A/N Happy to see you guys loved last chapter as much as I did. In this update: The morning after for Emma and Killian, a confrontation between Gold and Emma and you guys are going to hate Neal. Just thought I'd warn y'all.

Chapter 34: The Power of Words

Emma woke early the next morning, comfortable in his embrace. She felt no desire to move, simply manoeuvring herself so she was facing him. He stirred lightly and she bit her lip, watching as his eyes moved around beneath his lids. Killian's grip on her tightened and he smiled, eyes still closed.

"You know it's rude to stare," he said, his voice gravelly from the earliness of the hour. It was the most amazing thing Emma had ever heard, his Irish accent was more noticeable when he was sleepy. She smirked, maintaining her eyes on his face.

"I'm not staring," she retorted quietly and he opened one eye.

"You're staring, love," he said, returning the smirk in his trademark fashion. He took the opportunity to scrutinise her face, looking for any signs of regret or doubt. There were none and he felt his smile widen at the realisation she was as content as he was. Emma propped her elbow up, leaning her head on her hand and narrowing her eyes down at the pirate.

"Since when did you ever have a problem with women ogling you?" she asked amusedly.

"Never, in fact I've been waiting for you to join their ranks in appreciation of me," he replied as he put his arms behind his head confidently, enjoying the morning-after banter thoroughly. She raised an eyebrow challengingly.

"I'm just another member of the ranks?" she asked. Killian frowned at her as if she'd just said something ridiculous. Using his arms, he pulled her down on top of him and she rested her chin on his chest comfortably.

"Lass, you've never been just another woman. It may surprise you but I'm not usually present in the morning after," he replied, trying to continue the dry humour. She raised her other eyebrow speculatively.

"I am shocked that you are a one-night-stand kind of person. It never occurred to me that a pirate wouldn't have long-term relations," Emma said sarcastically, earning her a pinch in the side from the pirate. She squirmed at the nerve he hit and the pirate chuckled; a warm, throaty sound.

"Don't sass me, darling," Killian said, shifting her to the side and sitting up in bed. She sat up too, keeping the quilt around her chest just in case Henry came in – thank the gods he was a heavy sleeper.

"I think we should have established by now that I don't listen to a thing you say," Emma said, leaning in conspiratorially. He caught her arms, pulling her down so he could kiss her. She returned it before pulling away. The pirate pouted at her soft rebuff and pulled her back down on top of him.

Their hips accidentally rolled together and she tried to focus on what it was she was thinking, desperately attempting to ignore the warmth that was blossoming just below her abdomen. She was about to speak when he used his good hand to pull her head down to him. They kissed, slowly at first, like lava rising.

"Henry… will be up… soon… and I think… I should… make him… breakfast," the blonde said between kisses, trying to hold her resolve together. His fingers trailed a line down her spine and he smirked against her lips.

"I think the lad can make himself breakfast, and besides love, it's not that late in the morning," he said against her lips. As he spoke, it gave Emma the opportunity she needed to push away from him. She quickly stood up from the bed, walking over to her cupboard and pulling on a silk robe. Killian watched her movements attentively, studying her silhouette with ease. Before she left the room, Emma glanced back to give the pirate a quick smile.

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She was pulling out the ingredients for waffles when her son came bounding down the stairs, he looked content from what she hoped was a good night's rest. It hadn't occurred to her until later that he might have heard them and Emma wasn't keen on the idea of mentally scarring her son.

"Hey Mom!" he chirped, jumping onto one of the stools. He looked around the bench and, upon recognising the ingredients for his favourite breakfast, beamed. She was making waffles, if only she could find the sugar.

"Good morning, how did you sleep last night?" Emma asked nonchalantly.

Henry shrugged, "Fine, why?" The blonde turned back to the cupboard she was checking, smiling in relief that the young boy appeared unfazed. She shook her head and mumbled something about trying to make small talk. The young boy behind her bounced around eagerly in his seat as she turned back with empty hands. He cocked his head in confusion.

"I can't find any sugar… we must be out," she said and observed his disappointed expression, "but I'll go and get some from the store."

Just as he was about to protest, Killian strutted out of Emma's bedroom. His hair was damp from the shower he'd just had and a pair of grey track pants covered his bottom half. Henry turned around as he heard the pirate's entrance and smiled.

"Morning Killian," he said brightly, earning a nod in response from the man.

"Morning lad," Killian replied, walking around the bench top towards Emma, "morning love."

In an act of affection that surprised her he kissed her on the cheek. It apparently didn't surprise Henry though, his smile only widened at the sight of the pirate greeting his mother. She turned to look at him, trying to stifle a smile and give him a stern look that said 'no innuendos.'

He smirked in return, a silent but sincere agreement to remain PG13 around the boy.

"What's all this?" he asked, gesturing to the ingredients with his hook.

The blonde walked towards her room, speaking louder so they could hear her as she closed the door and pulled off the silk gown.

