A/N: Hey everyone! Back with another chapter! But I must tell you that I added another scene to the end of chapter 11 between Emma and Killian. It wasn't originally part of it when I posted it, so pardon the confusion. I wanted to give fair warning before you dove into this chapter. If you missed the scene, go back and read it. Thanks a million for all the support and reviews! Over 8k! WOOT WOOT!
Disclaimer: I don't own Once Upon a Time
Apologies for any errors.
ChapterXII: Water Under the Bridge.
If you're gonna let me down, let me down gently
Don't pretend that you don't want me
Our love ain't water under the bridge…..-Adele
"Good morning lass." Derek greeted as he leaned against the yellow bug, extending a coffee to her.
They were on day two of their civil meet and greet and so far, it was pure torture. It tore her heart, the accustomed moods that arose by just being in his presence. Emma had to literally stop herself from calling him Killian, every time he did something familiar.
"So far, at least." Emma answered. "You could have stayed in the spare bedroom, ya know."
Derek lifted a shoulder. "I'm not one to intrude. Besides, Granny's Inn is quite charming." Besides, the house was a dead-end. He'd checked every nook and cranny before heading to the diner. Nothing showed up.
"If by charming, you mean old with paper thin walls, then yeah." Emma chuckled. Silenced stretched between them as they walked absently towards the harbor.
"What's your favorite color?" he asked suddenly.
Emma stared at him, a bit puzzled. "Yellow, why?"
"Just wanted to make sure you were still capable of telling the truth." Derek told her. He chuckled a bit when she rolled her eyes.
Truth is, he wanted to re-test the vial that Facilier had given him. True enough, he was immune to chloroform, but as a side effect, he could also tell when she was lying-Something that would have been useful in New York.
"So…"He trailed.
"So…" Emma echoed taking sip of her coffee.
"You gonna give me the story behind the scar?" He asked indicating to her pinky as she took a sip of coffee.
"That's two questions. The deal is for one." She reminded him. He grabbed her hand, stroking it gently with his thumb.
"Humor me." He coaxed softly.
Emma bit her lip, remembering the flashback.
It was a quiet night. Killian had arranged for them to have a real second date, now that all the chaos from the Snow Queen and Gold were settled.
They had taken the Jolly Roger a few miles from port, having a quiet dinner under the stars. She sat between his lap as they conversed about everything, nothing. It was perfect.
"And that's Ursula major…" Killian pointed to the sky. "Always appearing due west…towards Storybrooke."
"How do you know so much?" Emma asked him with a smirk. As untimely as he was in this world, the most elusive things, he caught onto. That's why it was impossible to ignore him.
"300 years does give me some advantages, but I don't know everything." Killian said bashfully. "Like I still don't understand that blasted Star Tracking."
"It's Star Trek, and for all you've seen, "beam me up scotty" is the thing that puzzles you?" She laughed.
"Not as much as this." Killian lifted her hand gently. "There's a scar on the outside of your right hand. I've been in enough scuffles to know a broken bone."
Emma stared at their intertwined hands, her walls slowly creeping up. Her hand trembled slightly as she took a sip of rum.
"Hey," Killian called, forcing her to make eye contact. He smiled, joining their heads together. "Don't disappear on me. I'm right here."
They sat in silence for a moment. Killian waited patiently, but decided not to pry. He'd learned by now that if Emma had her secrets, they were for a reason. He could respect that.
"My last foster parents were cruel." She finally spoke. "They would lock me in the trunk of a car for two days when I broke a dish. Back then, I wasn't the most graceful child."
"Damn…" He muttered, wanting to bury his hook in their chests.
"They warned me it would happen, but the water was so hot, and the soap was so slippery. I still don't think it was fair, even though they gave me fair warning." She recalled, her voice cracking from tears. "The water was so hot!"
Killian took out a handkerchief from his vest, handing it to her. "Go on." He encouraged, rubbing small circles around her back.
"The last time it happened, I tried to fight him off. But he was stronger. Crushed my hand when he slammed the trunk. After that, I ran away." Emma finished, bring her gaze to meet his.
"I'm sorry about that luv. Truly." He apologized, kissing her temple.
"Water under the bridge." She shrugged, trying to compose herself, getting back to neutral.
"One of the few references I understand." Killian told her with a smile. Emma tried to smile, but it didn't take.
Not wanting an ugly memory to ruin the evening, Killian pulled her up to her feet. "Come on, I want to show you something."
Emma raised a brow, but followed silently.
