A/N: I apologize for the delay in updating. Not only did RL get crazy for me, but I hit a bit of a writing wall. As the end of this tale approaches, all the pieces are closing in, so this did take some wrestling. I've lost count at how many versions of this chapter I planned. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy it!

Special thanks as always to the lovely Yettoseeyoufail, (who also deserves an award for putting up with me as I struggled these past two weeks) the ladies on tumblr who offered me motivation, and each and every one of you who has kept up with this story, reviewed it, alerted it, and favorited it. I am so honored to be among your reading choices! Catch me on tumblr at emeraldromance.

Chapter 17

Truest Convictions

I trailed my fingers along Killian's bare arm as lightly as possible, smirking at my own game. I had a vague memory of playing this with one of the other foster kids when I was younger. We'd close our eyes and see who could manage to make contact so imperceptibly that the other couldn't even feel it. Inevitably, it would end in a tickle match. What had the other girl's name been? Kelly? Katie? It seemed a shame that I'd forgotten, particularly since I held so few happy memories from childhood.

His arm shifted, flinching away from my teasing touches. My grin widened. I angled my fingers so my nails scratched gently across his skin and his right hand jerked over to knock them away. He mumbled incoherently before rolling to his side. I sat innocently back against the headboard as his eyes blinked open, sleepy and brilliantly blue. "Good morning," I sang sweetly.

His smile slowly overtook his face, kindling a warm glow in my chest. "Good morning, love." He lazily swept his gaze over my body. "You're quite dressed," he observed with the slightest hint of disapproval. He reached over to pluck at my black leggings.

I smoothed my hands over my black pencil skirt before crossing my legs at the ankle. I'd paired it with a plum-colored turtleneck; the latter being necessary after Killian's…affections the night before. "Very astute of you, Captain."

His lips curved flirtatiously as his hand settled to stroke along my nylon-clad knee. "I love this whole…woman of mystery thing you've affected, Swan, though I've already seen what lies beneath."

"It's appropriate for where we're going."

His mouth curved in a lop-sided grin. "Is that right?" His fingers crept higher, disappearing underneath my skirt.

I rolled my eyes and laughed as I grasped his wandering hand and firmly placed it on his side of the bed. "Get dressed, pirate. I'm taking you to church."

The grin dancing across his face froze a moment before turning positively devilish. "I seem to recall a specific list of requirements if you were after my hand, Swan." He glanced around the room. "Yet nary a flower petal nor an angelic-voiced choirboy to be found." His hand moved to his chest, accompanied by a pout. "Do you really think me so easily won?"

"Absolutely," I winked. And you're not alone, I silently added. I stood and crossed the room to the bag we'd brought back from the Jolly Roger. "What have you got in here that's a bit less…conspicuous?" I asked as I rummaged through the few possessions he'd deemed essential. Leather, leather, and a poofy black shirt.

With a slight groan, he pushed to his feet and stretched his arms above his head before rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck from side to side. Every muscle from his calves, to his backside and up through his sculpted biceps rippled underneath the uninterrupted expanse of his smooth skin. My mouth went suddenly dry as sandpaper. "Like what you see?" His voice sounded in my thoughts in that rich, decadent tone that called to my baser nature. Turning slightly in my direction, he peered at from beneath his dark lashes.

I met the challenge of his stare defiantly, tracing every single inch of him with my own green gaze. Biting my lower lip I teasingly replied, "You'll do."

He chuckled once before shaking his head. "You're going to pay for that remark, Swan."

"Oh I hope so," I mentally projected, holding his eyes for one moment longer and secretly loving this playful testing of our bond's telepathic ability. It was becoming easier and easier to command this particular gift. We couldn't hear every random thing flitting across the other's conscience – thank God – but we could choose to make the other hear or see a specific thought by focusing its intent. Killian was proving to be quite talented at both, and had spent the better part of the night demonstrating just how gifted he was. I cleared my throat and gestured toward his bag once more. "Seriously, don't you have any other clothes for this realm besides what you wore a few nights ago?"

He sauntered toward me, never losing sight of my face. Playing with an unruly curl resting on my shoulder he teased, "I must be doing something wrong if you're presently concerned with how best to attire me." His brows lifted.

Ignoring his blatant innuendo and keeping my eyes firmly on his face I replied, "You're the one who made such a big deal out of changing your image."

His lips twisted wryly. "Upon your suggestion," he emphasized.

"Exactly. It was just a suggestion." I pulled out a pair of his leather trousers and smoothed my fingertips across the seam. Looking into his clear blue eyes I said, "I'm not trying to change you, Killian. I love you. Just as you are. But I know this world…these people. I can't help but want to make this transition easier for you."

