A/N: Thank you for all the lovely reviews and messages. They brighten my day! I hope you are all suitably recovered from Emma and Killian's big night and ready for our plot to thicken. *insert maniacal laughter*

Chapter 13

Constant Reminders

I yawned and checked my phone, somewhat disappointed to find the inbox empty. Killian had started texting me as soon as the sun came up; apparently, neither of us had been able to sleep much after our…dalliance. His most recent texts had taken a turn for the naughty. I really didn't want to know who had tipped him off about the wonders of sexting. With messages like, "Changed my mind, Swan. I am exceedingly interested in seeing your fancier undergarments." and "You've inspired a hunger which cannot be sated. I yearn for another taste," he'd kept me in a state of distraction not really conducive to focusing on work.

My mouth quirked into a half-grin as my thoughts settled…again…on last night. It had been as incredible as I'd expected, yet also entirely different. My body remembered how he felt every time I shifted in my chair, already craving a repeat performance. The passionate way he'd taken me, coupled with our truly honest conversation fed all parts of my soul. I completely understood what he meant about hunger; I hadn't realized until we'd finally given in how starving I'd been for both physical and emotional intimacy.

I sighed deeply and closed my eyes, letting my thoughts spiral down the path of temptation known as Killian Jones. We'd come together so quickly the night before; pushed to the limits of both of our control and desire. I couldn't wait until the next time when we could be slow and sweet, or playful, or rough. Maybe I'd break out the handcuffs again, or better yet, let him take me on the deck of the Jolly Roger in the moonlight, my body pressed against the large steering wheel as he pushed into me again and again. My lower walls clenched just thinking about it.

The abrupt appearance of David nearly knocked me out of my seat. I hastily straightened in the chair and grabbed the first thing I saw, pretending I'd been engrossed in reading and definitely not thinking x-rated thoughts about a certain pirate.

"One hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon," he said as he handed me a to-go cup from Granny's.

"Thanks," I responded, though I didn't look up from the newspaper in front of me.

He cleared his throat and I could feel his eyes focused on my face. "So, you got in pretty late last night…and left pretty early."

I mentally cringed, sighed, and set the paper aside. "Are we really going to talk about this?" I leveled my best criminal justice stare on him.

His lips twitched and he shook his head. "He'd better treat you right."

"Says the man who practically rolled out the welcome mat. Don't think I didn't catch that at dinner…texting?" My brow raised. "Tacos?"

"Hey," he held his hands out, "that was all your mother."

"That makes it even worse," I mumbled. "Can we just pretend we just had a normal family dinner in which you just happened to meet my…boyfriend." I rolled my eyes at myself, realizing I was not making the situation better at all.

"Boyfriend," David coughed. "Right. Got it." He hung his coat on the back of his chair and made a show out of arranging some files on his desk. "Speaking of Hook, he joined Snow and me for breakfast."

"He what?" I guess that explains the lapse in his texts, I thought.

"Well, there may have been a bit of a…confrontation between him and the dwarves."

"Again?" I sighed. "What was it this time?"

"It seems Leroy witnessed the two of you engaged in a private moment?" His eyes narrowed. Taking my silence as confirmation, he continued, "He seemed to think Hook was taking advantage of you. He mentioned they'd already warned him to leave you alone once before."

"For crying out loud!" I exhaled in a rush. "The people in this town need to mind their own damn business."

His eyes widened as his hands went to his hips. "So it's true?"

"Yes," I hissed. "But not like you're thinking. Killian's been trying to make a better impression, but it seems some people are not quite ready to give him that chance."

He nodded and his posture relaxed. "I sort of figured as much. That's how he ended up eating with us. Your mother invited him over and sort of gave your uncles a dressing down. I don't think they're fully convinced that he's turned over a new leaf, but it's a start."

"And where is he now?" I asked, kicking myself internally for letting the thought escape. I didn't have to seem so interested.

"I left him with Snow. They were going to pick up boxes to start packing up the apartment."

Huh. He really was trying to ingratiate himself with the people around me.

