Red takes her leave, promising not to say anything about Emma's pregnancy until she's ready. But Red's smile to Killian as she's leaving Doc's quarters, gives her away. Doc leaves them a moment alone, and Emma's standing there, staring at her stomach and Killian clears his throat, forcing her to look up at him.
"I was right, wasn't I?" he asks, walking towards her, "We made a baby last night,"
Emma smiles at him thoughtfully and Killian picks her up, twirling her about then slowly, lowers her to the ground. "Sorry love," he apologizes, "vertigo probably isn't good for the baby, our baby,"
"Killian," Emma starts, "I know that this is a new beginning for both of us, but me being pregnant now also means that witch's curse is coming..."
"...and we will be ready for that," he promises, kissing her forehead. "You promised me, three months from now, we're going to Neverland and hopefully, we can find a way to prevent the curse, come back and stop it,"
That last part is a big fat lie, but if Emma knew what he's planning, she would probably back out and he needs her corporation on this. "You're right," she agrees, "there has to be a way to stop this curse and we will find it,"
"That's my girl," he says and kisses her, "Come, we should probably tell your parents,"
Her pregnancy isn't really a surprise; they all know it's coming but an official announcement is still warranted. Red smiles at her thoughtfully but otherwise stays quiet as Emma and Killian hold hands, standing before her parents. Snow recognizes how timid she is and knows why she's so nervous and comes over, hugging Emma, crying.
"Congratulations sweetheart," Snow cries and hugs Killian too. "Congratulations to you both!"
"Congratulations for what?" Charming interrupts and he looks at Emma, "You're pregnant now?"
Killian steps forward. "Doc confirmed it this morning," he says, "I know with the curse coming, it's going to be a dark future for everyone but this – our baby is the light in all of this,"
"Of course it is," Snow agrees, "regardless of the circumstances, this is what I have always wanted for you Emma,"
"To be pregnant?" she questions.
"Married first of course, but for you to find the same joy you gave me when I was pregnant with you," Snow cries, "And I can tell you right now, you will be a wonderful mother and great parents, the both of you,"
"Thanks mom,"
Killian's awe struck at Snow's confidence in them; he always hoped if given the chance one day, that he would be a good parent. Make the right choices for his child, do the right thing. "Thank you Snow," he finally manages. "It means a lot to me to hear that,"
"We're all connected Killian, no matter what happens; we're all family here," she assures him.
"What's going on?"
They all turn, as Pinocchio walks into the room; he studies them all before focusing his attention on Emma. Snow clears her throat, averting his attention to her briefly. "We're celebrating," she says simply.
"I don't know why. I mean, there's a curse coming in nine months; it's going to steal away all our happy endings. That's not exactly something to celebrate," he reasons, looking at Emma again.
"A part of my vision came true," Emma says, holding Killian's hand and he looks between them. Of course. The famed child that will save them all. The savior.
"I guess that's one reason to celebrate," he says, "but you're still doomed. He's the reason why the witch came
after Emma in the first place,"
"Pinocchio," Emma breaths.
"...and even after he allegedly defeated her, she still came after Emma and persuaded her to eat that poisonous apple,"
"Stop it," Emma cries.
"Pinocchio," Snow starts, "That's all in the past now. We all know and understand dark days are coming, but we're moving forward. Things will be difficult but we all need to stick together because that's what family does,"
Pinocchio looks at Emma and Killian places a protective arm around her waist. "Congratulations to you both again," he says and leaves the room.
"I wouldn't worry about Pinocchio," Snow reassures Emma. "Your baby is the hope we need right now and placing blame on things that happened in the past isn't going to change the future,"
"Your mum's too right about that love," Killian adds, pulling Emma into his arms. "We all need to stick together,"
Emma knows what he means. She has to keep good on her deal to leave with him in three months for Neverland. Three months, and then after some time has passed, they'll return home and find a way to save everyone.
Emma can't tell what Killian is feeling when she returns with him to their room and that scares her. She comes over to him, wrapping her arms around him as he stands by the window, looking out to the sea. "I hope you're
not angry with me," she whispers.
"Why would I be angry with you love?" he counters.
"Because I didn't tell you about Pinocchio having feelings for me," Emma reasons. "I didn't know about them either until recently,"
Killian turns to her curiously.
"Is that going to be a problem?" she asks.
He sighs and kisses her hand. "I love you and trust you, darling. I know you love me and if you didn't know his feelings until very recently, then there's no reason for me to worry, is there?" he reasons.
Emma smiles at him. "It's a relief to hear you say that," she breaths, "I still plan on going with you to Neverland in three months time and who knows, maybe when we come back, we'll find a way to stop the curse from happening?"
"Right love,"
"Hey," Emma whispers and he looks at her. "I chose you; I know you chose me first but I chose you last and I don't want to be with anyone else but you. You're mine and I'm yours and no matter what happens in the coming months, I will always choose you,"
He smiles at her. "Thanks love," he says and kisses her cheek. "You really had no idea about Pinocchio's feelings for you?"
