A/N: It's here! It's finally here! The moment you all have been waiting for! :D I'm sorry I made you guys wait so long, but right after finals I went on a trip to Washington DC with my family, so I wasn't able to have much time to write. But thank you for not giving up on the story! I really do hope that all of you enjoy this chapter because this has probably been the most anticipated scene I've been wanting to write (and chapter 10 too). When I first thought of a possible story idea with Killian, this was the first plot event I ever thought of. I put a lot of work into this chapter, wanting it to be perfect! I hope it lives up to your expectations! Let me know what you think by leaving me a review! ENJOY!

Once again, thank you so much to everyone who follows and favorites my story! Also a big thank you to those of you that review my story! By the way, an extra thanks to those who wished me luck on my finals. Thankfully I passed all my classes with an A :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time, except for my own original characters.


"Wait, please! Please!"

Killian grabbed the whiny cricket by the throat, shushing him. Dr. Hopper had yet to reveal any useful information; the only thing coming out of his mouth were cries for help. Killian's patience was running low, but without the dagger this was all he could do at the moment. Cora had gone to look for her daughter, so that left him and the cricket alone on the ship.

"As your patient the Dark One must have told you all about his secrets." Killian loosened his grip on the cricket's throat in order to let him speak. "Now I'll ask you again, where is his dagger?"

With a wheezing gasp, Dr. Hopper spoke up. "I don't know anything about a dagger."

Killian looked into his eyes, searching for any signs of dishonesty, but there were none. This man was telling the truth. "No you don't, do you?"

He sighed and took a step back. He should've figured the Dark One would never reveal his most valuable possession to a mere cricket. I'm not giving up. There must be another way.

"The dagger is his weakness," Killian explained while placing a hand on his chin. "but tell me, does he have any others?"

Dr. Hopper went quiet and instantly looked down, but it was too late. Killian had already seen the new glint in his eyes: worry. There was something he wasn't saying. Something he wanted to conceal.

Killian chuckled to himself, one way or another he was going to make this insect talk. "Very well, I always wanted to dissect a cricket."

His hook flew toward Dr. Hopper's skull swiftly, with no intention of stopping. However, just as it was about to reach him, the cricket cried out.

"NO! Wait, pl-please…"

The pirate lowered his hook and smirked, "That's more like it; now tell me cricket, what is his weakness?"

"Belle."


From behind her counter, Clarissa watched as the golden sun slowly began to sink. The scarlet sky soon started to darken, losing its orange haze above the horizon. Once the sun was gracefully tucked away behind the landscape, Clarissa let out a sigh. The loss of daylight meant it was time for her store to close.

The young woman stepped away from the counter and commenced her usual closing routine. Thankfully, since her boutique was small, there wasn't much work to do. She organized the racks full of clothing and gave the floor a good sweeping. Her last task was to take the money out of the register and put it inside a safe.

But to be honest though, Clarissa wasn't really paying much attention to what she was doing. Ever since last night, her mind had been elsewhere.

He's alive.

She hadn't been able to stop thinking about him since the party. Emma confirming Killian was alive just made her desire to go back to the Enchanted Forest even stronger. From what Emma was saying, it looked like he was back to causing trouble, but that didn't matter to her. All she wanted was to see him, to be able to hold him again. But sadly she had no way of doing that. As of yet, no one had figured out a way to get everyone back home.

I feel so helpless. What could she do in order to solve this problem? She was no sorceress, she had no magic. She was just an ordinary woman. The only thing I can do is wait and hope for a miracle.

With one final sigh, Clarissa stepped outside and closed the door with her keys. She was met by a cool breeze that tousled her hair almost like a human touch. She slipped her hands deeper into her cardigan and walked over to the library. Every day after she closed her boutique, she would go help Belle get the library ready for its opening day. They had made good progress and fortunately the library was almost complete. Clarissa was grateful for her new friendship with Belle because it made staying in Storybrooke a little easier to bear.

"HELP!"

A loud scream was heard coming from the library with noisy clattering and clashing following the shriek; immediately Clarissa identified the voice as Belle. Her feet darted toward the door with her mind already assuming the worst. Maybe a large bookshelf had fallen on top of her while she was arranging books.