He stepped further into my space and held my hips loosely, though it was still enough to send my nerve-endings firing with coarse arousal. He is naked for crying out loud! My libido screamed. I swallowed thickly, forcing my thoughts to stay on track and not think about how soft his lips were as he murmured, "It's because of you that I care to make that transition, love. I'm not the easiest choice for you or Henry."

"And when have I ever done what's easy?" I smiled, choosing a light-hearted retort despite being well aware that the same sentiment could be said of me. I had never been someone's easy choice either.

He leaned in and kissed me lightly on the lips, saying with actions rather than words that we understood each other perfectly. The skin around his eyes crinkled as he smiled at me. "I suppose I'd best take advantage of your water closet before donning fresh clothes."

I nodded before handing him the leather pants. My inner teenager was having an absolute field day at the reactions we were sure to receive if he stepped into the sanctuary fully-garbed as Captain Hook. Spotting the maroon shirt he'd worn on our date, I held that out to him, too. "We're going to have to go shopping at some point. But for now, maybe continue mixing the old and the new?"

"Aye, love," he agreed. A playful glimmer overtook his expression. "It's a shame really that you're so thoroughly clothed; I would've welcomed your assistance in the bath."

A fleeting image of Killian soapy and wet swept through my brain, and it took all my willpower to keep my feet planted and my eyes on his face, not his other…attributes. "Another time," I promised, and meant it.

He smirked and crossed the room slowly. "You know where I'll be if you change your mind." With an almost comical wink, he turned down the hall toward the bathroom.

I waited until I heard the water turn on before heading downstairs, pushing those rather vivid thoughts of him out of my head as best I could. Of course I would've loved to take him up on his suggestion, but I'd already let that side of myself get far too distracted by my sexy pirate. A ridiculous smile lit my face and I shook my head in amazement. How did we end up here? Naked and flirting one moment, tender conversation the next and all of it wonderful? That final surrender, no…open acceptance last night had done the opposite of what I'd always feared. Rather than being buried under doubt, I'd never felt more free. Is that what loving and trusting another person did? It's having those things returned, Emma, my conscience gently prodded.

Killian loved me. He wanted me. He thought of me as his home. Accepting those as unconditional truth had opened the final lock I hadn't realized was guarding my heart. And now that it was fully open, I scarcely knew how to handle it. I was not this person; the one walking around with rainbows and unicorns frolicking in her wake and little birds trilling uplifting melodies around her head. I was the one using the birds as target practice. I had no clue how to actually live as one of these warped fairy-tale characters, let alone love one. I'd been honest in that respect last night. But I was also sincere when I finally admitted to both of us how much I did want it, despite having no idea what the hell I was doing. There were times he'd look at me as if I were the anchor holding him to this world, making me simultaneously speechless and terrified of disappointing him.

My thoughts drifted back to our argument. In hindsight I supposed he was right to call me out on leaving him behind. I wanted to protect him – that was the truth – but allowing that he had just as much right to look after me as I did him? That was going to take some getting used to. Killian was adamant in affirming our partnership, and had now hinted about marriage…twice. He truly saw me as his other half; I needed to accept his place at my side, too, no matter how tempting it was to tuck him away so I'd never have to worry about losing him.

A blurred image seeped into my mind of pale skin tinted by a flush of heat, steam swirling around and obscuring the finer details. "So warm and wet," Killian's voice groaned inside my head. A rush of want flooded our bond and I gasped as I felt the juncture between my thighs throb to attention.

Suddenly realizing what my darling other half was up to, I growled loudly in my thoughts, "Are you kidding me with this right now? Come on!"

"Oh I'll come alright, and it will not be a joke." His grin was heavily imbued in his reply.

The mental image sharpened, treating me to another view of his naked arousal. A hand adorned with several heavy rings stroked over hard flesh. "A bit thorough in that section, don't you think?" I grumbled as I re-crossed my legs, pressing my thighs together uselessly.

"A job worth doing is worth doing right."

He was so damn cheeky it was impossible to stay aggravated, sexually or otherwise. Biting my lower lip I decided to tease back, "And by right I suppose you mean your hand."

"Not my hand I'm imagining, love." A drawn out moan followed his words. I could almost see that wicked tongue tasting over his lips. He was definitely not playing fair. But I'd always been a competitive person.

"Well you already know what my mouth feels like. I've yet to really experience what yours can do…" I challenged.

"I'm more than happy to oblige."

"Promises, promises," I shot back.

