A/N: Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the positive feedback! You are such a wonderful fandom and I am very proud (delighted actually) to be a CS shipper along with you! May I present to you: Date Night! (complete with some of your technology requests.) I know this chapter is quite long (over 7,300 words!) but it didn't feel right to break it in half. I hope that is okay with you? Okay, good! Extra special thanks to Yettoseeyoufail who continues to be a champ at supplying me with story-block cures, and other tidbits of knowledge. Once again, she deserves some credit for this chapter!

Chapter 9

The Play of Light and Darkness

I'd spent the remainder of the day distracted by both the events from earlier and the evening yet to come. Henry and I had managed to get through two movies and take a spur-of-the-moment trip to the local electronics store before Mary Margaret took him for an appointment with Archie. I'd asked if he wanted me to go with him, but with his ever-present smile he'd assured me that he just wanted to fill Archie in on what happened in Neverland. I didn't like the way his eyes seemed less bright than before, as if he'd matured by years rather than days.

I hadn't mentioned my relationship with Killian to Henry yet, and I didn't plan to until I had a better handle on what exactly this bond meant for our future. Not to mention, I was pretty sure I needed to make things clear to Neal, first. After my most recent encounter with Killian, I knew that at the very least, we were going to end up in bed together at some point and not just to sleep. It was no longer a question of 'if', now it was just 'when.' Beyond that, I had no solid answers. Though, with every new moment I spent with him, my hope for something long-term grew.

Looking in the mirror once more, I tugged at the hemline of the short black dress I'd picked out for my date. I had a pretty good idea that he'd been teasing when he requested this type of outfit – it's not as if women in his time walked around so exposed – but I was more than happy to introduce him to the ways of modern women, and the fact that it would drive him crazy was just an added benefit.

I slipped a surprise gift for him into my purse just as a set of slow, rhythmic knocks came from the front door. Sweet anticipation danced in my veins and made my fingers tremble. I was taken aback by how giddy I was acting. After all, it was just Hook. It's not like this was a real first date. But it is the first time you'll be acknowledging him in public, my inner voice mused. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before grasping the knob and opening the door.

My mouth dropped, literally. He wore snug fitting dark wash jeans with a wine-colored shirt so dark it was nearly black underneath a solid black sports coat. As per usual, he'd left the top three buttons of the shirt undone, giving me a glimpse of the marvelous chest I'd practically worshiped earlier. And bless the man, he still had on his leather boots and his earring as requested. He'd left off the kohl which normally rimmed his sea-blue eyes, making him appear softer somehow. Still dangerous, but not in the same way as before. But the most notable change was the absence of his hook, a leather-clad prosthetic in its place. I don't know why, but it made me sad to see it gone. "Killian, you look…" I gestured to his outfit mutely, "…good. Really good." I coughed. Different, my mind supplied.

His lips curved up in a smug little grin but I'm not even sure he heard my reaction to him. The promise of wicked things flashed in his eyes as he practically undressed me with his gaze, lingering on the stilettos I'd paired with my dress. "Bloody hell, Swan!" He looked as if he intended to say more, but couldn't find the words. I'd made the king of innuendos speechless.

"I'll take that as a compliment," I quipped, preening just a bit at his attention.

"You definitely should, love." His eyes made one more pass before settling on my face.

I reached out and traced the skin under his eyes. "You look so different. You didn't need to do all this," I nodded to his overall attire.

His voice was quiet, but resolute. He looked almost shy when he responded. "Yes, I really did." He offered me his elbow, just as he'd done the night before, and winked. "Shall we?"

I let him lead us in silence. It wasn't just that he looked different; whatever this was between us felt different, too. Before, just his presence was enough to awaken our mutual hunger. I was still affected by him, but now it felt both more intense and more sedate than the desperation we'd been battling the past two days. I had a strong suspicion that our date could prove to be quite revealing before the night was over.

He stopped at my Beetle, eyeing the small car with open disdain. "Is there a problem?" I asked, breaking our spell of silence.

"It's quite the vessel you captain there, Swan." His words were teasing, but his emotions gave away his underlying unease. He glared at the car as if it were some beast to be tamed.

"Well, it may not be the fastest in the realm, but it serves its purpose." I teased. "I take it our destination requires the use of my car?"

"It's a bit of a distance, yes."