"Not until recently,"
"When you mean 'not until recently' – does that mean you didn't know until this particular outburst or was there something else?" he queries.
Emma hesitates. "Well, there was another time actually. He gave me a belated birthday present: a swan jewelry box," she says.
"And you knew from the birthday present that he loved you?"
Emma doesn't say but Killian can her further reluctance means something and he knows exactly what that something is. "He tried to kiss you," he deciphers.
"Tried but didn't succeed," she confirms, "I told him the jewelry box was lovely but he shouldn't expect me to suddenly develop romantic feelings for him and if he expected that, I couldn't accept the gift,"
Killian scowls and Emma turns his face to look at her.
"Killian, I turned him down. I was honest with him..."
"but you weren't honest with me, Emma," he cries, "I might have been your only fiancée then but you should have been honest with me. You should have told me. Do you have any idea how much it hurts to find this out now?"
"I'm sorry," she apologizes, "I should have told you and I regret that I didn't. I regret a lot of things but I'm telling you now, Killian; there's no reason for you to be worried or jealous. I love you sweetheart; I'm having your baby..."
Killian pulls away from her. "I love you too Emma and I know I've made mistakes, mistakes I'm still atoning for but you really should have told me about this earlier," he continues.
"I said I'm sorry and I truly am," she cries.
"I need some time alone," he says, "I'm going to try and look for Starkey if he's still around,"
Emma tries to stifle back a cry as she watches him leave but as soon as he's gone, she falls onto the bed and cries.
This shouldn't mean anything. Killian knows Emma loves him; she married him twice and she is having his baby but this lie bothers him more than he can say. He realizes the reason why Emma didn't tell him was to protect him, as is the same reason why he hasn't told her that once they leave for Neverland, they're never coming back.
Emma still thinks that once they leave and figure out a way to stop the curse, they'll come back for everyone and save the day. She's so optimistic and hopeful and it kills him that he's deceiving her like this but if she knew the truth now, there's no way that she would agree to his plan.
Killian finds Red's room and sure enough, Starkey is there talking quietly with her. She notices him standing outside and she opens the door, looking at him. Starkey stands to attention.
"I hope I'm not bothering you two, but I really need to borrow Starkey, Red," he says.
"Is Emma all right?" she asks.
He looks at her thoughtfully. "You should probably talk to her," he advises, "but I really need to talk to Starkey alone,"
Red glances back at Starkey and then to Killian. "Emma loves you, Killian," she says, "if you're doubting that..."
"I don't doubt that she loves me, Red; I know she does but I really need a moment to talk to my former first mate,"
She looks back at Starkey and he nods, smiling at her softly. Red glances at Killian and quietly leaves. Killian closes the door behind her and looks to his friend. "I can't decide whom I'm more angry with: a bloody puppet or myself for deceiving my wife,"
"You're having second thoughts about taking Emma to Neverland?"
Killian runs a hand through nervously his hair and then plays with the scruff on his chin. "I want to protect her and the baby from the witch's curse, Starkey. If I told Emma the truth now about what I'm really planning, she would probably back out and I can't risk her doing that," he reasons.
"From what I understand, Emma had a vision that she was here when you gave birth; not in Neverland. If that is the case and we succeed in bringing her there, you know she can't leave. And there's no guarantee that she would be safe from the curse and any hope of breaking it,"
"Emma and her family think that our baby is the key to breaking the curse," he muses.
"Then if he is, he is," Starkey reasons, "I understand why you want to protect them, Killian. You haven't had a real family since you were a boy and now you finally have one, you want to fight to keep them. But you can't fight destiny or the future, my friend. If you're wrong about Emma being safe in Neverland, that will be on you,"
"Neverland's protected us before..."
"It has," he agrees, "but do you really want to take that chance with Emma and your child?"
"I have to try, Starkey," Killian reasons.
"I know," he agrees, "Now, who is this Pinocchio? Red said he created quite a stir when you were supposed to be celebrating,"
Killian groans, falling back onto the bed. "He's the royal wood carver," he says, "His father passed the family business to him after he died and he's worked closely with the Charmings since Emma was a child. He has a shop in the castle and apparently, he's in love with my wife,"
"I gathered that,"
"He gave her a belated birthday present and tried to kiss her," Killian continues.
"A boy trying to steal away someone else's love is not an honorable person," Starkey observes, "but Emma turned him down,"
"Of course she did," he retorts, "I know she loves me, I love her so much, more than she'll ever know but what am I supposed to do about this? I want to be the better man and let it go, but he blatantly went after Emma without any regard to me,"
"It wouldn't do to fall out with the Charmings; these people are your family now but...a simple warning might suffice,"
Killian turns his head and raises a curious eyebrow. "If I was still a pirate captain, a simple warning would mean something completely different," he reasons, "and like you said mate, I don't want to fall out of the Charmings' good graces. I'm already walking a fine line where the Prince is concerned,"
"I didn't mean it that way, but a simple warning to back off from Emma," he clarifies.