My text alert sounded from my pocket. I waited until David sat down and started booting up his computer before slyly opening the message. "Really darling, letting me take you against the helm?" My cheeks flashed crimson. The inbox chirped a second time almost immediately after the first. "I was thinking the mast, but I'm happy to indulge you in both. Repeatedly."

Son of a bitch! I silently swore, realizing I must have been projecting my thoughts to him again!

"Everything alright?" David inquired, looking at my face with a touch of bewilderment.

"Yeah," I said in a rush. "It's just a bit hot in here, don't you think? I'm going to grab some water," I stood, escaping to the small kitchen in the back of the station. Once alone, I shot a quick text back to Killian: "I'm not alone. Behave yourself."

His reply came just as I'd returned to my desk, glass of water in tow. "Where's the fun in that, love?" God, I could just see his smug grin in my head.

Fighting back my own grin, I texted back: "The fun comes later. Right now I'm working." Well, at least I should have been working. I locked the screen and set the phone to the far corner of the desk, determined not to give in to anymore of his taunts.

"So we've had a report about some potential criminal mischief from the owner of the cannery, and a complaint about Mrs. Teedings – you might know her as Old Mother Hubbard – regarding her dog digging up the neighbors' yards. Nothing too exciting," David commented.

I bit my cheek almost hard enough to taste blood when he mentioned the cannery. So, not a prop after all. My helpful mind snorted at my inner mortification.

"I can swing by the cannery later on, if you'll look into the other?"

I cleared my throat. "Actually I think I'd prefer the cannery if you don't mind?" I held his gaze steadily, willing my face not to react. Naturally, that was the moment my phone alert sounded again.

His mouth curved. "Sure. It's a nice day for spending time down by the water." He graced me with an all too knowing expression and handed me the report before returning his attention to the forms before him.

I attempted to focus on the information in the file, but the blinking of my phone kept nudging me, almost nagging me with an imaginary voice demanding that I pick it up and read whatever new sinful suggestion my rogue of a pirate had in store for me. After five minutes of rereading the same paragraph over and over, I grabbed my cell and opened the message.

"Comes? Really, Swan you make this far too easy. Shall I enumerate all the various ways I mean to assist you with that particular request?"

Liquid fire raced low in my body while simultaneously heating my blood. He was not playing fair. "Shut your mouth, Killian, before I staple it shut for you," I tapped out somewhat aggressively, feeling beyond flustered. I reached for my glass of water and took a large swig, setting it down just as his reply chimed in.

"I know not what staples are, love, but surely you'd prefer to leave my mouth unmarred as I've yet to put it to proper use between your thighs."

I sputtered as the water I'd just drunk went down the wrong tube. David's eyes honed in on my face – most likely blazing red – then the phone clutched in my hand. It didn't take a clever man to piece two and two together. "Awful lot of texts you're getting this morning."

I hummed once, but said nothing.

I caught him shaking his head out of my periphery, muttering something which sounded suspiciously like, "Damn it, Leroy!" I didn't ask for clarification.

Sending Killian one final text – "That sounds an awful lot like a challenge." – I placed the phone in my desk drawer and shut it firmly. It took nearly ten minutes without any further beeps for me to relax enough to actually do some work.

Reading through the report, I was puzzled by some of the details. According to the owner, they'd found several broken bottles and the remnants of a barrel fire; neither of which I'd noticed when I was with Killian. Not that you were really taking in the scenery, eh Swan? Just great. Now his voice was taking over my conscience! I mentally glared at my own inner voice before considering other explanations for the findings. Storybrooke didn't really have a spree of criminal activity, but it was possible someone had broken into the cannery to use it as a temporary shelter.

My thought process was interrupted by a sudden bolt of alarm in my heart. I gasped and my hand flew to my chest. "You alright?" David asked, concern evident in his tone.

"Yeah, it's just heartburn, I think…" My voice trailed off. Realizing whatever was causing my discomfort seemed to stem from my connection to Killian, I slowly opened my desk drawer and checked my phone, but there were no new messages. He wouldn't have ignored my last text, would he? The acrid sting of anxiety crept through my veins. Something felt wrong. I dialed his number, but he didn't answer.