I racked my brain to think of where he would be taking me in Storybrooke that required us to drive. The apartment was within walking distance of most of the businesses in town, and not too far from the docks. "Well then, Captain, lead on." I mock saluted him as we settled into the car.

It was incredibly strange to have him seated in the passenger seat. I supposed it would've been worse had he still been in his full pirate regalia, but then again, maybe not. That was at least familiar, and for that reason, safe. I knew how to handle Captain Hook, but Killian? I was still getting used to him. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I actually had those nervous twinges bubbling in my stomach. I kept stealing glances at him from the corner of my eye, taking in his modern appearance and trying to think of something to say.

"So," I began as I pulled away from the curb. His head turned somewhat lazily toward me. The change to his eyes from the lack of liner still threw me. He was still striking – still far from 'normal' – but he suddenly looked more like a fallen angel than the devilish pirate I'd gotten used to. The butterflies were fluttering all over my body now. "Um, where to?"

"Just on the other side of town." His words were perfectly neutral, but the slight smirk gracing his lips and the smug delight poking at my heart spoke volumes. My fingers tightened on the steering wheel, and I willed my ridiculous hormones to calm down.

The silence descended again. Of course the incessantly-chatty rogue would choose now to hold his tongue. "So," I began anew, mentally chastising myself for my utter lack of smoothness. "Where'd you get the new digs?" He arched his eyebrow in question and I realized my mistake. "Clothes. It means clothes."

"A friend," he responded vaguely. "I believe they are what you would call, 'hand-down to me?'"

"Hand-me-downs." I exhaled in a sort of laugh, more directed at myself than him. "You know, I think this might be the first time since I met you that we're not either fighting for our lives or on some other equally perilous mission. I mean, our conversations usually consist of the best methods to flay a demon boy who refuses to grow up, or thwart a villain more dastardly than you, not a commentary on your wardrobe."

He grinned. "I do believe my vocabulary is rubbing off on you, Swan."

"Perhaps." I bit my lip to keep the playful grin from overtaking my face. Amongst other things, my helpful brain added.

I reached down and switched on the radio to add some background noise. The song playing had been a Top 40 hit quite a few years ago. As with everything else native to Storybrooke, the station was well behind the times.

"What magic is this?" Killian's voice was filled with genuine astonishment.

"It's called a radio. Don't ask me to explain how it works."

"It's bloody fantastic." An outpouring of sincere awe rushed across our connection, and a question I'd nearly forgotten was suddenly answered.

"Wait a minute; is that why you wanted the harp? You wanted to play me some music?"

He was quiet. "I used to be a fair musician; that is until the Crocodile took my hand. I wanted to share that with you." He quickly glanced at me from beneath his lashes.

Well, damn! The butterflies multiplied and nearly swarmed my chest. "I think I would've enjoyed that."

He listened – transfixed – to the music pouring from the speakers. The lyrics spoke of being willing to do anything for the person you loved, even risk death. I seemed to recall it being the theme to a popular movie from when I was much younger, but couldn't quite place it. As I continued to steal peeks at the man beside me, I couldn't help but think of how many times he had risked his life for me.

We enjoyed the music in companionable silence for the remainder of the trip. He directed me to a small bistro on the other side of town. The sign above the entrance read, "Lumiere's," and was accompanied by a painting of a long-stemmed red rose. "I've never heard of this place," I commented as we walked across the pavement.

"I believe it opened just a few days ago."

My brow arched. "How did you hear about it?"

"From a friend," he replied for the second time. He winked at me enigmatically as he held the door open and ushered me inside.

The dining room was dimly lit with three scrollwork chandeliers spaced evenly apart on the ceiling and individual votive candles on each table. The décor was a perfect combination of a modern bistro and what I would've imagined for an eighteenth century neighborhood café. The rich, heavy smell of French cooking wafted from the kitchen, and a woman's voice sang seductively from the speakers tucked in the corner.

Belle appeared before the two of us with a warm, welcoming smile. "Emma! It's wonderful to see you." She embraced me in a light hug before looking to Killian. If she was at all shocked to see him – let alone us together – she hid it entirely. She actually smiled at him! "Captain; I haven't had a chance to thank you for bringing Rumpel home safely."

"No thanks needed, love." He shifted his weight from one foot to the other and I could feel how her words unsettled him. Was he thinking about having to work alongside his Crocodile, or was he feeling remorse at what he'd done to Belle?

Sensing the bit of awkwardness, I jumped in; "So what are you doing here?"