"I'm going to get some sugar for the waffles I'm making for breakfast – we're out," she yelled to them from her bedroom. Emma pulled on some jeans and a black singlet before grabbing a jacket and opening the door. Killian was sitting next to Henry on one of the stools and turned around when she entered the room again.

"Do you want me to come with you?" he asked. Henry turned around to look at his mother as she shook her head.

"Nah, I'll be back in like… five minutes? Don't break anything while I'm gone," she said, pointing a finger between the two of them. Emma grabbed her keys from the bench and moved towards the door. She heard the scrape of one of the chairs and turned around to watch Killian approach her. They were a safe distance from Henry, who seemed to have relocated to the couch and was intently watching some television show.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" the pirate asked, walking until he was only an inch from her. He moved his hand behind her and apparently grabbed something from the coat rack. As he brought it forward, he moved his other arm behind her and pulled forward. He had grabbed a scarf and was tucking it around her neck, simultaneously using it as a way to reel the blonde in. Emma took a quick look to ensure Henry was preoccupied before allowing him to drag her forward. She kissed him quickly; taking the scarf he was still gripping and arranging it comfortably.

"Yes, it's just the grocery store. Not like I'm going to run into any big bad on the way," she said, "and if I do, I promise not to go hulk on them."

"Hulk?" he questioned the reference to the Marvel character, eliciting a smile from the saviour. Killian narrowed his eyes playfully and smiled as she pulled away and unlocked the door, yelling a quick goodbye before closing it behind her.

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Emma was glad to be out of the apartment by herself; it had been a while since she'd had a chance to take a walk alone. The fresh air was crisp and seemed to heighten her thoughts. Memories of the previous night swirled in her head and she smiled despite herself at the tingle it sent up her spine.

It felt as though a weight had been all but lifted from her shoulders. She still felt guilt over taking a man's heart and trying to do the same to Neal but Killian had put it into context. Not only that but he'd reminded her of who she was and all but forced her to give up the constant cynicism. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had someone that could do that, someone that could heal her. In fact, there had never really been anyone who could heal her.

It would be a lie to say she felt no pain over what she'd done, what she'd endured over her life. But it would also be a lie to say that Killian wasn't at least partly responsible for helping her move past it. The time that had passed since that day of destruction felt like a haze, one she'd walked for too long in her self-constructed prison cell. The walls that guarded her had all but crumbled in his presence, and not even of her own choice. It was like an inevitable reaction to being around him; the vulnerability.

And now the feelings that were blossoming in her felt foreign, because she'd never experienced them before. Neal, whom she was sure she had once loved (loathe as she were to admit it), had never prompted her to be better. But with Killian she was. He made her a stronger person, prompted her and tested her so she was always on her toes. He saved her, something not many people had the chance to do. And she did the same to him, like a mutual exchange to force the best out of each person.

Now though, now she had to come to terms with her feelings. She would have to admit them; she couldn't hide from them after last night, after everything. He'd made the ultimate commitment in telling her he loved her because Killian wasn't adept in the skill of deceit – at least not when it came to Emma. She knew he was telling the truth and she knew he hadn't uttered the words since Milah.

The blonde brought her thoughts back to the present as she entered the small grocery story. Walking briskly down an aisle, she selected a packet of sugar and walked towards the register. Before she could reach it, a cane halted her in her path.

Emma knew who it was before she looked up.

"Gold," the saviour said with indifferent politeness. The wiry man smiled at her.

"I see you are well," he said in a tone that could have been construed as knowing. She treated him with caution, eyeing his expression.

"I am, thank you for that observation. Now what do you want?" Her words told him not to stall; she had no time for beating around the bush. Killian was right when he said she hated it.

Gold's smile didn't falter as he examined the woman before him. "I assume the pirate told you about our little arrangement for you to be tutored by me so you don't go on a killing spree again," he said and was surprised when she didn't cringe at the mention of her indiscretions. Standing tall, she answered without missing a beat.

"I don't need your help, Gold. I can control it," Emma said confidently. The small man raised his eyebrows and giggled in the high-pitched tone that was signature for Rumplestiltskin.

"Dearie, no one can completely control it. What makes you think you can?" he asked arrogantly.

"For one, I don't trust you one bit. For two… I have people in my life that… make me want to keep it under control," she replied. Gold scrutinised her again and laughed outright, ignorant of the stares he was drawing from the people around them.

"The infamous captain has you under his spell, doesn't he?" the little man asked cruelly.

"I'm not an object and I'm also not a teenage girl." Emma held Gold's stare evenly, angry that he was ruining her perfect morning. Killian and Henry were probably going to be worried if she didn't get back soon.

"Oh, so you're a woman? I don't suppose that means he wooed you like he did Milah and all the other women before and after her?" he asked, his voice vindictive. Her temper started to rise and the magic crackled slightly in her veins.

"Killian is a good man," Emma said vehemently.

"Good men die first," Gold replied simply, making the blonde's hairs stand on edge. It took all her will power along with a deep breath not to send him into a wall then and there. Pulling herself together in a matter of milliseconds, she took a step forward and looked him straight in the eyes. Voice low and sharp like that of a coiled snake, she spoke.