He's probably just busy. Stop worrying, I forced my inner thoughts to say. I held the phone in my grasp, staring at his name in my recent contacts, until whatever had initially caused my panic slowly dissipated away. With a tremor of reluctance, I set the cell back in my drawer. I'd try again in a few minutes.

The door to the station pushed open a second later. "Neal!" I exclaimed, truly unprepared to find him standing there. Seriously, one interruption after another! My inner thoughts raged.

"You!" The sudden glare on David's face was a hairs-breadth away from enacting 'if looks could kill.' He pointed at Neal's chest. "You and I need to have a chat."

"Now is not the time, Dad," I murmured before turning back to Neal. "So uh, what are you doing here?"

He watched David a bit warily. He seemed momentarily confused before realization slammed into his expression. "You told him?" He asked me.

"Damn right, she did! Just what were you thinking?" David's voice deepened as his volume increased.

I placed my hand on David's arm, hopeful that I'd inherited my mother's pacifying touch. His jaw tightened, but he backed down. Turning to Neal, I lifted an eyebrow, silently urging him to continue.

"I wanted to talk to you about taking Henry for the weekend," he said.

"Oh." Oh shit!

"It's just, I haven't really had a chance to spend much time with him," he continued.

And whose fault is that? My inner voice snipped.

Apparently I was silent for too long. He shifted to his other foot and tried to read my expression. "Is that a problem?"

"No. No, it's just…" I exhaled sharply, at a loss for whether to tell him the truth or not.

"Do you guys already have plans or something?"

"Kind of." I forced myself to maintain eye-contact. My heart rate increased, to my annoyance. I shouldn't be nervous. I knew I wasn't doing anything wrong. "He asked Killian if they could go sailing this weekend."

Neal's face hardened. "Killian." He stressed each syllable, eyes flickering between me and David.

Turning to David, I beseeched him with my eyes to give us some privacy. His answering sigh was not pleased, but the tension in his frame visibly slackened as he resigned himself to my silent request. "I've got to make some copies for the realtor. I'll be in the back if you need me."

As soon as David was out of sight, Neal's attention fixated on me. "I see you really took our conversation to heart." Disappointment radiated in his words.

"I did, actually. I just didn't come to the same conclusion as you." I flexed my hands and breathed out slowly. "Look, I get why you're concerned. But you're going to have to trust me. I would never do anything to put Henry in danger."

"Just yourself."

"Sometime, yes. But this is not one of those times." I sighed again and pinched my eyes closed, almost physically preparing myself to admit to him what he'd been accusing me of since Neverland. "I'm in love with him," I whispered.

He scoffed loudly but said nothing.

I could feel my face shifting into a scowl. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

He shook his head slightly. "Nothing. I really didn't come here to argue, Emma."

"Good, because there's really nothing to argue about," I asserted. "I get it. You and Hook have a past. One that's centuries old, I might add. I would think you of all people would understand not wanting to be judged on past mistakes."

His mouth opened once before he clenched his jaw.

"And besides, you two were fine in Neverland. I sort of got the impression that you'd already buried the hatchet. Am I wrong?"

His eyes dropped to the ground. He took a deep, slow breath. "It's just…you didn't even give us a chance."

"There hasn't been an 'us' in over a decade, Neal," I said quietly. "I told you that days ago."

He nodded. "You're right, you did."

"And you didn't believe me?" I asked, a bit taken aback by the slight sting that caused me.

Neal didn't respond. He didn't even look at all chagrinned. This wasn't some ploy to get me to change my mind; he really didn't think my feelings for Killian were genuine. He's still thinking about his mother, I silently lamented.

We stared at one another for an immeasurable amount of time. This was the very physical representation of an impasse. I had no idea what I could do to convince him that I was deadly serious when it came to Killian, and furthermore that he felt the same for me. Not to mention, I resented that Neal seemed to think he deserved some kind of evidence, as if Killian was the only thing standing in the way of a happy family reunion.

The station phone rang shrilly. "Sheriff Swan," I answered, my voice tired and borderline grouchy. With one problem still literally before me, I wasn't excited to deal with anything else.

"Oh good, you are at the station," said a voice which sounded only vaguely familiar. "This is Dr. Whale. I wasn't really sure who to call, but then I remembered seeing you together and figured you were probably the best person to notify."