She turned her attention back to me, letting a certain pirate off the hook. "Just helping an old friend get his business off and running."

"I would've expected you to be spending all your time with Gold," I laughed.

A slight crease settled on her forehead. "Yes, but he's been a bit…distracted since he returned. He asked me to give him some space, just until he finishes whatever it is he's working on."

I didn't necessarily like the sound of Rumpelstiltskin being too distracted by something that he was pushing his true love aside. But I didn't want to worry Belle any further. "He's probably just working on that cure for David. You know how protective he is of you; I bet he doesn't want you too close when he's using his magic."

"I'm sure you're right." She seemed to remember her purpose for greeting us as she picked up two menus from the hostess stand. "Would you like to sit in the back room? It's more private, there." As she spoke, I was suddenly aware of the numerous pairs of eyes considering Killian and I. Chief amongst them: Whale and Ruby.

"Yeah, that sounds good," I replied amiably enough, though I knew my wary face was not convincing. I wasn't stupid. If the scene at the docks proved anything, it was obvious the patrons of Storybrooke would need some time to get used to their newest resident. That he had just waltzed into a fancy restaurant with their savior – sporting a rather drastic makeover – was bound to feed the rumor mill for days. Not that I particularly cared what they thought.

Ruby stopped us as we passed her table. "Emma!" Her grin was a little too fondly directed toward my date, and a direct contradiction to the expression on Whale's face. "Hook. I see you found the place okay."

Wait, WHAT? I could feel my eyes narrow completely out of my control. Ruby was the one who'd recommended the restaurant? Just what else had Ruby inspired?

Killian's lips twitched and I could tell from the jolt of satisfaction that he was trying to hide a burgeoning smirk. "Aye, love. Thank you for the recommendation."

"No prob! Oh, and be sure to try the crème brulee...it's absolutely delicious!"

My eyes roved between Killian and Ruby, catching an equally not amused Whale glaring from behind his glass of white wine. I touched Killian's elbow to get his attention. "We will. Enjoy the rest of your meal."

I held my tongue until Belle had seated us, though it was obvious from the jovial glint sparkling in his blue eyes that Killian was completely delighted by my reaction. I supposed it would be a shame to disappoint him. "Want to tell me what that was all about?"

"That's not jealousy I detect, is it Swan?" He practically beamed.

"Perhaps," I retorted, willing him to volunteer once and for all what had happened between him and Ruby yesterday, but too damned stubborn to ask.

His hand reached across the white linen tablecloth to stroke over my fingers, making my stomach muscles seize. "You have absolutely no cause for concern, love. My relations with the lady wolf are entirely platonic. It seems we are both rather afflicted with a romantic nature, and she was only too keen on helping me succeed in my endeavors."

My eyes looked back at the lady in question of their own volition. She was laughing at something Whale was saying. He looked positively smitten. Come to that, so did Ruby. How long has that been going on? I wondered.

"What the bloody hell is all this?" He suddenly exclaimed under his breath, eyes roaming over the menu.

I peeked at the listed options: coq au vin, boeuf bourguinon, escargots, ratatouille…all classic dishes, but all in French. "Didn't you know this was a French restaurant?"

Two faint spots of color appeared on his cheeks. I never would have guessed the fearsome Captain Hook still had the ability to get embarrassed. He was so entirely out of his element, and I was torn between laughter and compassion.

I cleared my throat, drawing his attention away from the menu. "What's this all about anyways? The letter, the candles, the fancy dinner? No offense, but I'd hardly pegged you as the hearts and flowers type."

"I thought this was quite customary in your world?"

I shrugged. "For some, maybe; but you're a pirate. Doesn't really fit the stereotype."

A sense of quiet reflection rippled through our connection like cool water. "You know love, I wasn't always a pirate." His voice was softer than usual. "I told you once that I follow a code. That I believe in good form."

"David mentioned you used to be an officer."

A strange smile played at his lips. "Yes, well, that was a long time ago. But the point is, I do know how to be a gentleman. I do know how to respect a lady."

I laughed. "And what makes you think I want you to treat me like a lady? Did I give you that impression earlier? I like your pirate side."

His brow arched, clearly unconvinced.

"Honestly, Killian, this really isn't me. And as much as I appreciate you attempting the whole 'wine and dine' cliché I'd much rather spend time with you just as you normally are, infuriating tease and all." I reached over and plucked the menu from his hand, placing it on the table between us. Smiling mischievously, I tugged him to his feet. "C'mon; there's another place in town that's a bit more suited to people like us."