The water shut off abruptly. My blood raced excitedly, causing my pulse to thud loudly in my ears. I stood slowly from the chair, waiting for his retort, but only the hum of anticipation filled my thoughts. The door of the bathroom opened with a slight groan followed by the soft padding of unmeasured footsteps along the upstairs corridor. Killian appeared at the top of the stairs clad only in a thick, white towel slung around his narrow hips. Water trickled across the planes of his chest, glistening in the dark hair covering his skin and the trail disappearing beneath the fabric. "Care to say that again, love?" He asked, his eyes holding mine prisoner.

"You heard me the first time," I smirked. Thinking back to what he could do with his fingers and his thoughts, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that this was another area Killian Jones would excel in. His foot shifted, intending to move to the top step of the stairs but I held my hand up to stop him, completely shocked by my own reserve of willpower. "And as much as I believe in your…abilities, we don't have time. Not now." Damn.

Disbelief reigned in his expression. I really couldn't blame him. My own libido was already trying to wrestle my common sense into submission, but unfortunately, the clock was in my line of sight and duty called. Making a gentle 'shoo' motion with my fingers, I added, "Go get dressed. The sooner we solve this case, the better."

A lecherous grin appeared on his face. "The better being the fun, isn't that right, love?"

I didn't answer him, trying with all my resolve not to feed anymore into his plans of further debauchery, but he apparently was not going to let me off that easily. With a silent lift of his brow, he unwrapped the towel from his hips and used it to dry off his chest as he wandered back down the hall, making sure I got an eyeful of just how prepared he'd been to follow through on more fun activities. Double damn.

I set about washing the few glasses in the sink and then refolding a basket of laundry Mary Margaret had left behind – anything to keep my feet planted on the first floor – while I waited for Killian to finish getting ready. He made me feel insatiable, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, but we hardly had the luxury of getting completely lost in each other with someone plotting against him, me, or both of us.

"Well, do I pass muster?" Killian inquired softly as he came down the stairs. Taking him in, I had to admit the combination of leather pants and button-down shirt worked on him, particularly given that he'd left the first four buttons of the shirt undone. He looked like some rock god sauntering out to greet his adoring fans. Stepping closer to him, I wordlessly fastened one of the buttons. We were going to church, after all.

Breathing in, I noticed a distinct floral smell clinging to his hair and skin. "We should probably pick up some shampoo and body wash while we're out, too," I suggested, slightly thrown by the lack of his familiar scent and the contradiction my own bath products created.

The tip of his tongue moistened his lips as he smiled. "I don't know; there's something to having the pleasure of your perfume surrounding me all day."

I chuckled. "Well, it's your image…"

His smile tightened. "Perhaps not, then." He reached his hand out to stroke delicately along my cheek, trailing his fingers down the column of my neck. "Wouldn't suit for me to develop a reputation of being too soft," he whispered.

The antique clock in the living room sounded the hour with a dramatic series of chimes. My voice sounded a bit strained when I said, "We'd best get going. I think the mass starts now."

A knowing smirk tilted his mouth and he winked. "Lead the way, love."

Luckily, our destination was only a block away and the day was unseasonably warm. The late morning sunlight soaked into the landscape, illuminating the green of the grass and the blue of the sky like blazing jewels. We walked at a brisk pace, the sound of our boots clacking against the pavement only punctuated by sparse conversation.

"So, what's our purpose for attending service this morning? I wouldn't exactly peg you as the faith-seeking type, love," Killian asked as the steeple of the church came into view.

"I'm not. Not really. But if we're going to get anything out of Blue, we'll need to approach her on her own turf."

"Ah, the fairy. Of course."

"I just hope she'll have something useful to tell us about this bond," I commented.

As we approached the church, I was taken aback by the thick flow of people parading away from the building rather than toward it. Numerous pairs of incredulous eyes paused on Killian and me, though no one dared comment, not even those whose gazes were fixed to his gleaming hook as if it possessed its own tractor beam. I wasn't sure whether to smirk or stare them down. So what if I was taking the infamous Captain Hook to church? Wasn't this supposed to be some kind of no-judgment zone?

The priest – I wasn't sure of his name, let alone his Enchanted Forest persona – stood ramrod straight at the base of the concrete steps, so thin that a strong wind could've blown him over. Wispy white whiskers decorated his jaw-line and enhanced the aged authority declared by his wrinkled face. As he dutifully shook one parishioner's hand after another, it became apparent to me that not only were we late; we'd apparently missed the entire mass.