"Notify about what?"

"It's the pirate. He was brought in earlier and I don't have an emergency contact, so I figured-"

My heart dropped to my feet, thoughts of anything else completely vanished. "Is he alright?" I cut him off, voice pitched higher than normal. God, I knew something was wrong!

"He sustained a blow to the head – we think. He's still unconscious."

"I'll be right there," I spoke rapidly, setting the phone back on the receiver a bit shakily.

"What is it?" Neal asked. My eyes widened as I saw him. Right. We'd been in the midst of a conversation.

"It's Killian. He's been injured."

"What about Hook?" David interjected, stepping back into the room.

"That was the hospital, he's…they said they don't know what happened," I muttered, my voice matching the swirling mix of confusion and nervousness in my chest.

David's eyes were calm and resolute, his words clear and commanding. "You go. I'll call your mom and hold down the fort."

"Thanks," I breathed.

"I'll go with you," Neal suddenly offered. I turned to him, a slight frown on my lips. He shrugged. "You're upset. You shouldn't go alone."

I tried to consider the implications of his offer, but could barely think past my overwhelming need to get to Killian. "Whatever," I muttered before grabbing my coat and pushing out the door.

E&K&E&K&E&K

Mary Margaret was the first person I saw when I rushed through the emergency room doors. "Where is he? Is he ok?" I asked rapid-fire.

Seeing Neal behind me, she hesitated. I met her eyes and nodded once, tightly. She gathered a breath before answering, "They took him for a CT Scan. He was awake when I got here."

"So you've seen him?"

"No, not yet. But I did speak with Dr. Whale for just a moment. He told me that Hook was 'his irritating self' when he woke up."

"Well, that sounds like him, alright," Neal muttered drily.

Ignoring him, my eyes swept around the waiting room. Aside from a tired-looking woman sitting with a young boy, we were alone. "Did Whale say anything about what happened?"

Mary Margaret shook her head no before taking a seat. I sat beside her a bit stiffly, resigning myself for the long wait which usually accompanied an Emergency Room visit. My nerves were uncomfortably on edge. My chest was tight, as if I couldn't gather enough air to sustain normal breathing. I needed to see him.

I jumped up as Whale appeared in the waiting room. He beckoned to Mary Margaret and me.

"You should probably wait here," I directed to Neal. He didn't argue.

We walked beside Whale as he took us down a corridor lined with patients' rooms. "We've settled him in a private room. From our preliminary evaluation, it seems he has a mild concussion, though we'll need the results of the scan to rule out anything more serious," he explained.

"And you still have no idea what happened?" I asked.

"He says he doesn't remember. But you're the Sheriff; I'll leave it to you to gather the details. He's right in here," he stated, ushering us into a dimly lit room.

My heart jumped at the sight of Killian in a hospital bed again. His eyes were closed, as if sleeping, and he didn't react to our presence. "What's wrong with him?" I turned an accusatory glare on Whale.

"It's not uncommon for patients with head trauma to doze." He approached Killian and pulled out a penlight, shining it in one of his eyes then the other.

"Bugger off, mate, I'm taken. Go sniff around that darling lady wolf you pretend not to leer at," Killian grumbled, lifting his hand to push the light away.

"Relax, Captain. I'm only interested in checking out your vitals. You can keep the rest of your parts to yourself." Whale turned and smirked at Mary Margaret. She shifted her stance and refused to look at him.

Killian's voice sounded sleepy as he continued, "Too right, mate, though I plan to share a few particular parts later on with –"

I cleared my throat. Loudly. He turned his dazzling blue eyes on me and smiled. "Hello, love. When did you arrive?"

Stepping closer, I took in his slightly dazed look, so similar to the few times I'd seen him over indulge on his precious rum. It might have been adorable if I couldn't also see the slight crinkle of pain around the edges of his eyes.

"I'll be back once I have the results of the scan. You can have the nurse page me if you have any questions." Whale excused himself and left the room.