"Belle!"

Clarissa ran to the handle and quickly swung the door open. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw the whole library in ruin. Books, tables, and chairs were all scattered across the ground. All the hard work she and Belle did was wasted, but Clarissa didn't give it much thought because the safety of her friend took priority. The little light the room gave made it difficult to see, but Clarissa was able to spot two figures fighting in the corner. Fear took over when she recognized one of the figures as Belle. She was trying to escape from a tall, dark figure who had her trapped between a bookcase. Without giving it a second thought, Clarissa rushed to the scene in hopes of helping her friend.

"Stop it, let her go!"

It took all the strength Clarissa had to push away the dark figure and send him stumbling toward the floor. She quickly turned and moved the bookcase that was keeping Belle pinned against the wall.

"Thank you April," huffed Belle.

She shook her head, "Don't mention it; now let's go before –"

"I'll make you pay for that!"

The angered yell made both women gasp as the figure rose from the floor. Clarissa narrowed her eyes at the shadowy outline, finally getting a good look at the mysterious person; but what she saw left her breathless. She instantly recognized his icy blue eyes. His dark hair. His large black coat and vest. The hook in his left hand only further confirming her thoughts.

It was him.

"Killian?"

The pirate stopped and blinked, his ears picking up the gentle sound of a voice he thought he'd never hear again.

"Clarissa?"

Blue eyes met hazel as they froze, both staring at each other with pure disbelief. Their faces went pale and their jaws slightly dropped. Neither quite believing what they were seeing, almost too freighted to move. Could this be a dream?

Clarissa could feel her heart beating against her ribcage as she took her first step toward him. Killian didn't move as Clarissa continued to close the distance between them. Once in front of him, Clarissa reached for his face with a shaky hand. The moment she made contact with his skin and felt his prickly stubble graze under her fingertips, she couldn't help but let out a sob. Clarissa launched herself into his arms, finally coming to the realization that this was not a dream.

This is real.

"Oh Killian, I didn't think I'd ever see you again!" she cried while running her hand through his hair, making him shiver at her touch.

But Killian stayed still, not yet believing that she was actually back in his arms. "How can this be…? I thought y-you were dead."

The blonde pulled away and grabbed his hand that laid still at his side. "I'm alive," She placed his cold hand on her cheek. "I'm really here, standing right in front of you."

His blue eyes watched as glittering tears went down Clarissa's face. She looked slightly different, but she was still as beautiful as he remembered. If this was a dream, then he didn't want to ever wake up. He softly wiped away a tear from her cheek and smiled.

Wordlessly he brought her trembling lips to meet his own. The kiss ignited a long forgotten spark that shook them to the very bone. Their lips stayed locked, each satisfying their desires by consuming the other's touch. Scattered sobs of joy and laughter were muffled by further deepening the kiss. Moments later they slowly broke apart, smiles plastered on both their faces. Clarissa pressed her wet face into Killian's chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

"April?"

Oh shoot, Belle! Clarissa had completely forgotten that Belle was in the room. How was she going to explain why she was embracing the man who was just attacking her? "Belle, I can explain –"

"You don't have to," she smiled, "I'm guessing this is the man who you spoke to me about before."

Clarissa smiled back, "Yes."

However, Belle's smile soon disappeared and her face was engulfed with worry. "You better get him out of here. I called Rumple earlier before and he should be here at any moment!"

"Thank you," Acknowledging Belle's warning, Clarissa turned back to Killian and grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the exit. "Come on, let's go!"

Just as she was going to take another step, she was yanked back by his sudden stillness. "Killian?"

"Rumplestiltskin is coming?" he chuckled darkly as if he were in a daze. "Good, let him come. I can finally have my revenge in this world."

Oh no. Her stomach dropped. She had already lost him to revenge once and she wasn't going to let herself lose him again.

"Killian, we have to go! Don't do this now!" This felt just like déjà vu. Clarissa had often times found herself repeating the same things to him; but no matter how many times she has to talk him out of revenge, she will never give up on him.

"No, this is my chance to kill the Dark One!" He said while readying himself for battle.