E&K&E&K&E&K

The Rabbit Hole was surprisingly busy for a Wednesday evening. I'd only just been able to squeeze my car into a tiny space at the end of the furthest row, and even then, there were cars still circling the lot.

Killian and I had maintained a light banter during most of the ride from Lumiere's, but now that we'd stopped, a pleasant sort of tension pulsed between us. I'd found myself openly staring at him more than a few times during our date. Sometime between our dalliance that morning, and watching him pull out all the stops to woo me, I'd given myself permission to go with the flow and let whatever happened…happen. It almost felt like my old life – before I'd discovered my fantastical history – and Killian was just a regular guy I'd met at a bar. Granted, an insanely sexy guy, but dressed as he was, he could've fit in easily at the places I used to frequent.

I was watching him again, taking in the scruff which decorated his perfect jaw line. I was nearly overcome with the desire to feel its roughness with the tip of my tongue. My breaths became shallower and my lower body clenched as I imagined it. This had nothing to do with our bond; this was pure, unadulterated desire, and I suddenly realized how very much I wanted to kiss him.

I tugged on his elbow as he made to open the door. "What is it?" He questioned, looking over at me.

I undid my seatbelt and shifted toward him. "Just another modern dating ritual," I breathed before seizing his mouth with my own. His taste was intoxicating. I thrust my tongue past his lips, feeling as though I might die of thirst if I couldn't completely drink him in.

I was distantly aware of his arms wrapping around me and my legs moving to straddle his lap, causing my dress to ride up nearly to my waist. My fingers grabbed thick handfuls of his silky, dark hair and I angled his head back to deepen the kiss further. His hand stroked up my back before wrapping around my shoulder and moving up my neck to cradle my face. I could feel him growing hard and ready between my thighs, and I couldn't help but shift my weight to rub against him.

I turned my face to nip along his jawline – just as I'd imagined – and sighed with pleasure as his hand drifted down to caress the tender flesh of my inner thigh. Someone groaned, and our mouths found each others' once more.

"Get a room!" An angry voice called from the front of the car. I jumped back from Killian and spotted Leroy scowling in our direction.

Killian chuckled, though it had a slightly desperate edge. "Really, Swan? At this rate I'll be tied to a stake in the town square and your father will be gleefully setting my genitals ablaze." He leaned over and nuzzled his cheek against mine, whispering in my ear, "Not the best way to mend my reputation, love." His teeth caught my earlobe before he settled his forehead against mine and closed his eyes.

We breathed deeply together. My pulse thrummed wildly in my chest, but I was in no more danger of losing control than any other normal encounter with an object of my affection. My smile was radiant. "To be continued?"

"Bloody hell!" He whined as I climbed back into my own seat. I caught him readjusting himself as I stepped out of the car. The night air was cool and crisp; perfect for momentarily taming my ardor. Though, that never lasted long when Killian was around.

It was several minutes before he joined me. Neither of us spoke, but I was fairly certain we wore matching smirks of almost satisfaction. "Shall we?" I cocked my eyebrow in his direction.

"If we must," he grumbled good-naturedly. He waved with his hand. "Lead on, love."

We were assailed by the cacophony of sounds pouring out of the bar before we'd even crossed the threshold. Loud rock music blared from the speakers and the dings of the gambling machines ricocheted through the air.

"So is this your typical date then, Swan?" He asked once we'd claimed a pair of stools at the massive bar.

I snickered. "That would require an actual date. I've always been more the 'no-strings-attached' kind of girl."

"Until now," he commented, measuring my face for my reaction.

"Until now," I conceded. At least, I hoped so.

"I really did want to take you to dinner," he pouted. It was inexplicably charming.

"Maybe some other time," I grinned. "Maybe we can double with Mary Margaret and David."

The look on his face was beyond priceless. It served him right after the whole Ruby thing. Nevermind that I was the reason they'd met to begin with.

We placed our drinks – beer for me; rum and coke for him – and I shared with him one of my more exciting bail bonds stories. He laughed at all the appropriate places even though I suspected he didn't entirely comprehend all of my modern terms.

"What about you? What is one of your favorite adventures from Neverland?" I inquired, genuinely curious to know more about the villainous Captain Hook than the obvious falsehoods I'd learned in my childhood.