"Let me do the talking," I mentally addressed Killian as I crossed the few paces to stand before the priest. "Excuse me, Father…"

"Merlin. Just Merlin," he responded as his startling green eyes settled on my face with peculiar curiosity. His voice belied his wizened visage. Strong and clear, this was the voice that heralded Camelot.

I tried, and likely failed, not to show my surprise. Interesting reassignment, Regina. Though, it wasn't too much of a stretch to imagine the Evil Queen intentionally downgrading such a legendary powerful man to the role of religious servant. But how had I not realized he was here in Storybrooke before? "It's an honor to meet you. I wasn't aware you were a resident here?"

"Resident implies permanency," he responded a bit vaguely.

Okay, I thought with no small amount of mystification. The inquisitive part of my nature wanted to further question his response, but that wasn't why I was here. Taking a deep breath I stated, "We're hoping to speak with the Blue Fairy?"

His expression sharpened. "You must mean Mother Superior. I'm afraid you've already missed her, Sheriff. She's left to visit those of our flock that are ill and could not attend this morning." Sweeping his hawkish eyes over the pair of us he continued, "It's a pity you missed the service. Today's sermon, 'Seeking Redemption, Not Revenge' was quite a powerful message. We are all of us sinners; some more than others." He peered knowingly over his wire-rimmed glasses at Killian.

"He has no idea, love," Killian's snarky thought whispered in my mind in conjunction with a rather vivid image involving his hook and me wearing nothing but his pirate shirt.

I cleared my throat, trying my best to send him a mental shove before directing my focus back on the sorcerer turned holy man. "Right. Sorry about that. Maybe another time," I offered with what I hoped was an innocent smile. "Do you know when she might return?"

Merlin straightened even more – if that was possible – before smiling. However, it was not the kind of smile which offered comfort; it was a knowing smile, an 'I am looking right into your soul' kind of smile. That he was playing for both team magic and team religion sent a shiver down my spine. "These types of visits generally take some time. But perhaps I can offer you some assistance? I've no further appointments today, and I do so enjoy counseling young love." His bushy eyebrows actually waggled. What the hell?

Killian laughed, rich and full across our bond. "Oh, I like him," his mental voice dripped with glee. That delight blossomed on his face as he opened his mouth to speak.

This time I didn't just imagine elbowing him. He scowled in my direction but refrained from voicing his retort. Turning toward Merlin I replied, "We appreciate the offer, really, but we're actually working on an investigation and believe…Mother Superior…might have some helpful information."

Merlin's hands drifted lazily before him. "Just so. A remarkable woman, she is." A wry smile bordering on lascivious hinted at his mouth.

Killian and I met each other's baffled eyes. "What sort of character is this…Merlin?" He thought cautiously, his opinion of this mythical figure altering with each passing moment.

"Difficult to say…there are so many different versions of him. Some good…some not so good. Tread carefully."

"And would this investigation involve a rather shifty, portly fellow who has been gazing most intently upon the pair of you throughout our entire discussion?" Merlin nodded beyond our shoulders.

Killian's head turned abruptly and all the emotion was stripped from his face. Across our bond, I felt the tightening of his posture as his conscience was struck to attention. "Smee," he breathed out, his timbre rough and dangerous. I reached a hand toward his arm, but he took off running before I could make contact.

"Killian! Wait!" I called after him, but he was too focused to even register my protestation. With a quick look of apology to Merlin, I chased after my pirate.

I trailed him from the church down a neighboring side road that fed into Main Street, still not seeing the squat man he was apparently chasing. I would hand it to him; Killian was quicker than I would've guessed, but I was faster. By the time he broke past the line of shops which separated the homes from the business fronts, I was less than five yards behind him; just close enough to observe the latest catastrophe to face us.

It was the Dark Hollow all over again: watching in slow motion as a life-threatening force careened head-first into our path, and seemingly helpless to do anything to stop it. I was close, but I wasn't close enough. As Killian turned the corner past the shoe store out into the street, the sickening squeal of brakes mirrored the absolute shriek of terror piercing my heart. Acting on pure instinct, I reached out in desperation to yank him backwards.

His sudden weight crashed into me and knocked us both to the hard asphalt. Pain radiated in my chest – similar to a badly strained muscle – as the shock of what had nearly happened reverberated through us both. Dazed, even the act of drawing in breath was a momentary challenge. I moved each of my limbs carefully, assessing for any serious injury.