He led her below deck, to the captain's quarters. Emma paused, about to give him a peace of her mind. Killian laughed. "Relax luv. I'd love nothing more than to pillage and plunder, but I don't think you could handle it."
Emma laughed, relaxing. "I think it's you that couldn't handle it."
"We'll see." Killian challenged hoarsely, kissing her neck softly. Turning back to his dresser, he pulled out a pocket watch.
"This watch used to keep perfect time when I was in the navy. Crafted by the best artisan in the kingdom, straight from his majesty, pure gold."
Emma took it in her hand, regarding as if it were lost treasure. She'd never seen a clock quite like this one. It must have been a naval watch, because of its coordinates. There was a diamond at the head that indicated north.
"This is pretty rare." She remarked, handing it back to him.
"It was the only novelty I kept as a pirate. Belonged to my brother." Killian told her, examining the watch. "You could set your heart by this watch."
"Could?" Emma wondered aloud. "It doesn't work anymore?"
"Aye. It stopped working October 28th, 2012…" He said, putting it back on the dresser.
"What happened on October 28th?" She asked, trying to recall the day.
"It's the day we met." Killian smirked, pulling her close. Emma blushed, as he appeared to be staring straight through to her soul.
"I've been chasing you ever since." He admitted sincerely.
"I'm glad you did." She whispered, pulling him into a tender kiss.
"I broke it, a long time ago. Water under the bridge." Was all she could muster.
Derek was a bit annoyed that she didn't elaborate, but at least it was the truth. "Fair enough."
"There's a ball being held tomorrow night, to honor the service of our town leaders." Emma said, changing the subject.
She had asked Snow to play the role of Sheriff with David, and Regina to resume as Madam Mayor, to cut down on confusion. The last thing she needed, was for him to realize she was a cop.
How ironic, given that she's a town leader…' Derek thought, a constant reminder of what was at stake. Her bounty, or his freedom.
"Do I look like a suit and tie guy?" He retorted full of sarcasm.
"You know what, forget I asked..." She retracted, having enough of the snide remarks. If it had been any other guy, they'd be talking to her fist.
Emma turned to walk away, but decided to tell him off instead. "And for the record- I didn't lie about being a drifter. I was an orphan up until my 28th birthday when I found my birth parents." She walked away, leaving him speechless.
Derek exhaled, knowing he was being a bastard. And there was no way he was leaving the town without first getting that medallion. "Wait." He called. He jogged to catch up with her when she didn't stop walking.
"I'm sorry." He apologized. "I guess I'm just not use to…this."
Emma crossed her arms. "By this, you mean…"
"A beautiful woman wanting nothing but the pleasure of my company." Derek admitted. "In New York, people wanted me for what I could do for them. Jess was no exception."
"I get it." Emma told him, because she did. Before Killian, she had felt utterly alone. No one had understood her needs. The need to just be…loved.
"So is it really a suit and tie event?" He asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Close. It's a cos-play masquerade." She cringed a bit.
It wasn't really cos-play, but people from the enchanted forest considered high fashion as big gowns, lineage suites, and unbearable corsets.
"You expect me to dress up in a costume and go to a ball…" Derek repeated. Could this town get any more strange?
"It's the Mayoral Ball. Lots of hoity toity stuff, but bearable if Leroy dips into the liquor early." She shrugged, containing a bit of a laugh.
"Fine." Derek conceded with a bit of an attitude. He had no plans for dancing. But if the ball was being held at the mansion, he could certainly give the mayor's office a try. Facilier confirmed that it was the next logical place.
"You're so big on questions, now I have two for you." Emma said, pausing from her walk. Derek met her steady gaze, trying not to get lost in her big green eyes.
"Two?" He swallowed. Emma nodded. "One for this morning, and last night. I answered your question, but I didn't ask one."
"It's only fair." Derek sighed. "Go ahead."
"How did you meet M-…Jess?" She quickly corrected.
Derek smirked. "No need to be jealous luv."
"Believe me, I'm not." Emma snorted. "Now answer the question."
"Well, I was pulling a job at a bank. One of my partners, tripped the silent alarm. He ran off north, I headed south. And that was obviously the wrong direction because the cops were closing in on me. Then she appeared, in an unmarked van, as if by magic." He recalled, before lifting a shoulder. "We were together ever since…since..."
"Me." Emma finished. She knew she had no reason to feel guilty but she did. Were her and Milah so different? Willing to fight like hell for love, only to come up short.
"Question number two." Derek encouraged not wanting to think about Jess. "before I lose my nerve."