Clarissa hastily grabbed his face between her palms and made him look deep into her eyes. "Please Killian… I've lost you for 28 years, please don't make me lose you for another second."

Her weeping broke through his murderous trance. Killian felt ashamed to have put his revenge before her. He did so once before and promised himself that he wouldn't make that mistake ever again. After 28 long years, they were finally reunited and he wasn't going to waste any minute of this precious miracle.

He nodded, "Lead the way."

Taking him by the hand, Clarissa guided Killian out of the library and through the dark streets of Storybrooke. Thankfully the library was next to her boutique, so they were able to quickly go inside without anyone witnessing Killian's arrival. Near the back of the store they both went up the stairs that connected to her apartment. Clarissa opened the door using her keys and swiftly stepped inside with Killian close behind.

She leaned against the door and let out a sigh of relief. "I don't think anyone saw you come up here, so we're good."

He bowed his head in her direction. "Thank you love."

"You're welcome."

The pirate scanned the room with genuine curiosity. Everything in this world seemed very different to him. Back in the Enchanted Forest there weren't as many weird contraptions that this world had. "Is this where you live?"

"Yeah, this is my apartment." She motioned with her hand, "Make yourself at home."

Her apartment wasn't very big, but it wasn't too small either. For a young woman living on her own, the size was perfect. On the right side of the room there was a nice big sofa and TV, next to it was the kitchen with the counter a few feet away. On the other side were two small rooms, her bedroom and the bathroom, both which were connected.

Clarissa watched as Killian made his way to sit on one of the chairs by the counter. She still couldn't believe that this was real; that he was really in her apartment right now. She suddenly felt at a loss for words. She's been wanting to see him ever since the curse broke, but now that he was finally here she didn't know what to say to him! She felt nervous around him and it surprised her how easily he could still have this effect on her.

Clarissa continued watching him in awe. He looked exactly like he did when she last saw him. Apparently the curse didn't age anyone in the other realm either. Killian was still as devilishly handsome as ever.

"See something you like, 'lass?" he teased as he caught her staring.

The young woman blushed and looked away, embarrassed that her gawking was so obvious. Killian, however, smiled at her shyness. He was happy to know that she was still so easy to tease. He missed seeing her cheeks redden whenever he gave her compliments.

"So um…" Clarissa started, hoping to switch the subject. "Would you like anything to drink?"

"You should know I always carry my preferred drink on hand." Killian grinned and took out a small leather flask from his coat.

Of course, his rum. Clarissa giggled and sat down on the chair next to him. "Is rum your solution to everything?"

He took a big gulp of rum and held the flask toward her. "It certainly doesn't hurt."

Clarissa eyed the flask jestingly before grasping it and swallowing down a mouthful of liquor. Killian took this time to observe her inquisitively. Her movements, her smile, her laugh, the way her nose would scrunch up whenever she drank his rum; it was all exactly like he remembered. She may have lived in a different world than his for 28 years, but he was glad to know she hadn't changed. He was still as drawn to her as he was the first day he met her.

"Now you're the one staring." Clarissa stated bashfully with a smile.

"Aye, I am." Killian then glimpsed down at his hook. Never once did he consider she was taken by the curse. "I still can't believe you're not dead… For years I thought I'd never see you again."

"Well you don't have to think that anymore." She reached out and rested her hand on top of his, giving it a soft squeeze. "I'm alive and we can finally be together again."

For an instant Killian scowled at her words. He wanted nothing more than to be with her, but he felt suddenly consumed by remorse. Back in the Enchanted Forest, after he accepted Clarissa's death, Killian had done a great deal of horrible deeds to help Cora and himself arrive to Storybrooke. Clarissa was always the one to see the good in him, always hoping he'd be the better man she saw in him; but now how could he go back to her after all the terrible things he had done? Would she forgive him?

Clarissa, on the other hand, mistook his sulky expression as a sign of rejection. Have his feelings for me changed? Did I read him wrong? She removed her hand from his rapidly and stood up, feeling quite flustered and humiliated.

"Well I'm going to have a snack before bed. Would you like anything to eat?" She offered while opening the refrigerator.

He waved his hand implying no, but when he saw what she took out of the refrigerator his eyes bulged out.