"Are you alright, love?" Killian's soft eyes accompanied his worried voice. He gently shifted off of me, his own hand pressed tightly against his chest, and we winced in unison. As he moved, a beam of light appeared between his heart and mine, twisted like a silver cord though nearly transparent. I reached my fingers toward it tentatively, expecting them to pass straight through, but they didn't. The apparition was barely substantial, but it had a slightly warm, ridged texture which pulsed with the same rhythm as my heartbeat. I jerked my hand back as if it had bitten me – my fear was almost real enough – and the cord faded into nothing. Looking up, I was met with Killian's intense stare, wild yet strangely cautious. "I saw it; but later, love. We've got company," his thoughts warned.

Not even a second later, a pair of expensive-looking black shoes rushed into my field of vision. "Holy shit. I didn't even see him! Are you okay? Shit!" An extremely agitated Dr. Whale crouched down next to Killian and me. I pushed up into a sitting position and looked around. A silver Mercedes – presumably Whale's – was stopped in the middle of the street, driver's door flung open. That in itself was not surprising; he'd likely thrown it in park and rushed to check on us, but the fact that Killian and I had landed some distance away was more than a bit disconcerting.

Killian rose slowly and offered me his hand. Taking my place beside him, I noticed we'd attracted quite a crowd. Across the street – in front of Granny's – stood Gold, Belle, Tink and Neal. Seeing that they'd caught my eye, the four of them crossed to us as Whale continued fussing over Killian.

"How did you do that?" Whale suddenly asked me. "He was there, right there in the middle of the road, and then…" he looked around in confusion.

"Then he was pulled to you," Gold finished. Though he spoke directly to me, his eyes were firmly affixed to my chest. Glancing at the others who'd joined us, I realized he wasn't alone. Tinkerbelle was also preoccupied with staring at chests, only her eyes panned between me and Killian. They saw it, too, I realized.

"What do you mean, pulled to me?" I questioned, deciding not to draw further attention to whatever had manifested a moment ago.

"He flew through the air and smacked into you," Whale answered, looking slightly pale. His mouth opened once, twice, before he finally decided on what to say. I'd never seen him so flustered. "How are you okay?" His words escaped in a rush directed at Killian.

Killian's eyebrow twitched upward, no doubt as puzzled as I felt. "I'm not entirely sure what you mean, mate."

Whale's expression tightened into a bit of a scowl. Turning to me he added, "Why was he even running, let alone in the street? I thought I made it clear that he needed to rest."

"A miraculous recovery." Killian smirked.

My mind struggled to make sense of the various snippets of conversation. "When you say flew…"

"He ran into the road and would've been hit by the doctor's car, but at the last second, he…well, he flew backwards and knocked you over," Belle explained gently. She wrapped her arm around Gold's, causing him to startle. His attention finally broke from me and he looked to her with soft eyes.

Tinkerbelle's focus also shifted. Her face transformed with a beaming smile, her voice slightly amazed. "You used your magic, Emma."

"Magic," Whale repeated, only it sounded almost like a curse word coming from his mouth. "I take it magic is also responsible for your miraculous recovery?" He returned Killian's words to him. Killian merely shrugged and smiled vaguely. Whale scoffed before muttering, "Perfect. What's the point of even having doctors in this town?"

Neal hummed in agreement. Or at least, I assumed that's what it was. When he noticed the group's attention swing toward him, he shifted his stance. "What?" He asked defensively. "You're not really surprised, are you? I mean, she's saved his life with magic before, so…"

Gold swiftly changed the conversation, all the while maintaining an awareness of Belle. "Magic is a tricky thing. Let's just be thankful everyone is well, hmm?"

"And that's my cue. Seeing as there's no life or death situation, I'll be on my way," Whale barely waited for us to acknowledge his send-off before he returned to his car and sped away. The rest of the onlookers scattered once the 'assailant' had left the scene and the show was over. That, or the challenging glare of Gold scared them away.

Killian stepped closer to my side and the strain in my chest tugged. I glanced at him, but his eyes were focused on my arm. His fingers crept along a tear in my sleeve and I flinched. "Sorry, love. Apparently, you did injure yourself when we fell. Or rather, I did." He lifted his hook awkwardly, eyeing it with disgust.

"I'm fine," I snapped through gritted teeth, far too aware of our audience. Pulling my sleeve back, I noticed a thin laceration about three inches in length between my elbow and my wrist. Poking at it, I hissed slightly. "I've got a first-aid kit at the station. It's no big deal. I didn't even notice it."

"Why can't you just heal it with your magic? You did it with Hook," Neal questioned.

Producing a handkerchief from his pocket, Killian pressed it against my arm – ignoring my protest – and answered, "Not that easy, mate." Neal's brow furrowed in preparation for an argument, but Killian just shook his head.

"Fine, then you do it," Neal ordered his father.