He fidgeted, making my curiosity stand up and shout. "Oh come on; you couldn't have spent all of those years focused just on your revenge."

"Perhaps there were a few distractions…here and there." He made a vague sort of gesture with his hand. The light reflected off the deep red jewel of one of his rings. "But all in all, I've few happy memories of that wretched island." His expression turned distant.

I grabbed his hand, gently rubbing my thumb over the ring on his third finger. "Okay, what about this ring? Where did it come from?"

He smiled and a story sparkled in his eyes. "Ah yes, that is one of the less miserable memories. He paused, pondering. "It was quite some time ago."

"Hmm having trouble remembering? That old age catching up with you?"

His grin turned positively predatory. "I didn't hear any complaints about my 'old age' earlier, love."

"Touché." I let go of his hand to take a sip of my beer before quirking my eyebrow at him. "Well, Captain…regale me."

"There used to be a little harbor town on the north end of the island; that is, before Pan had one of his more colorful tantrums and practically demolished the place. We'd docked for a few days of shore leave and I found myself - most predictably - into the cups at the local tavern."

"I'm shocked," I teased, though more than anything I was entranced by his voice as he reminisced. The smooth lilt took on an almost musical quality as a wry smile teased his lips.

"Yes, well...I don't recall the exact details of how I entered the game, but the ring was won through a lucky round of Liar's Dice. Are you familiar with it?"

I shook my head no.

"I'll have to teach it to you some time. Something tells me you'll be quite brilliant at it." He took a swig of his drink before continuing. "One of the players had already amassed quite a stock of winnings, and naturally, I was feeling only too glad to relieve him of such a burden."

"Naturally," I agreed, rolling my eyes.

"He was quite an ugly bloke. He had the most unfortunate squatty face, like a toad – warts and all. But he claimed he was really a prince under an enchantment."

"Let me guess; he was waiting for his true love to kiss him and turn him back into his formerly handsome self?"

"Naturally," he winked, throwing my own sarcasm back at me. "But I fear fortune was not on his side. He was too brash, and he had a fairly obvious tell." His thumb rubbed absently over the ring in question. "Whenever he believed he had the upper hand, he would stroke the side of this ring and lick the side of his lip. Once he'd revealed that, it was fairly easy to unburden him in record time."

"So he had to give up the ring to settle his debts," I concluded.

"In a matter of speaking. I cut it from his finger when he refused to pay me my due. Filthy cheat."

I could feel the abrupt change in my facial expression, his words not so much disgusting me as stunning me. He merely shrugged, unapologetic. An anxious ripple along our link was my only clue that while he wasn't necessarily ashamed of his past, he did worry about how I would take it.

A beat of silence passed before I answered. "Sounds like bad form," I commented, intentionally vague as to who exactly was in the wrong.

"Indeed," he agreed.

I just shook my head. "I'm a bit surprised you kept it."

His lips curved wryly. "I seem to recall being rather fond of the metalwork. It's quite unique." He held his hand out to inspect the ring once more. Upon closer examination, I noticed several flowers engraved onto the band including one that looked a bit like my buttercup tattoo.

His attention shifted beyond my shoulder and he frowned. "Is it a normal part of your courting rituals here to stare at a shiny box instead of your love's eyes?" He motioned to a couple sitting a few stools down from us who were both engrossed in their phones. "It was much the same scene at the restaurant."

I snickered, though his notice of the technology reminded me of the gift I'd brought for him. "Oh! I almost forgot." I reached into my purse and retrieved the extra cell phone I'd purchased that afternoon. "I got this for you. So you can get a hold of me directly, next time. It's a cell phone. It allows you to speak to a person who is a long distance away from you."

He accepted the phone with extreme puzzlement etched on his features. I tried to imagine the experience from his perspective, but simply couldn't. As he'd pointed out, things like Smart Phones were as imbedded into my reality as duels and vendettas were in his. I held back a laugh as I gave him a quick tutorial, sliding my finger across the screen and selecting the contacts list. "When you want to get a hold of me, all you have to do is press here."

His index finger touched the screen experimentally, causing my phone to ring. I pulled it from my pocket to silence it, but his hand halted my wrist.

"How is it possible to capture such a perfect likeness?" His blue eyes were wide as he stared at the image of Henry set as my phone's wallpaper.

"What…the photo? It's easy. You just push another button."

"Show me." There was a subtle command to his tone that sparked my fever once more.