"Ok. Why did you save my life in New York?" she asked in a hushed tone. More than anything, she wanted to know that she wasn't imagining it. That Hook was still in there somewhere.
Derek tried to think up some sort of sly remark, but fell short.
"A truth for a truth." Emma reminded him.
"I did want to see you die…I don't think I ever could." Was his reply. And it was the truth. He chose not to elaborate on the gut wrenching need to protect her from harm. He hadn't known her then, and barely knew her now!
Emma felt her pound inside her chest, louder than a ceremonial drum. There it was. A glimpse of the man she remembered.
Derek laughed a bit uncomfortably at her unwavering stare. "What?"
"Oh, nothing!" Emma blinked back into reality. "I just…owe someone an apology."
Footsteps could be heard approaching. Emma turned in time to see Henry coming towards them.
"Morning kid." She greeted, hoping he'd catch on. Everyone made a pact to stop lying to Henry about the current events. He was 13 now, and the author.
"Morning Leia, new guy." Henry greeted casually.
Derek gave a nod of recognition.
"Mom wanted to let you know that she needs to meet her ASAP. She said you weren't answering your phone." Henry told her.
Emma groaned, taking it out of her back pocket. Sure enough, she had two texts from Regina.
We have a problem.
Meet me at the Mansion.
"Thanks for the heads up." She told him. "You better go; you're going to be late for school."
"It's alright. I'm pretty tight with my biology teacher." Henry winked. "Lunch at Granny's?"
"You got it." Emma smiled, happy to have a date with her favorite person. Henry always made her days easier, and less chaotic. She had missed him like crazy back in New York, and could use a little adolescent distraction.
Derek watched Henry run off towards the school bus. "The lad seems quite taken with you. You're, how did he say it…tight?"
Emma laughed at Derek's attempt at using slang. "Yeah, we're pretty tight, our DNA matches."
"He's your brother?" he asked, given what she said about recently finding her birth parents.
"Son." She revealed. When he didn't speak, she asked, "Surprised?"
"That you have a child, yes," He said truthfully. "You don't seem like the mothering type."
For some reason, that angered her profusely. Who the hell was he to judge what kind of mother she could be? "And why is that?" she snapped, crossing her arms.
"Because I find it very hard to believe you'd let down your walls long enough to conceive one." He retorted with a smirk.
Emma felt pain sear through her. Not because of his words, but because they were true. She had fallen in love with Neal, and the minute she did, he abandoned her with a baby and a prison sentence. And in turn, she abandoned Henry for fear of being a failure. She had never been a real mother to him, not the way Regina had.
"You're right." Emma lifted a shoulder with a false smile. Thinking of Neal only brought back more painful memories. "Who could love someone like that?"
At seeing unshed tears cloud her eyes, Derek cursed. "That was out of line."
Why was he acting like this? It was like something was preventing him from making a real connection. It's not like he wanted to be an ass…he just, was. When he wanted to compliment her, it came out as a joke. When he wanted to hold her hand, he always put a shot or coffee in it. And when he wanted to kiss her…he hurt her feelings.
"It doesn't matter anyway. His father's dead." Emma said clearing her throat. "I gotta go see what Madam Mayor Wants."
"Leia…" Derek called, but she held up a hand. "Water under the bridge." She dismissed, and walked off.
Derek blew out a breath. He needed to find that medallion and quick, before he did something he'd regret.
Emma arrived at the Mayor's Mansion to find Gold standing in the foyer with Regina.
"A word Ms. Swan?" he asked.
When Regina looked in her direction, she frowned. "What the hell is going on?"
Regina blew out a breath. "We have a problem."
"Indeed. I was just telling Regina, our attempts to keep that threat out of Storybrooke failed." Gold told her.
"Why? Who's here?" Emma asked.
"The Shadow Man." Gold announced grimly.
"Seriously? The thing under the bed is real?" She said crossing her arms.
Regina rolled her eyes. "That's the boogeyman, and no- the shadow man is quite real, and quite dangerous."
Emma huffed. She was not in the mood for anything right now. Lifting a hand of submission she told them, "Okay, humor me."
"The Shadow Man is a voodoo witch doctor, who specializes in sending souls to the underworld for Hades. In turn, Hades provides him with power to disillusion, manipulate, and kill any victim with a shadow."
"Sounds like another dark one to me." Emma mumbled, looking pointedly at Gold.
"I assure you, our power is quite different. As he so ungracefully pointed out," He continued with a snarl, "my power is tethered to a dagger-it can be controlled. His, however cannot be."