"What the bloody hell is that?"

With a laugh, Clarissa looked down at the wobbly blue dessert on her plate. "It's called jello. It's food, you eat it."

The face he made looked like his mind exploded. "I thought it was a hallucination."

This is going to be fun. I can show him all the cool stuff this world has compared to our home. He'll probably freak out a couple times. Keeping her witty thoughts to herself, the blonde ate her jello grinning from ear to ear.

"Why did that girl refer to you as 'April'?" casually questioned Killian.

"April was the name I was cursed with." she explained, "So some people know me as Clarissa and others as April."

"It fits you." he smirked, "You're beautiful, joyful, and pure-hearted; just like spring."

There he goes again. "I'm glad to know your charming demeanor hasn't changed."

"Your hair changed."

"Do you like it?" She touched the tips of her hair, feeling unexpectedly nervous about his opinion. Her hair took on a more modern hairstyle than she wore in the Enchanted Forest. She remained blonde, but her hair was slightly shorter, straighter, and she had shorter bangs.

"Anything looks ravishing on you, love." Killian gave her a wink and Clarissa could feel her face warming up again.

"Why must you always do that?!" His flirtatious actions never ceased to amaze her.

Killian let out a hearty laugh, completely perfect. It was like music to Clarissa's ears. I've missed hearing him laugh. All of a sudden a question popped into Clarissa's mind. A very important one at that. She probably should've asked him this question sooner, but since she was so ecstatic at the sight of him, it completely slipped her mind.

"How are you even here?"

"I used a magic bean."

"That's incredible!" Ever since the giants stopped making magic beans, they have been very hard to find and extremely rare. "How on earth did you manage to get one?"

He coughed hesitantly, "I had a little bit of help."

"From who?"

"Cora." he answered, "She's the woman who accompanied me on this trip. She's the mother of the Evil Queen."

"Oh." The name rang a bell, but Clarissa couldn't put her finger on where she heard it before.

"We came abroad the Jolly Roger."

"Your ship is here too? I'd love to see it again!"

He nodded, "You're always welcomed abroad the Jolly Roger."

"We had some pretty great adventures on that ship." The gran vessel became Clarissa's second home. After she left her village, being on the ship always made her feel like she belonged.

"Aye, that we did." But after a second of silence, Killian's eyes abruptly widened. "Which reminds me, I have something of yours."

"What is it?"

Killian withdrew the silver blade from its sheath and presented it to her. "This."

Tears rushed to Clarissa's eyes at the sight of her father's sword. The golden handle and its gemstones still shined as brightly as the last day she saw it. She didn't think she'd ever see it again since it was taken away by the young sorceress she met in the woods. So with great care, Clarissa slowly reached out and gripped it tightly in her hands.

"I-I don't understand. H-How did you g-get it?"

"It was found on the forest floor by a group of ogres." He clarified, "That's why I assumed the worst had happen to you."

Did the young sorceress drop it or leave it behind? It doesn't make any sense… However, Clarissa pushed the thought aside. She was just happy to finally have her family's heirloom again. She looked back down at the sword. It looked impeccable and well taken care of.

"You've been holding on to it all this time?"

"Aye." He looked into her eyes, so deep that Clarissa could see the affection gathered behind his gaze.

She felt incredibly touched and so she gave him the brightest smile she could muster. "Thank you, thank you so much. Knowing you kept it safe, means the world to me."

"Well no need to get all sentimental, love." He smirked humorously, hoping she'd stop her tears. Killian then stood up and made his way to the door. "But now that I gave you the sword, I'm weaponless. I have my old sword inside the Jolly Roger, so I should probably go and –"

"Wait!"

Clarissa's yell made him halt at the door. He turned to her curiously and was surprised to see the flushed expression on her face.

"C-Could you stay the night?"

Killian was outwardly shocked at her request. His feelings for her still remained strong, but after being apart for so many years, he didn't want to pressure her into anything. He didn't want to move too fast for her. The power was in her hands and he would remain patient until things between them were back to normal.

"If that is what you wish."

"Yes."

Moments passed and the two got ready for bed. Clarissa got some comfortable men's clothes from her boutique for Killian to sleep in. She herself changed into her pajamas which consisted of a tank top and shorts.