I demonstrated how to use the camera application by taking a picture of our drinks, hiding my grin at his sheer wonder. "Do you want to try it?"

He took the phone and clumsily aimed it in my direction. "May I?"

I nodded and held my pose, feeling that telltale heat creep over my face. I heard the soft click of the camera and turned toward Killian. There were no words to describe the look on his face as he gazed upon the screen. My blush deepened.

"Don't look at it too much or you'll wear down the battery."

"The what?" His voice was leery and he looked a bit concerned. I shook my head again, this time letting the laugh escape. "Nevermind. I'll show you how to charge it."

I heard the camera click once more and lifted my head to see Killian grinning mischievously. "Sorry; I couldn't resist. It's so rare that I see you laughing." He tilted the phone to show me the latest picture. I scarcely recognized myself. My cheeks were flushed and my eyes looked lit from within. I felt my expression fall as I realized how right he was.

"Yeah, well, there hasn't been much cause for it lately."

We were both quiet for a moment. Contemplative. Memories of the past weeks flitted through my consciousness. I could only imagine what he was thinking. He reached over to tuck a strand of my hair back – another of his habits – and let his fingers caress my cheek as he pulled his arm away, his gaze entirely locked on mine. The tenderness in his expression amazed me. Somehow in the past forty-eight hours he'd allowed that mask of arrogance to crumble away, revealing his true self. I'd caught glimpses of the vulnerability since he'd awoken, but now the raw honesty was accompanied by a sense of calm assurance. This man knew his feelings. He looked at me with surety and patience. He looked at me with love. But for how long?

Our bond undulated for the first time that evening, and I felt my breath quiver. It was too much. I had only just begun to process my true feelings for Killian Jones. Sure, he'd be patient for now; but would it last? How far would I fall before he gave up on me too?

"I'll be right back." I offered him a faint smile as I slipped from my stool and headed toward the back hallway where the restrooms were located. I just needed a break to get my head on straight.

I patted some cold water on my overheated cheeks as I stared myself down in the mirror. Mirrors were supposed to be a true reflection of reality, not the reality we perceive to be true. If that was the case, then my true reality was broadcasting what my imagined one was trying desperately to ignore.

You're falling in love with him.

I couldn't even blame it on the bond. The more time I spent with Hook…with Killian, the more I genuinely liked him. I'd pushed him away from the very beginning using one excuse or another. And yet, he'd always found a way through each and every hoop. Maybe hope would not be so fleeting this time?

"Emma!" Tinkerbelle exclaimed as she pushed roughly through the door. Her expression was one of near panic.

"What is it? What's wrong?" I spun to face her, pulse galloping. Where the hell did she come from?

"It's Hook. And Bae."

I didn't need to hear anymore. I shoved past her and scanned the bar. Noticing it empty, my gut reaction had me running for the entrance. A sizeable crowd had gathered on the sidewalk, hiding the source of the raised voices from my eyes. Pushing my way between several onlookers, I managed to get to the front just in time to overhear Neal say, "You know how I know her 'lie-detector' is bullshit? It's you. She doesn't see through the leather and the guy-liner and charm. She's letting you use her, just like you did my mother." He scoffed. "You just flash those blue eyes and grin and off they go like lambs to the slaughter, abandoning everything they love and all their common sense."

I gasped just as a flash of blind fury wrapped in jealousy raced across my synapses, mixing with my own shock and confusion in a very unpleasant combination. The scene unfurled as if playing in slow motion. Kilian shoved Neal against the wall of the bar and snarled, "You have no bloody idea what you're talking about, mate!" His fingers twisted in the fabric at Neal's throat. "Emma would never-"

"Hook!" I yelled as I immediately placed myself between the two men, holding them at arm's length. His chest was heaving, eyes dark and dangerous like the pirate I'd left chained on top of a beanstalk. "What the hell happened?"

His jaw clenched and he was refusing to meet my eyes, keeping them steadily on the man behind me instead. After a moment he sighed deeply and stepped back, turning away from both of us and pacing with noticeable agitation.

I glanced back at Neal, noting the red mark on his neck where Killian had twisted his collar. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just great." He spat on the sidewalk. "Real stand-up guy you've got there, Em."

"Neal…"

"I get it. Hell, even my own mom couldn't resist his charm. But I won't let him take you away from Henry like he took my mother from me." His voice raised on the second part of the statement, no doubt intended for Hook to hear.