"Why?" Regina asked. "All dark power has a source."
"But that's the thing, it's not dark-it's black." Gold revealed.
"Dark, and black aren't the same?" Emma questioned, hoping not to sound like an idiot. God, she should really do more studying.
"Black magic used to be harmless superstitions and liquored cocktails until the Shadow Man appeared. He used his own blood, and the power of Hades to create a force that can steal a person's soul."
"Fine." Emma sighed. "Let's find out what it's doing here and get it the hell out."
"I think I know half of that riddle." Gold reported. "I saw him talking with your pirate. So whatever it is, has something to do with…you." He pointed.
"Of course it does…" She groaned. Meg said Hades played with a loaded deck and didn't like to lose. She couldn't be as naïve to think that things would be over once she came back to Storybrooke. She was never that fortunate.
"Whatever the Shadow Man wants, he won't get." Regina assured coldly.
"Unless of course, he already has it." Gold implied.
"I gotta find Hook." Emma sprinted to the front door.
"Emma wait!" Regina called, but she was already outside. Turning to Gold, she asked. "Are you sure it was Killian?"
"As much history as we have, I'm not likely to forget his face." Gold assured. "He's not to be trusted-be on your guard." And then he vanished in a mist of red smoke.
Regina ran out the house, to see Emma already in her car. "Hey. I didn't want to say anything in front of Gold but…are you alright?"
"I'm fine, why?" Emma asked calmly.
"Well, your eyes are pink, and your mascara is starting to run." Regina assessed, studying her face. Had Emma been…crying? "What happened."
Emma shook her head. "Noth-"
"Don't make me yank it out of your chest!" Regina snapped a bit. "What happened."
With a sigh, Emma rested her head against the seat. "Every time I look in his eyes, I see Killian. The way he moves, the way he acts…but when he opens his mouth…"
Shaking it off, she put on her seat belt. "Doesn't matter. We need to find Hook and find out what the hell the Shadow Man wants with him, before it's too late."
"Do you need a locator spell?" Regina asked. Finding a person who didn't want to be found may take some time.
"No, I know where to look." Emma dismissed, and started her engine. Regina watched her pull off the road, and a new fury settled inside of her.
After searching all morning, Emma crashed at Granny's. No one had seen Killian since they had met this morning. She'd checked the Rabbit Hole, the woods, the docks, nothing.
"Hey Leia."
Emma smirked, as Henry slid in the booth. "Relax kid, Hook isn't here. I'm beginning to think he never was."
"Don't be so hard on him." Henry defended. "He has been dead, brought back to life, and had all his memories erased."
"True," She nodded. "But sometimes, sometimes when a person's soul has been through too much, it changes and adapts, in order to survive."
"You think Hook's soul has changed?" He asked, sipping his hot coco that Granny brought over.
"Maybe? I don't know." Emma shrugged. "It's really hard to get a read on him."
"Well, don't give up. Operation Cerberus is still in effect." Henry smiled encouragingly.
"Thanks Kid." Emma smirked. Thinking about her meeting with Gold and Regina, she lowered her voice and said. "Hey, there's a new threat in town. We don't know what it is, or what it wants. So, until it's found…"
"I'm on lock-down." Henry finished with an eye-roll.
Emma raised a hand. "I was going to say, be on your guard. If you're going out with Violet, let me and Regina know."
Henry relaxed a bit. "I promise."
"Here." Emma waved her hand, and a plain silver band appeared on his wrist.
Henry examined the bracelet that held the symbol of swan underneath a crown. "Cool. What does it do."
"Me and Regina created it. It can sense when danger is near.. It's also infused with just enough magic to protect you."
Henry never took his eyes off the bracelet. "Mom, this is the coolest thing you guys have ever given me."
"Henry." Emma called his name, to get attention. "If there is trouble, your first priority is to get you and Violet to safety. Don't play hero- the bracelet doesn't work like that."
"I wouldn't risk Violet's life like that." Henry assured. Emma smiled. "Yeah, well you're a pretty great guy."
"So is Hook." Henry countered.
"He was…." Emma corrected sadly.
They changed subjects, talking about New York, and missing the pizza. It turned out to be a decent afternoon. Enough to make Emma forget about the Shadow Man, and medallions…and the gaping hole in her heart.
Derek found himself in a hell of a place. It appeared to be a…dungeon?
He had decided to Leia's to and search for the medallion. Before, he had been so blindly determined to find a safe; he hadn't seen what was staring him in the face the entire time.