Gold pointed at himself, perhaps in genuine surprise. "Me? Well, I suppose it is a simple fix." He faced me and reached out his palm, but Killian pulled my arm away before he could even get close. Gold looked amused, but not surprised.

"Seems a bit excessive to use magic on such a small wound," I commented, trying to cover for my pirate's quick reaction, though I had been about to yank my arm back anyways. "Thank-you," I mentally commented to him. There was no way I was letting Gold use any magic around me or Killian. Not until I knew for sure he wasn't somehow plotting against us.

"But I'm sure Rumpel doesn't mind. Do you?" Belle gazed up at Gold.

"Really, it's fine," I added a bit more firmly, sending Neal a look I hoped clearly conveyed it was time for them to go.

He ran his hand through his hair before gesturing toward the other three. "Shall we head back to Granny's? I'll bet that table is ready by now."

"Just a moment," Gold interjected. "Any further word on our mutual pest?"

Smee. Of course. With all the commotion, I'd forgotten why Killian took off running in the first place.

"He's seemingly disappeared again," Killian answered, treading a thin line between honesty and falsehood. The law enforcement officer in me applauded his tactic. "And you?" He inquired, his eyes sweeping our surrounding area. I wondered if the tinge of malice in his voice was as obvious to the others as it was to me.

Gold's grin widened enough to show a hint of teeth. "I suspect I'm one of the last people he'd want to see. But as I've said, should he come crawling to me, I'll be sure to inform you. Good day, Sheriff. Captain." With one last meaningful look, he turned and ushered Belle away. Neal shrugged once in my direction before following.

Tinkerbelle stepped forward and clasped my hand between hers. "I'm so happy to see you embracing this, Emma." Her cherubic face was near to bursting with misplaced happiness.

I shook my head, glancing to Killian then back to her. "I don't know what you mean." And I'm not sure I want to, I added silently.

"True love," she whispered, and then winked.

I pulled my hand back. "I don't…it's not that –" I sputtered, though Killian once again swept in.

"Perhaps Lady Belle could be of assistance? I know you were set on the Blue Fairy," he paused, "but love magic was sort of your specialty, wasn't it, lass?" He addressed Tinkerbelle.

I was seriously starting to worry that her face might split in half with the size of her smile. She clapped her hands once. "Yes. Yes it was. How can I help?"

Sighing, I considered Killian's suggestion. Although Tink was currently without magic, she did have rather impressive credentials when it came to matters regarding true love and such. Not that our bond necessarily had anything to do with that, but it was probably the closest match. And more importantly, I had a good feeling about her.

"Let's just hear what she has to say, love. We can trust her." Killian's thoughts flowed through my mind like a stream of cool water, soothing and pure.

"Fine. But not here," I conceded. Smiling back at the fairy, I asked, "If you don't mind, how about following us to the station?"

"Absolutely. Let me just go make my excuses," she commented, already turning to step away.

"Oh. And we'd appreciate it if you could just keep this between the three of us. For now," I added quickly. She nodded then crossed to Granny's.

Killian was silent as we trekked the few blocks to Storybrooke's police station. In this short week together, I'd come to learn a quiet Killian was not usually a good thing. "So, this bond thing keeps getting better and better," I teased. Or at least that was my intent.

His head jerked toward mine. "What do you mean?" I was momentarily confused by the worry in his voice and the hesitancy in his gaze.

My face scrunched in slight bewilderment. "Umm…the whole pulling you out of harm's way?"

His expression cleared. "Aye, it has been quite the morning." He scanned each alleyway as we walked, no doubt on the lookout for another sign of his one-time crew member.

"Smee…what do you think he wants with you? Did you end things on bad terms with him?" I asked.

He scoffed. "I wish I knew. The last dealings I had with him, I was embroiled in less savory pursuits…" He glanced at me carefully from the side of his eye.

Ah. Regina and Cora. I waited for the awkward twinge which usually accompanied any remembrance of his past, but it didn't come. Perhaps the saying that love is blind was more truthful than I ever gave it credit for.

"However, we generally had a good rapport, and he seemed to have an excellent understanding of my authority. That he's apparently avoiding direct contact with me is a bit perplexing. He is a resilient, wily sort of character. Not to be underestimated," Killian elaborated. He held the station door open for me when we arrived, following me in with one last look out at the street. "Let me look at your arm, love," he said softly, his fingers already tugging the makeshift bandage away.

"I'm alright, really." I said, trying to console the sudden guilt in his eyes. "Besides, I don't think there are any giants here. And we're fresh out of rum."

