stressed out, not knowing if he found peace, or what I was going to do. Many dark days followed his passing.
"I know its ill timing, but I need to know that my conscience is clear."
"Well, do you mind retelling this to the whole group?" Killian said, knowing how hard it must have been for Gold to bare all his faults. Having just down it the day before to his brother, he knew that it was always a gamble to tell the truth.
"I will now. Thank you for your acceptance."
"Mr. Gold, I accepted you, warts and all when I first met you, because you gave me back my ability to believe, without asking for a single thing in return. You are a good man. Anyone that can't see that must be blind," I smiled.
"I appreciate that Miss Swan. Sorry, Mrs. Jones," He said, a genuine smile appearing.
"Now, I have someone to meet for lunch. Why don't you two head back to the group. Hopefully Emma has got her memories back and we have a bit more information on this Ingrid character."
"I will tell you them what I knew of her plan. She wanted Elsa and another 'sister', both being magical to replace her own lost sisters," Gold explained, as he and Killian started walking towards the library.
"Who are you meeting, love?" Killian turned and asked.
"I will tell you tonight. I'll be safe," I smiled. He nodded, kissing me sweetly before giving my flat stomach a small rub. A silly smile came over his face as he turned back to Gold and I laughed, "I'll see you at home."
Quickly walking towards Granny's, I saw my lunch guest already sitting in the window booth. Shrugging my coat off, I hung it on the coat rack and said, "Good morning Liam."
"Good morning? It's nearly 1pm," He smiled.
"Well, regardless, it's not the afternoon until I eat. Are you hungry?"
"Yeah, I told my… foster parents that I was eating lunch with you and they understood."
"We are lucky its spring break," I chuckled.
Ruby made her way over and we ordered, me explaining to her that this was Killian's half brother. As she came back with our drinks she remarked he was handsome like his brother and he probably already has a girlfriend at school.
"So, what do you like to do for fun?"
"Video games mostly. I read a bit, but I prefer to be down by the marina. It's calmer there, and I can think."
"Well, you and your brother have that in common. The being by the ocean, not the video games. Killian still has troubles with a cell phone," I joked.
"Do you think… that if I were to live with you guys, that he would take me sailing sometime?"
"I know he's talked of nothing else but all the things he'd love to do with you. He didn't know if you'd like the ocean, but now I can tell him you do."
"Yeah, I do. I thought about it last night. I think I'd like to live with you guys," Liam said, as Ruby brought us our food.
"Why do I feel like you're not telling me something?" I said, as I started in on my salad.
"I'm still hurt."
"And that's natural. You don't have to feel conflicted about it. Killian is going to do everything in his power to earn your forgiveness. I'm going to paint you a scenario, and maybe this will help."
"Okay."
"Imagine someone you loved and put your trust in, turned around and betrayed you. And then you lost the next person you loved and trusted like that. Your heart turned hard, and when you confronted the first person, they had just moved on like nothing had happened, like you didn't matter. Do you feel that hurt?"
"Yeah, I do."
"That's how Killian felt when he confronted your father. He felt betrayed that your father never came looking for your older brother or himself."
"I felt that when Killian said he left me. It hurt more than this."
"I'm not saying what he did was right, but I understand why Killian gave into the darkness like that. He has turned himself around. At first to woo me, but then because he truly wants to be seen as more than a pirate. He wants to be a better man for you, for Amaya and for our twins."
"Twins?" He said confused.
"I guess we didn't tell you the other day. You are going to be an Uncle," I smiled.
"Wow, so maybe I should rethink moving into a house where there are going to be screaming children," He teased.
"Regardless, we'd love to have you. I'm ready to convert Henry's room in the basement for you, and Amaya's and the twins rooms are on the third floor, so you don't have to worry about the noise."
"I didn't really get to see much of the house," He commented.
"Well, it has a giant family room downstairs that I converted into a playroom for Amaya, and Killian has a corner of it for his desk and knick knacks that he's collected over his 200 plus years. My office is being redesigned as the twins nursery. You'll have your own bathroom down there, and I will expect you to help out with chores. I wont be able to do much in a few months, but you may need to help me with carrying groceries and carrying laundry upstairs."
"Sounds reasonable." He said, nodding as he finished his burger.
"If you'd like, I can teach you to cook. It's always a skill you'll need later," I added. He smiled, "My mother couldn't teach me, because she died when I was very young. I'd like that though."
"It might be a good idea for you and Killian to go see Dr. Hopper. It will help you guys understand each other and heal."
"Maybe. So, when could I move in?"