"I know I upset him and probably should have warned him earlier about Pinocchio," Emma starts as Red sits across from her. "but I didn't think he would make a scene like that,"
Red smiles at her thoughtfully. "I saw Killian before taking my leave and he knows Emma that you love him," she soothes, "I think he's just upset because you kept this from him, but in retrospect, you handled yourself well,"
"This should be a happy time for us; we're going to have a child that could save us all but I have this horrible feeling in my stomach," Emma cries, "I didn't mean to keep this from him, Red,"
"Oh Emma," Red sighs, hugging her. "There's no need to cry. Killian loves you so much; this is only a rough patch. The two of you will get through this, you'll see,"
"I know we will," Emma breaths, "He was with me when I gave birth before the curse hit. I know he's not going to abandon me,"
"Trust your visions, Emma and your heart," Red continues, "Let those be your guide,"
A simple warning might suffice. That's what Starkey said, Killian remembers, finding Pinocchio's workshop. He watches from the hallway as he smooths out a current project, he doesn't notice Killian there. Killian walks into the shop and stands before his work bench, forcing him to look up.
"I want to see this birthday present you wanted to give Emma," he says.
"I trashed it already," Pinocchio reasons.
Killian raises a disbelieving eyebrow and starts looking about the shop, turning things over until Pinocchio tells him to stop and he produces the jewelry box. He takes it from him, examining it and then looks at him. "Where I come from, men follow a code of honor and if that code is ever broken, there are harsh consequences,"
"Are you threatening me pirate?"
"Warning you," he corrects, "I know you have feelings for Emma but I feel I should remind you boy, she didn't choose you, nor does she love you. Since we are expecting a baby now, I expect you to keep your distance and respect our marriage,"
Pinocchio doesn't say anything.
Killian turns to leave.
"I know she'll never love me," he says, "She's never had romantic feelings for me; I'm only the annoying older brother which would make the two of us brothers, if not by blood. I will respect your marriage but as Emma's brother, I'll continue to look out for her because that's what brothers do,"
"As long as that's all it is," Killian reasons.
"Help me get my mind off this," Emma cries as Red looks at her sympathetically. The waiting part is the worst. She knows everything will ultimately be okay but she desperately needs a distraction right now. "So, what's going on between you and Starkey exactly?"
Red blushes and looks down. "There's nothing going on. We're only good friends,"
"Only good friends?" Emma ventures, raising an eyebrow, "Red, he knows your real name; something I never knew and I doubt, my mom knows either. There's something going on between you two and I can tell, it's more than friendship,"
"Maybe there is something," she admits, grinning, "I haven't been close to anyone in a very long time since I discovered who I really am. Granny's and Snow have always been very protective of me and I just assumed...being what I am...I would never have a second chance at true love,"
"And you think you have it with Starkey?"
She shrugs. "I like him," Red says, "He's sweet, charming and understanding. If Granny were still with us, she'd probably corner him with a crossbow and a lot of questions,"
Emma smiles at her thoughtfully. "You really like him, don't you?" she asks.
Red shrugs again.
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with Killian and I. I doubt daddy would be happy about someone else close to him falling for another pirate," Emma reasons. "But if you're happy with him, then I say 'go for it.'"
"Go for what exactly?" Killian interrupts and Emma stares blankly at him.
"Just giving some advice," Emma says and Red blushes a little.
Killian smiles and shakes his head. "Something must be in the water because another lady has fallen for a pirate," he teases and Red's cheeks turn a dark red.
"You two are not subtle at all!" she cries.
"We're happy for you Red," Killian assures her.
She smiles thankfully at him and then to Emma before taking her leave. Killian comes over to her, sitting beside her on the bed and takes her hands in his. "I want you to know that I'm sorry if I hurt you, because I never want to hurt you Emma but I was..."
"I'm sorry," she pleads again. "I know I should have warned you about Pinocchio but I have never been unfaithful to you, Killian. I love you and only you,"
"I know," he whispers, "I still warned Pinocchio to stay away from you and he promised that he would,"
Emma smiles at him tightly, worried by the definition of 'warned'. "When you say you warned Pinocchio, does that mean – is he? What does that mean exactly?"
He laughs, shaking his head. "It's only a warning love and he's still alive. I'd think your parents would be panicking if the royal woodcutter suddenly ended up dead," he says. "When I used to be a pirate, giving someone a warning had an entirely different meaning,"
"That's a relief. Murder would not earn you bonus points with my parents," she breaths.
"I love you sweetheart," he continues, "and I do trust you; sometimes, I just wish you could trust me a little more,"
"I do," Emma cries, "I'm going with you to Neverland in three months. I still have my doubts about going but I trust that you know what you're doing, for both me and our baby,"
Killian smiles at her wryly and kisses her cheek. He doesn't want to admit it aloud, but he's starting to have doubts himself if taking Emma and the baby to Neverland is the right thing to do.
tbc