"No need to look so shocked, Swan," Killian said, cocking his eyebrow in silent commentary. I sat down on the edge of his mattress, just needing to be near him. There were a million things I wanted to say, but my brain refused to come to an agreement on how to start. I was still calming down from the immense fright of getting that phone call, but now I was also a bit annoyed. How dare he play this off as no big deal?

"This seems awfully familiar," he continued, lifting his hand from the mattress and fluttering his fingers. "Well; all except the handcuffs, that is."

"I'm sure that can be arranged," I retorted, though my voice lacked the necessary teasing.

Perhaps sensing the slight awkward tension, Mary Margaret shifted toward the door. "I'm going to call Charming and give him an update. Be back in a few." She looked between us before stepping into the hall.

Once we were alone, I stared at him silently for a long moment, letting my eyes drift over his face and upper body to check that he really was okay. My emotions felt like they were strangling me. He could've died. He could've left me, and I'd only just let myself love him. "You scared me," I finally admitted softly.

His entire expression changed as understanding dawned. "Oh love," he began, wrapping his fingers around my hand and tugging. It wasn't hard enough to force me to fall, but I collapsed against his chest just the same. I tucked my face against his neck and inhaled slowly, letting his familiar scent soothe my anxiety. His fingers combed through my hair. "Easy there, Swan; you're not rid of me yet."

"Don't even joke about it." I pushed myself up and glared.

"Apologies, love." He reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear. "It'll take more than a cowardly bump to the head to keep me from you."

"It'd better."

His fingers traced along my cheek as he watched me watching him. His eyes turned suddenly sweet and a tad playful. "You'll note that my mouth isn't – how you say – stapled," he smirked, tapping gently against his lips.

I felt my brow furrow again, trying to retain the seriousness of the moment, but Killian wouldn't have it. He pursed his lips in an adorable sort of pout and held the expression until my face broke into a small grin. He smirked – impending victory coloring his eyes – and I rolled my own as my smile widened. "You couldn't handle it," I taunted a moment before I leaned down and pressed my mouth to his.

His lips were soft and warm, and full of gentleness. As much as I loved kissing him with the raw power of our desire for one another, this moment demanded a quieter, but still as intimate reunion. "I am sorry to have worried you, love," he whispered as he drew his face back. He rubbed his hand in long strokes along my arm before his eyes tightened with some sudden concern. "Tell me though, are you alright?"

"Me? I'm fine. I mean yeah, I was a bit worried about you, but I can see that you're okay."

"That's not really what I meant." His fingers touched over my heart. "Our bond. I have a hazy memory of the crocodile mentioning it could harm you were I to be injured, or worse; take both our lives if the other were to perish."

My muscles tensed as the memory he described washed over me. Oh, right. Gold's warning. I frowned as a different realization hit me. "I think I must have felt it. I had a distinct feeling of panic before I got Whale's call." I studied his eyes, looking for some sort of hidden knowledge. "You really don't have a clue what happened?"

"Afraid not, love, though I am most interested in determining the identity of my assailant." His voice lowered at the end of the statement and his left arm lifted. Without his hook attachment, the threat was not nearly as menacing, though I fully gathered his meaning.

"And we will. But right now you just need to concentrate on healing," I replied. His eyes were still stormy, still distant with his instinct for revenge. I smoothed my fingers over his furrowed brow and added, "I've got plans for you, and it will require you to be at full strength."

Some of the clouds left his gorgeous eyes as the corner of his mouth ticked upwards. "Is that right, love?"

"Mmm hmmm," I hummed. "Sexting, Killian?" My eyebrow arched. He did not bother to look anything but pleased with himself. "Just remember that payback's a bitch." He chuckled and my heart swelled with tenderness. I may have fought him every step of the way, but this surrender was just as sweet as the old adage promised. As much as I had claimed him in the Dark Hollow, he had fully claimed me right back. "I love you," I breathed against his lips.

"And I you, Swan." This kiss was slow and deep and I felt it all the way to my toes. Our faces lingered near one another as we reluctantly broke away. In that moment, whatever magical bond connected us felt as tangible as real cords fastening our hearts, minds and souls together.

A sharp rapping against Killian's door turned both of our heads. Neal stood a bit awkwardly in the doorway. I stood and faced him, smoothing my hands uselessly over the hem of my shirt. Just how long had he been standing there?