I flinched at the reference to Milah. "It's not like that-"

"Then explain it to me, because I sure as hell don't understand!"

I looked between the two of them again, completely aware of the symbolism we struck. My past and my would-be future. My first love and my potential forever love. And then there was me, stuck between them both. We couldn't go on this way. I hadn't intended to speak with Neal so soon, but if I'd learned anything since moving to Storybrooke it was that fate didn't give two shits about your intentions.

I inhaled slowly before approaching Killian. His eyes were still too hard, but now they were cautious again. That lightness he'd so freely displayed only moments before was now waiting for my condemnation. "Give me a minute with him," I said. He hesitated, obviously not pleased to be leaving me alone with Neal. I hated the unease creeping across our link, but my voice was uncompromising. "Please."

He sighed before giving me a little half bow and retreating toward the parking lot. With my best Sheriff's glare and a jerk of my head I motioned for the crowd to scatter. All but Tinkerbelle returned to whatever business the 'almost fight' had interrupted. She nodded once to me before crossing to a bench on the other side of the seat, presumably to wait for Neal.

As soon as we were alone, I spun to face him. "Want to tell me what that was all about?"

His face tightened. "I saw you earlier. By the docks. With him."

I shrugged, belying the wisp of panic assaulting my heart. "There was a misunderstanding between him and Anton. It's all settled now."

"Yeah, it sure looked that way. He has a real 'uncanny' ability to get you to do whatever he wants." He shook his head. "What are you doing, Em?"

"It's really none of your business," I seethed, beyond annoyed to be repeatedly called out on my behavior with Killian.

A flash of pain crossed his face almost as if he'd been punched again. "Ouch. Well, I guess that says it all, doesn't it?" He looked so much like a wounded puppy. Two for two, Emma.

"You're one to talk. Tinkerbelle?" I asked, tossing my head in the direction of the beautiful fairy.

He looked toward the ground. "She's an old friend."

"Yeah. I've heard that one before." My eyes rolled.

"I guess it doesn't really matter what you believe, does it? You made your choice." He reasserted the same accusation he'd made onboard the Jolly Roger. Then, I wasn't sure what I was going to do about my connection to Killian. Now, I knew what I wanted it to mean, but I wasn't entirely convinced it would all work out the way I was hoping. Regardless, this tete-a-tete with Neal needed to stop.

I sighed deeply. "We're bonded."

"What?"

"It happened in the Dark Hollow. The light you saw…I somehow bound his life to mine. You can ask your father if you don't believe me. He was there when I completed it."

His eyes narrowed. "And what does that mean exactly?

"I can't really explain it. But I care about him, Neal. I know you have a lot of reasons to hate him, but you don't get to make that choice for me."

"You're right. But I do get to make choices for Henry. I don't want him around our son. I don't want him to do to Henry what he did to me. Did he tell you? How he gave me up to the Lost Boys to save his own hide? He's just as much a coward as –"

I cut him off. "As who, Neal? As you? As me? We've both given up someone we professed to love. Not one of us is perfect! What matters is how we make up for those mistakes."

His voice lowered. "I'm trying, Em. But it's pretty difficult to win your attention when you're letting yourself fall hook, line and sinker for the same guy that ripped my family apart once before. Pun intended."

I just shook my head, feeling my ire rise once more. "I am not a prize to be won! And I heard what you said, you know. Do you really think so little of me? That I'd just abandon my son for some guy?"

He shrugged. It pissed me off.

"I meant what I said."

I clicked my tongue. "Well; look who finally showed up to be a father." There was no disguising the callous sarcasm of my taunt. It was a low blow and I knew it. But enough was enough!

He laughed angrily. "And you think Hook will do a better job?" A momentary flash of shame rolled across my mind. I'd been so distracted by maneuvering within our new connection that I'd thought very little about Killian's role in my completely messed-up family. "See; you didn't even think about it, did you?"

"He's not the same person you knew all those hundreds of years ago," I challenged.

Neal huffed. "You keep telling yourself that." He rubbed his hand through his hair, an almost pain-filled smile on his face. "God, I don't know how he does it. Have you forgotten everything? What about Belle? And Aurora? Is that really the kind of man you think you can trust? The kind of male figure you want around Henry?"

I kept my silence. My expression never wavered, though some of what Neal was saying was hitting a little close to home.