Curiosity swam amidst his blue depths for a second before a matching grin filled his expression. A vision of his mouth tugging at a ragged scarf swirled through our thoughts, and my temperature rose by degrees. His grin turned sinful. "Perhaps not, but I'd like to care for it just the same. Please."

"You should try healing it," Tink suggested, suddenly appearing through the station door. Seeing our confused faces she continued, "With your magic."

"Come again?" Killian replied.

"Healing magic is one of the easiest to command, particularly when it is being used in connection with love."

Her matter-of-factness was a bit disarming. How could she talk so confidently and with such ease about a topic I'd only barely come to grips with? Not to mention she was missing a rather obvious point. "But he doesn't have magic," I stated.

Her mouth curved in a lopsided smile. "Of course he does. His aura is almost as bright as yours, which isn't surprising given it stems from your own magic." My pulse sped and I felt the color drain from my face. For his part, Killian went suddenly still. "I don't know how you managed to share your power with him, but you did."

"We need to tell her, love," Killian urged. I knew he was right, but unlike many things, the more often I told this tale, the harder it seemed to get.

My breath escaped in a rush. "We're magically bound. It happened in Neverland. So far, no one really seems to know what that means. But we thought…we hoped you might?"

Her smile slipped, but in concentration, not defeat. "It's a thing of legend. But yes, I've heard of soul-bonding. It is a unique product of true love used to protect the other in extreme situations. But it's also supposed to be the purest representation of magic possible; capable of healing just about anything."

"True love?" I whispered. "Isn't that usually determined by a kiss?" I swallowed thickly. A recent memory of Gold's voice urging me to use a 'more intimate connection' to save Killian drifted through my thoughts. Then, Killian's smug, almost victorious face teasing me about how I'd managed to wake him. At the time, I'd thought it was strictly my magic which had worked to heal him. But it had been our magic. How had I not seen it before? All the indecision and denial I'd put us through; the pain my stubborn refusal had caused him…he had been it for me before I even knew it myself.

I turned my watery eyes on his impossibly handsome face. "I'm so sorry. You knew…even then?"

A smile born of patience and love lit up his entire face. "Aye, love. But I do not begrudge you for taking your time. I waited three hundred years for you; what was another week?"

I laughed. I wanted to pull him to me and kiss him – amongst other things – but Tink interrupted our silent affirmation.

"See. You're both using magic right now. Telepathy?" Her eyebrow lifted.

"How did you know?"

Now it was her turn to laugh. "I may not be able to hear what you're saying to one another, but your thoughts are flying across your faces nonetheless," her voice drifted off as her eyes went a bit misty. Her hands fluttered in front of her. "Whoa. Okay. So a soul bond….this is pretty spectacular. Wait until I tell Blue!" Killian cleared his throat, garnering the excited fairy's attention. "Right. Our secret."

"Actually, it's not much of a secret." I started, looking to Killian before continuing. "That's sort of the problem."

"Might you have any inkling as to why someone would require the heart of one in a bonded pair?" Killian explained.

"My guess would be someone was attempting to claim some of the magic for themselves. As I said, until now, soul bonds were only theorized."

"Is it true that if one of us dies, so does the other?" I asked rather bluntly, still trying to compile possible motives.

"Well, that's part of the legend. But what precedence do we really have to prove it? You said your bonding is not a secret; who else knows?"

"Gold, Neal, my parents…Regina," I listed.

She looked upon Killian with sincere concern. "I heard about your attack. Am I to assume it wasn't simply a misled attempt to seek revenge for one of your pirate misdeeds?"

He grinned, layers of charm falling over him like a well-worn costume. "Foolish, if you ask me."

I rolled my eyes. Trust him to try and find some kind of humor in the situation. "Whoever it was tried to take his heart."

"And you think it involves your bond." She looked thoughtful. "If someone is attempting to steal some of your magic, they now know the heart isn't an option. Even if they had managed to take one of your hearts it wouldn't have worked. If one side of the bond is broken, the magic dies."

Along with the souls, I silently added. She didn't need to voice that part; we were all thinking it.

"Is there no way to circumvent that particular aspect?" Killian asked. His fingers touched over the earring in his right ear and he avoided my eyes. How long had he been worrying about this?

Tinkerbelle's shoulders lifted slightly. "Not that I'm aware of, but then this is all so unheard of-"

"- that you've no way to know for sure," I interrupted. We'd been hearing the same version of that sentiment from just about everyone.

"Have you asked Rumpelstiltskin? He might know," she offered. Killian's expression darkened in a manner which likely matched the scowl on my own face. Seeing this, Tink quickly regrouped. "I see. You suspect him."