"Baelfire." Killian startled, genuine confusion in his voice. His sapphire eyes swept to mine.

"He came here with me." A pulse of unease crossed our link. "He was at the station when I got the call from Whale," I quickly added. "I was pretty upset."

Killian's eyes softened toward me, but I could still sense his wariness at Neal's presence. And really, I couldn't blame him. Our last joint encounter had not ended so well for any of us. "I'll be right back," I whispered, trying to convey with both my eyes and my feelings that he had nothing to worry about. I squeezed his hand once before gesturing for Neal to follow me into the hall.

"What is it?" I asked with measured calmness.

"I spoke with Mary Margaret. She told me Hook's going to be alright." He nodded to Killian through the doorway. "This thing you have with him…it's real, isn't it." It wasn't a question. "You do love him," he added quietly.

"I already told you that."

Neal shifted his weight before placing his hand behind his neck. "Yeah, you did. But I saw you two just now. I think he might really love you, too."

I waited in silence, not sure how to justify to Neal what I already knew to be true beyond any doubt.

Neal nodded again and exhaled swiftly before meeting my eyes. "I just want you to be happy, Em. I had hoped it might be with me, but I guess that's not in the cards for us. You were right about what you said earlier. There is a lot of history between all three of us. It's going to take some time before I trust him, but I do trust you. I want to be a part of both yours and Henry's lives. Do you think we can start over as friends?" His words were a bit stilted, but they were honest.

"I'd like that," I replied.

His face relaxed. "Good." He looked through the doorway and I followed his gaze. Killian was staring intently at the pair of us, an anxious sort of tension present in his expression. Neal nodded to him once, wordlessly imparting some message that Killian seemed to immediately comprehend. He eased back against his pillows, the rigidity in his face and posture releasing.

Mary Margaret rounded the corner with Whale. The good doctor motioned for us to step back into Killian's room. He looked at Neal a bit strangely and I tried to remember if they had ever officially been introduced; it was pretty challenging to keep all the friendships, family ties and rivalries in this town straight.

I took my place beside Killian as we waited for Whale to tell us the final diagnosis. Killian's fingers wrapped around my own, and I held it tightly. His thumb caressed over the back of my hand, and I wasn't sure if it was meant to soothe me or him. A bit of both, I concluded.

"It's as I suspected. You've got a mild concussion. You might experience a dull headache for a day or two and some dizziness and nausea. You'll need lots of rest and should be carefully monitored over the next twenty-four hours for any increasing symptoms. No strenuous activity; you need to avoid anything that might jostle your brain further." He continued describing the CT scan and how often Killian could take pain medicine before asking him about where he could be reached if the hospital had any further news about the incident.

"I really don't think it's a good idea for him to be alone on the ship with a concussion," I quickly commented.

Mary Margaret actually looked a bit affronted. "Of course not. He'll stay with us. We'll take good care of him."

Whale's eyes widened, though he quickly masked the reaction. "Right. Well, it's important that you wake him every half hour to assess his cognitive function through the night. And keep him calm and comfortable."

"I can take Henry, if you want?" Neal offered.

I turned to him, unable to hide my surprise. "Yeah, that would be great, actually. Thanks."

"I'll tell him that you'll call him later tonight." Neal smiled faintly at Killian and I – that silent acknowledgement reverberating between the two men again – before he stepped from the room.

"Okay, someone will be in with the discharge papers soon. If you have any questions, you've got my number." His eyes met Mary Margaret's again, a hint of taunting as if he was waiting for her to comment. She tilted her chin up defiantly, and suddenly all the looks between them made sense. Right. The good doctor and the school teacher had had a fling before the curse was broken. How could I have forgotten?

Killian's fingers flexed around mine, drawing my eyes to his face. That's how, my thoughts answered. He smiled my sweet smile before pulling his hand away to gesture to the hospital gown covering his body. "Would someone be kind enough to return my usual clothing? And my hook?" He lifted his left arm.

Mary Margaret produced a large bag filled with leather and fabric from underneath his bed. Handing it to him, she said, "We'll just leave you to get dressed. I've got your hook in my bag." Noticing I hadn't moved, she tilted her head in question.