"Whenever you'd like," I replied, feeling elated that Killian would finally be with family again.
"If I pack tonight, could I move in tomorrow?"
"I don't see a problem with that! We can come over tomorrow to help you pack your stuff in the car."
"Awesome," He smiled, finishing his burger.
As we finished our food, I said goodbye, with the promise of meeting him at his foster parents house at noon. Grabbing a few groceries for dinner on the way back, I noticed that Amaya was playing in the front yard with Purdy.
"Amaya, where's Daddy?"
"He's in the shed," She smiled, grabbing the lightest of the bags and helping me bring it inside. She chatted away about what Grandma taught her today, about blue birds and how they would always come back to you if you took care of them.
"Hello love, how was lunch?" Killian asked, coming in to kiss my cheek, before washing his hands.
"It was great, because I have some good news," I smiled.
"And what is that?" He smiled, taking a dishtowel to dry his hands.
"Tomorrow, we are going to pick up Liam and his belongings," I said, putting the milk away. I heard Killian pause, so I turned back to find him looking at me funny.
"Don't jest with me Aria. Is it true?"
"Yes," I spoke softly as I held his face in my hands.
"A miracle worker. I married a miracle worker," He chuckled before kissing me passionately.
"But, I did suggest that you both should see Archie. It will be healing for both of you," I said as he pulled back.
"I will see the Cricket. Anything. I will do anything to make things right between my brother and I. I love you," He smiled, kissing my face all over. I squealed as he wrapped his arms firmly around my middle and continued assaulting me with sweet kisses. Amaya laughed, "Daddy!"
"How could I forget my girl?" Killian said, plopping Amaya on the counter and kissing her face too. She screamed in delight as he growled into her neck, and I moved to help him on the other side.
"Uncle, Uncle!" She laughed, and we backed off.
"Actually, love bug," I started, "I want to tell you something."
"Do you remember the young man that came by the other day, and you were colouring at the table?"
"I made a picture of us," She said, pointing to the drawing on the table.
"Yes, you did. Well, that young man is Killian's brother. And since he doesn't have any other family here in Storybrooke, we invited him to come live with us. And because Henry doesn't live here anymore, we wanted to give him the room downstairs."
"What do you say little love? Do you want another Uncle? I'm sure he'd love to play with you," Killian added.
"He's gonna live here?" She said excited.
"Yeah, and he would watch you while Daddy and I go out and help Auntie Emma and Regina sometimes."
"Do you think he likes to color? Do you think he'll push me on the swings?"
"I believe he will. Now, pumpkin, there is something else," I said smiling at Killian. His responding smile gave me the permission I needed to start.
"Do you know how Mommy went to the doctor the other day? Well, I was going, because Mommy is going to start growing very soon."
"You're getting taller?"
"No pet. My belly will start getting bigger, like Grandma's was with your Uncle Oliver," I smiled as she looked down.
"Like with a baby?" She said, eyes lighting up in understanding.
"Not with just one baby, but two little babies," Killian said, looking lovingly on our daughter.
"You are going to be a big sister," I beamed as she started squealing. She started crying a bit and I hushed her, "What's wrong love?"
"I'm happy Momma. But why am I crying?"
"It's natural, pet. We cry when we are happy, sad, scared, and a mess of other emotions. These are happy tears. Now, cheer up. I got us Ice Cream for dessert," I spoke softly, smiling when she perked up.
"When are they coming? Where will they sleep? In my room? I can go clean it now!" She started firing off questions left and right.
"Whoa, hold your horses Amaya. The babies won't be here for another 8 months. We just wait and plan and you enjoy your time as an only child. You're birthday is next week, what do you want for it?"
"A Frozen party," She said sternly.
"Yes, but what for your birthday? What kind of present?" Killian smiled, helping her down and taking her to the table.
"I want Anna and Elsa there," She said and I sighed in defeat.
"Well, now we really have to find Anna," I chuckled, as Killian helped her up to sit.
"Well, your mother and I will help as best as we can," He smiled, handing her another coloring book and her box of pencil crayons.
"I'm gonna colour a picture of the babies! They should be in her tummy, right?" She asked aloud, before shaking her head and getting to work. She had the same look of concentration that Adam did and I smiled in nostalgia. He used to always bit his lip as he worked on something around the apartment.
"Now, we just have to get her gift," Killian teased, coming up behind me and kissing me sweetly on the temple. Smiling, I said, "I love you."
"And I love you, Princess," He whispered, as we watched our little girl chat away to herself, content as could be with the life we lived. It wasn't peaceful, but for now, it's perfect.