Being the gentleman that he was and to not step over any boundaries, Killian looked over at the large sofa in the living room. "I could sleep there."

"Really?"

He paced to the sofa and sat down, "Aye, don't worry about me; this sailor has dealt with rougher sleeping arrangements."

"Ok." She nodded doubtfully, "Goodnight then."

"Goodnight."

Clarissa dimmed the living room lights and walked over to her bedroom, but the moment she reached the door, she stopped. Looking at her empty bed made her mind cave to anxiety. Since the curse broke she'd been having horrible nightmares that haven't allowed her to have a full night's rest. But finally the cure for her nightmares was here and he was right in her living room. Problem was that she was too afraid to ask him to join her. Before their separation, she would sleep with him in bed every night; but now that time had passed, her shyness had appeared once more. But did she really want to have another lonely night when everything she wanted was finally in her grasp? Fuck it.

"Hey um…" she leaned against the doorframe and spoke out through the dark apartment. "the bed fits two, so you're welcome to join me."

"Are you sure?" his voice full of concern.

"Yeah, come on." She stepped toward her bed and climbed in, patting the spot next to her. "It's not like I'm the one who kicks while sleeping." She laughed, poking fun at him.

He joined her laughter as he walked stiffly to her bed, "I think you may have switched those roles."

Killian took off his hook and placed it on the nightstand next to her bed. He climbed into bed next to her and slipped underneath the blankets quickly.

"Ah," he sighed, "this has to be the best bed I've ever laid upon."

"Thanks, its a Tempur-Pedic."

"A temper what?"

Clarissa suddenly burst into a fit of laughter. She didn't know why, but she found it incredibly funny how he didn't understand something that was so ordinary in this world. But somewhere between all her laughter, she started to cry.

Immediately, Killian wrapped his arms around her body. His first instinct being to soothe her. "Clarissa, what is it? What's wrong?"

Waves of guilt washed over her as she continued to shed tears. None of this would be happening if it wasn't for her. They wouldn't have spent years apart in different worlds if she hadn't fled from him that day. She was the reason their paths had grown so much apart.

Killian moved a strand of her hair as he watched her with great sorrow. He hated seeing her cry. "Please love, talk to me."

"I was running back to you." She whispered.

"What?" he raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"

"The day we had the fight and I hid into the forest… I turned around and ran back to you."

He shook his head, "I don't understand." If she truly ran back to him, why didn't he find her?

"There was a girl in the forest; a sorceress. She told me that I was getting in the way of her plans, so she teleported me away to another part of the realm before I could reach you. That is why I was taken by the curse."

"What did she look like? I'll make her pay for what she did!" His tone of voice now trembling with pure, unadulterated rage. This changed everything. For years he thought Clarissa had left him, but now he learned that she was taken from him.

"She was very young, still a child. Her hair was dark brown and she had a pair of matching brown eyes; but I think it was a disguise."

"Curses," he grunted angrily, "if it was a disguise, then it could have bloody hell been anyone."

"I'm sorry! I'm so so sorry." She cried out, "I should have never ran away from you in the first place. This is all my fault."

Killian's hold around her body tightened, his right hand running down her hair.

"Don't you dare blame yourself for this. I was the one who lied to you and went off to see the Evil Queen for my revenge. If anyone is at fault here, it's me."

"But –"

"Listen to me," he interrupted, "what matters now is that we're together again. Forget about the past and just enjoy this miracle."

He meant what he said to her completely, so maybe it was time for him to take his own advice. He was blessed with a second chance with her and he wasn't going to let the past keep him from happiness. Was he able to fully sacrifice his revenge for her? The answer was now clear to him. Yes.

He leaned over and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. "Now rest, because I can assure you I'm not letting you get away from me ever again."

Being back in his arms triggered something Clarissa hadn't felt in a very long time. Comfort. She loved sleeping with him, in the most innocent sense of the phrase. Hearing his breathing and heartbeat made falling asleep into a silent bliss easy to accomplish. So she let slumber over take her; looking forward to waking up next to her true love.


I hope some of you recognized the jello reference from the OUAT season 2 deleted scenes xD