"Such a clever fairy," Killian quipped, though the thinly leashed anger in his tone hardly evoked the spirit of a compliment.

Tink brushed his comment aside without even the smallest reaction, and I wondered just how often she'd put up with his quick trigger moods in the past. Just what kind of friendship had they shared over their centuries in Neverland? Do you really want to know, Emma?

Her eyes fell on my arm where a thin line of dried blood led from the wound down to my wrist. Gesturing to Killian she directed, "I meant what I said when I came in. You should be able to heal her quite easily." He eyed her warily, but lifted his hand to hover my laceration. "Focus on your love for Emma and imagine spreading that feeling along her wound like a healing balm."

I held my breath as I watched and listened to their exchange. I had to admit; it was strange to observe someone else's magic lesson. Nothing happened for the first minute, but just as I was beginning to feel Killian's frustration creep along our link, a wave of determination and concentrated devotion blasted into my chest. I sucked in air and made to pull my arm away on reflex.

"Wait, love. Please, let me do this," his voice caressed my mind. Steeling his expression, he flexed his fingers and filled his thoughts with our greatest memories. A light blush heated my face at some of the scenes he chose to replay, but when a soft white glow emitted from his palm, the only thought I was capable of recognizing was amazement. He smoothed his magic along my wound slowly, feeding it into my torn flesh and making it whole again. When all that remained was perfectly unmarked skin, he drew his hand back and released a breath I hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"You did it," I whispered.

"And still the surprise," he replied cheekily, though I could feel the astonishment radiating through him, too.

"With enough practice, the two of you will certainly be a force to be reckoned with," Tink remarked.

A sudden thought occurred to me. "Could we use this magic to figure out who tried to take his heart?"

"That would mean recreating something from the past. I don't know of any magic that can do that. But perhaps you could use a tracking potion to find the culprit; if you have something from the scene?"

Of course! I mentally groaned. Sometimes the most logical course of action was the most difficult to determine. I turned to Killian. "Smee's hat. You think you saw him today? How about we find him for sure."

"It's about bloody time," he agreed. Looking back to Tinkerbelle he asked, "Have you any of this potion?"

She shook her head. "No. But I believe I may know someone who does. I should be able to get you some by this evening at the latest."

"I've got to pick up Henry. But we can meet back here later?" I suggested. She nodded and headed for the door. "Oh, and Tink –"

"My lips are sealed," she said as she playfully motioned the buttoning of her lips.

I smiled genuinely, my respect for her growing by leaps and bounds. "Thank you."

Her answering grin was just as sincere and even more joyous. "Anything for true love."

As soon as she was gone, Killian wrapped his arms around my waist and turned me into his embrace. His lips were upon mine before I could even speak. I stiffened with surprise before closing my eyes and letting myself mold to him. His kiss was as passionate and smoldering as always, but I sensed a newfound confidence bleeding through each press of his lips, each stroke of his tongue and within each murmured sound. My fingers tangled in his hair and I felt rising magic spark along my spine, through my heart and entwine with his. Desire flared – strong and sweet – and his grip on my waist tightened almost to the point of pain.

Drawing back slowly and gasping for breath, I blinked several times to refocus my eyes on his. Had they always been that devastating shade of blue? So deep and fathomless that I could lose myself to them for the rest of eternity? Yet so calm and comforting that I could entrust them with my deepest fears? "What was that for?" I asked softly.

He kissed me once more, just a tender brush of lips. "Because you're my true love, and I couldn't stand another second of not kissing you."

"Fair enough," I responded. I leaned in to kiss him again, but he held his face away.

"So you accept it then?" He challenged. "No more thoughts about this being a 'for now' type of situation?"

"Didn't we already hash this out yesterday?" I frowned. He was totally killing the mood.

He tapped my temple lightly. "Aye, but I've heard your doubts still rolling around in here."

"They're not about you. Not anymore," I whispered.

He smoothed my hair away from my face. "You are more than I could ever have dreamed for, Emma Swan. My true love. My safe harbor. My everything. There is no need for doubt."

Perhaps it was his newly honed magic, but his words were as much a healing balm to my spirit as his power had been to my flesh. "My true love," I tested the words. "Who can argue with that?" I kissed him once more – just a quick peck – and let my smile fill my entire face. "Now let's go retrieve my other true love."

He sighed and shook his head, though a playful grin touched his lips. "Not even a moment to revel in my upgraded status." He held out his hand and I readily linked my fingers with his.

"Welcome to parenthood," I laughed.

A/N: So…I've now left you just about all the clues you need to piece this together. Big reveals coming soon, but any thoughts between now and then?

Reviews = writing fuel. ;)