"If you touch a hair on his head, I will kill you. Do not threaten him." Her threats echoed in the silence that encased the duo. Gold's smug façade faltered to reveal the fear her words struck within him. He knew how powerful she was and he knew she wouldn't hesitate to do as she said if it meant protecting the ones she loved.

"You are foolish Miss Swan… loving him will be the end of you," he whispered harshly and turned on his heel. He left the grocery store quickly, ignorant of the stares he received. As the tension eased, the people who had been watching them returned to their shopping – a few going out of their way to say hi to the saviour and wish her their best regards in her recovery. Luckily she remembered the story that the town had been fed and smiled in thanks.

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Neal was walking towards Granny's Diner when he all but ran into the man he knew to be Bailey's father. Gold stopped and smiled in a bad imitation of friendly greeting.

"Good Morning Neal," he said.

Neal tried to return the gesture, politely nodding before attempting to pass him. The pawnbroker stopped him and pointed to the grocer.

"You mightn't want to go there," he said shrewdly.

"Why?" Neal asked curiously.

"Your beloved is there."

"Why does that matter?" the younger man asked, slightly defensive.

"I just didn't think you'd want to run into someone you've clearly lost," Gold said, a bad attempt at sympathy. Neal frowned and scrutinised his friend's father.

"What? I haven't lost Emma," he said angrily.

"Oh but you have. If I've read her aura correctly, you've lost her to the wonderful pirate captain," the wiry man replied, sarcasm saturating his mention of his foe. The effect was immediate and Neal crossed his arms.

"What do you mean I've lost her? Just because that git's hanging around her it doesn't mean they're together."

"He's living with her, dearie. And trust me… they're together," Gold said, the double meaning in his last word making the man opposite him ball his fists.

"How together?" Neal asked angrily. The pawnbroker didn't answer, simply continued to smile in that sadistic way that no one would ever become accustomed to. The younger man looked to the grocer where he could see the blonde woman emerging. Nodding once at his older companion, he turned around and stalked off towards Emma.

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She had just reached the sidewalk when she caught sight of the man striding up towards her.

"Neal," Emma said just before he reached her; just before he slapped her.

Her head whipped to one side with the force of the impact and she turned to him, furious and desperately stifling the powers that wanted to erupt within her.

"You slut! You couldn't give me a chance could you! You had to go running to the first available guy!" he said angrily, basically spitting the words. The blonde touched her cheek as she eyed the man in front of her, her gaze hot on his face. He didn't look at all fazed this time though, apparently too consumed by whatever it was that was aggravating him.

"What the hell are you talking about?" she asked, her tone matching his in indignation.

"We were going to be a family! But you obviously don't give a shit about Henry since you're willing to throw away any chance at a family that he has!" Neal said, pointing at her accusingly. At the mention of her son, Emma pulled herself up higher. Standing to her full height, she replied with vehemence that seemed to belittle everything he'd said.

"We were never going to be a family. You can't throw something away if it was never there so don't you dare blame me if you can't connect with your son you asshole."

Neal reeled at the backlash of her words, "I would be able to connect with him if it weren't for you screwing around with that fucking pirate!"

"What the hell does this have to do with Killian?" she asked defensively.

"Don't bullshit me, Emma! You've been screwing him from the start and I bet it was just so you could get back at me!" he said, scoffing when he mentioned his theory of her revenge. Her eyes widened in a mix of shock and offense.

"Are you kidding me? You think I would do that just to get back at you?" she asked incredulously, crossing her arms in condescension.

"Let's be realistic here, who would sleep with you because they actually like you?" Neal said icily, leaning in to deliver the lines. Emma's hand whipped out, slapping him hard across the face. His face whipped to the side in much the same way hers did except the red streak on her cheek paled in comparison to the mark that blossomed on his face.

"You don't know what you're talking about," she spat at him.

Satisfied that he'd struck a nerve, he turned to face her with a cruel smirk.

"Be serious Emma, he's probably just playing you. He'll leave you like everyone else. He's a pirate remember?" he said, revelling in the expression that began to morph her beautiful features.

"You don't know him," she said angrily, fending off the urge to run him through with a strike of magic she knew she could procure with a flick of her hand.

"But I do know men like him and trust me when I say you're nothing but a game to him, a challenge he needs to fulfil for his ego," Neal said, mockingly soft, "he doesn't care about you."

Her eyes flitted down and back up to his, trying to think of some retort but coming up empty. Either way, she needed to get out of there before the relapsed from the no-magic wagon. How he even knew about what happened with Killian was a loss to her so she tried to move past him. He grabbed her arm and forced her to stop and face him.

"Come on babe, why else would someone sleep with you? It's not like he could actually have feelings for you. You're not a good person."

Yeah, I hate Neal too.

But trust me. I have plans to crush your hearts with something absolutely and utterly romantic and something absolutely and utterly brilliant that I've wanted from the moment I laid eyes on Neal.

Reviews are demands for me to plan a new fic once this one is finished.