A random door appeared in the middle of the house-that led to a spiraling staircase. But now, he was wondering if the door had been there the whole time. It must have been. There was no way he had over looked it before.
He checked around the corners, but it seemed empty. An old sword lie on the graveled dark stones. To his right, he saw chains on the floor. "What kind of kinky stuff are you into Blondie?" he muttered.
There were bottles of liquids, and many books lying around. "What the hell…is she some kind of witch?" He asked aloud. He'd seen some pretty weird shit in New York, including the common false psychic with a crystal ball. Maybe she believed in all that crap.
There were bottles of liquids, and many books lying around. "What the hell…is she some kind of witch?" He asked aloud. He'd seen some pretty weird shit in New York, including the common false psychic with a cystal ball. Maybe she believed in all that crap.
Without further delay, he began his search. Most things didn't make sense to him. Things like chalices, a pink rose, a few dream catchers, but something shiny caught his eye. He turned to his left to see a piece of something sticking out from underneath the books.
He moved some papers around, and there it was. The medallion. It was solid gold, with the symbol of a lightning bolt on it. "Lightning never strikes in the same place twice." He told himself as he picked it up.
Reaching in his pocket, he grabbed his cell phone-which had miraculously made the journey here. "Facilier, its Norrington…I got the medallion."
Emma pulled up to her house to see Derek walking down the steps. She leaned against her car as he approached.
"Leia, I was just coming by to apologize for earlier." Derek said sincerely. "I didn't mean to imply that…"
"Yes you did." She cut him off. "But it's over. The thanks I get for saving your life."
"I didn't ask to be saved!" Derek snapped.
"Neither did I!" She hollered back.
Running a hand through his hair, Derek exhaled. "This will never work…you can see that right?"
"I'm starting to." Emma put her hands in her back pockets. "See ya around, Norrington."
"Not likely." He mumbled, walking off towards town.
Emma glanced back at her house suspiciously, before glaring back in Derek's direction. She had a feeling she was overlooking something, but what? Her house was magically protected. So unless Derek had become a wizard in the past two days, she was paranoid.
Derek exited the Rabbit Hole, sipping on his flask of rum. His mind had stayed on Leia, and Doctor Facilier. Soon he would have his freedom…but he found himself wondering if he even wanted it.
"Good Evening Mr. Norrington."
"Holy hell!" Derek gasped, as the woman appeared behind him. "Christ sakes lass, next time wear a bell!"
Regina raised a brow, but ignored the cat reference. "I'm Miss Mills, the Mayor."
"I take it, you're enjoying our charming little town." She assumed politely.
"It's seems to have lose its charm, after an hour." Derek slurred a bit.
"Is there nothing of this town that appeals to your heart?" Regina crossed her arms expectantly. It was just sad- this pathetic drunk was a far cry from the man Guyliner used to be. He was rude, selfish, and indecisive. Hades went all out.
"Nothing memorable outside the cheese sticks at Granny's." He replied with a bored expression. "But I'm sure I can find better."
"Well maybe you should, for everyone's sake." She suggested with a frown.
"Excuse me?" Derek scoffed in slight surprised. Was there a caveat in her tone?
"Do not pretend to be coy or stupid Norrington-you can afford neither in my presence." Regina snapped.
"Ah, Leia." Derek sighed. "Well quite frankly, I don't see how it's any of your damn bus-"
"Everything in this town is my business!" Regina snapped regally. "Including Leia's feelings. So here's a bit advice- if you don't plan on loving her, then don't accept her heart."
"I don't love her!" he snapped. Did he? That was the question that had been plaguing his brain through two bottles of rum. There was no way possible-he didn't even know her!
"Good." Regina smirked. "Because if you hurt her, I will make that prison cell in New York feel like a summer home, compared to how deep I will bury you."
Derek didn't back down as he saw the venom in her eyes, but he did feel a slight chill go down his spine. "Is that a threat Madam Mayor?" he growled.
"It's a promise Mr. Norrington. You have no idea how much pull I have to destroy you." She said in a hushed evil tone.
"Well then," He said nonchalantly. "Give Leia my regards."
"Will do." Regina nodded, and watched him disappear into the fog.
Say it ain't so, say it ain't so….Say that our love ain't water under the bridge...-Adele.
A/N; I thought this chapter was very interesting. I wanted to show just how much Emma was loved and supported by her family. I was listening to Adele while writing this chapter. I'm so excited about chapter 13! Hope you enjoyed it. Trivia. October 28th is the original air-date of the episode where Hook and Emma meet.
Review/Follow/Favorite-me!
-R.