"Just…just be careful, Em. And please – for Henry's sake if not for your own – really think about what you're getting into." He looked at me sadly before walking over to join Tinkerbelle.

I waited a few minutes before slowly making my way to the parking lot. My mind was struggling to process everything I was feeling. As angry as I was at Neal's insinuations, I couldn't deny that there was some validity to his concerns. I was falling in love with Killian, but for all the intensity of our feelings for one another, I didn't really know him. Not in the way that mattered to someone in my position. And was I really so arrogant as to believe that his blossoming love for me would undo hundreds of years of being Captain Hook? I hoped so. But I didn't know. It was the not knowing that made everything so confusing.

I found Killian leaning against the side of my bug, flask in hand and face expressionless.

"We need to talk."

A strange, resigned smile appeared on his face. "When a woman says that I'm rarely in for a pleasant conversation." He tossed back a large amount from his flask and swiveled to face me.

My heart began racing as it often did in Killian's presence, but for once it had nothing to do with attraction. "I appreciate you standing up for me, but I hope you know I am capable of fighting my own battles."

"I believe I am intimately aware of that, love."

I paused to regain my courage. "Look, tonight was great," I started.

"It was," he agreed. "But it wasn't enough, was it?"

I don't know, my heart and mind screamed. "I do care for you, but I have a responsibility to my son above everything else and with all the madness of whatever this is between us, I've been neglecting that. I guess I'm just not sure how you will fit into that life."

He nodded while pursing his lips. "Of course. Baelfire is the lad's father."

"Baelfire? Wait, you think I'm choosing Neal?"

His voice was devoid of emotion. "He told me what you said. That you loved him."

I felt my heart squeeze with almost the exact pain I'd felt when Cora had attempted to remove it. Killian's face had not changed, but his eyes…his eyes looked hollow, as if my words were sucking the hope from his soul. He wasn't supposed to be the one with doubts. He told me he knew my feelings even without me saying them.

My hope deflated along with his. Tears bit at the corner of my eyes. He was giving up on me, just as I feared. The fluttering of abject alarm echoed within my rib cage. "I see."

He pushed off from the car abruptly and stepped closer to me, invading my space as was his way. A sad sort of smile hinted on his face. "No, love, I'm not sure that you do."

My breath caught in a slight hiccup. I took in every detail of his face, from his thick, dark brows, to the small scar on his cheek, to the curve of his sultry mouth. Half of me wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around him and pour out every single one of my feelings. The other half kept fixating on the kernel of fear sitting like a lead weight in my soul.

Without warning, his hand came to the side of my face, forcing me to look directly into his eyes. "I can feel what you're doing. But I won't let you push me away, not forever. You need space? You need to exhaust all the reasons you think this won't work? Fine. But I'm not giving up on you, Emma. I've never given up on you. Stop letting yourself give up on me." He dropped his hand and stepped backwards, watching my face for a few moments before turning and heading back toward the bar.

"Don't you need a ride?" I called, my voice shaking in response to the riot of panic in my chest.

"I'm sure I can find the way."

"Don't be ridiculous. C'mon. Let me drive you back to your ship."

His half smile was almost patronizing. "But you see, Swan, I'm not quite ready to head back to my quarters like a good little boy, yet. Though, I thank you for the offer."

"Killian…" I called again, though truthfully I didn't know what to say.

He paused. "This isn't a bloody game, Emma. You know where I'll be when you've made up your mind."

"But the bond-" I started to say.

He closed his eyes and rubbed behind his ear. "Aye, the bond." The hurt radiating from him felt like daggers to the heart. "I suppose you can always count on me for that. After all, that's what pirates are good for, right love?" He leveled his eyes on me once more – looking upon me with a peculiar mix of pity and pain – before disappearing around the corner which led to the Rabbit Hole.

My right foot actually took a step to follow him before my conscience tightened control. My hands squeezed into fists as I took a deep, steadying breath. Those two halves of me felt as though they were strangling each other in a cage match to the death. I wished I had the odds on which side would win.

I crossed to the driver side of the Beetle and climbed in. My eyes kept straying to my rearview mirror as I headed home to my son, ignoring the throbbing wound that called itself my heart.

A/N: (Peeks out from hiding) Are you mad? Like, how mad?

This author is a firm believer in HEA. Just keep that in mind ;) Any guesses for the song playing on the radio? It was my wedding song.

I would love to hear your reactions and theories. Not to beg or anything, but reviews are highly motivating. :D