"You go ahead. I'll be out in a minute. I'm just going to give Killian a hand." I mentally grimaced at my choice of words.

Her brow arched. "Alright. I'll be just outside." It sounded a bit like a warning.

Alone once more, I silently helped Killian slip into his leather pants and his pirate shirt. He moved a bit less gracefully than usual, using my shoulder to steady his balance. "Back to the old outfit, I see." I commented as I fastened a few of his buttons.

"I was in the mood for something familiar," he chuckled against my ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down my spine. Even injured he had the power to command my libido.

I slipped his heavy chain around his neck and smoothed my hands down his chest. Feeling his heart's steady rhythm against my palm, I said, "We're going to have to be careful."

"Aye love, I can be very quiet when needs be," his fingers teased under the hem of my shirt, brushing against the skin of my lower stomach.

"I don't think so, Captain." I laughed as I squirmed away from his touch. "There'll be none of that for awhile. You heard the doctor. And that's not what I meant, at any rate."

He pulled me close, wrapping me in his arms. Lowering his face to my ear again, he whispered, "There are ways around everything, love." I felt his warm tongue touch just beneath my pulse point.

Stepping back as gently as possible, I leveled my best attempt at a stern expression on his face. "I'm serious, Killian. We don't know who did this, and until we do, you'll need to be on your guard."

"I know that, love." His expression turned tender. "We'll figure this out. We always do."

I nodded before stepping backwards toward the door. "Finish getting dressed. I'm just going to find Mary Margaret." I pulled the door shut behind me as I left the room.

Whale approached me before I could take another step. "Sheriff, a word?" He pulled a cell phone out of his pocket and handed it over. "The paramedics found this in Hook's hand when they arrived." His eyes were firmly fixed on a point beyond my shoulder, cheeks tinged pink.

Unlocking the screen, I saw the entire text conversation between Killian and I still open. Fan-bloody-tastic. "Thanks," I stated flatly.

"You should know it isn't recommended for patients recovering from a concussion to take part in any…vigorous activity for at least a few days."

I fought to keep my face from reacting. "Yes, you mentioned that."

His brow lifted. "Right. Well, I just wanted to be clear." He backed away a step before turning and departing.

I sighed audibly and closed my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to slump down against the wall, or better yet, bury myself back in bed and start this day all over. Just when I thought I'd conquered one emotional battle, another was there to take its place. I was beyond glad that Killian was okay, but that didn't lessen my fear. I'd let him all the way in thinking the worst that could happen was that he'd one day stop loving me. Well I was wrong. The fear of losing him to some stupid accident, or someone's malicious intent was almost crippling because there was nothing I could do to stop it. Not really. And the consequences wouldn't just end with me losing Killian; I was just as tied to his fate as he was to mine. God, I'd been so selfish when I'd bound us together. I wanted him desperately, wanted that future filled with hope. Last night in his arms, I even allowed myself to believe that my happy ending was coming true. But of course the universe saw fit to throw another danger in my way. Who was I kidding? I was the savior. I didn't get to have a happy ending; at least not the way I imagined.

Mary Margaret's hand on my arm broke me from my depressing reverie. "He'll be alright, Emma. You both will."

I wiped my hand over my face, suddenly realizing a few tears had escaped. "How do you do it? After all the crap you and David have dealt with, how do you stay so optimistic?"

She smiled. It was full of wisdom beyond her outwardly young years. "Life will always be filled with challenges. You've just got to find those good moments between the bad. Live for the good moments, Emma." She squeezed my arm and smiled wider. "Now come on; let's get that pirate of yours and go home."

Home. Such an innocent little word with a myriad of meanings. Four letters combined into a single syllable. Only one letter differentiating it from another h-word: Hope. I'd decided last night that I wanted Killian to be both. Now it would be my job to make sure that it happened.

A/N: This chapter kicked my butt. A thousand thanks to my writing OTP (See Romance! ha ha ha) for getting me through this one.

So…someone is out to hurt our bb. I would love to hear your theories as the story continues from here. Reviews are love!