A/N: Hey, guys! In advance, sorry this chapter is largely Neal and Emma. I kind of had to lay out the background stuff, even though I don't want to. It needs to be here, and I promise it'll make more sense later.
Listen to: 'Sleep' by Azure Ray.
Enjoy!
As soon as the cab brought her to Neal's apartment building, she sighed and slipped out. She grabbed her suitcase and walked up to the front door, closing her eyes with a deep breath before pressing the button to call him.
"Emma?"
"Yep." She sighed.
"Come on up." He replied, and Emma sighed again at the subtle click of the door. She pushed the door open and dragged herself in, pulling her suitcase behind her.
The apartment building was dingy at its best, and though Emma knew Henry didn't care, she still didn't like that he had to spend a whole week there. She walked over to the elevator (though, the building was so old that it was really a lift) and pressed the up button. Exhausted couldn't even describe how she was feeling, her bones aching even as she just stood there.
Just before the elevator came, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She rolled her eyes, assuming it was Neal.
She was so wrong.
Just wanted to wish you one last goodnight, love. I'm glad I was seated beside you on the plane-you were a delight. I hope we're still on for dinner some time?
Emma grinned madly at the text, holding her phone to her chest like a teenager. The elevator finally came, and she focused just long enough to step in and press the four button before getting back to her text.
Emma: You think I was a delight? You should have seen the lady who gave you that seat. I thought she was going to rip my face off.
E: And, yes, we're still on for dinner. I need to ask my son's father when he's not doing anything, so I don't have to bring Henry.
Killian: The lad can come, if he'd like to!
E: Tried that once. Didn't work.
K: Ah, well. Just let me know, then, I suppose.
E: I will.
K: Goodnight, Emma.
E: Goodnight, Killian.
Emma smiled as she stepped off the elevator and walked down the hall to Neal's apartment. She hadn't realized until then just how happy she was to see her son. She too-happily rapped on the door, swaying as she waited.
The door finally opened, revealing the ever-unchanging Neal. No real surprises-he still looked vaguely like he needed a shower.
"Hey." She spoke softly.
"Hey yourself." He spoke with an easy grin, "How was Florida?"
"Not quite as sunny as they say." Emma noted, glancing around him to find Henry.
"The kid's sleeping. He fell asleep watching Peter Pan. Again." Neal chuckled.
"Of course." Emma smiled, tucking a curl behind her ear as he let her in, "Oh, I need to ask you something."
"What?"
"What are you doing tomorrow night?" Emma asked, earning a skeptical look from him.
"Nothing, why?"
"I need you to watch Henry."
"Why?" He asked, as if he were offended.
"It's none of your business."
"Are you seeing someone, Emma?" He asked, raising a brow.
"No, I'm not." Emma deadpanned, "It's... work stuff."
"Which is code for you've got a date."
"You know what? So what if I've got a date?" Emma snapped, "This? This is no longer a thing."
"I know that, Emma. I'm not stupid." He replied, "But, don't you think dating is a little... weird, with Henry around?"
"That hasn't stopped you."
"Tamara and I are really serious, Emma."
"And you're saying I can't have a serious relationship. Great." Emma nodded, slipping around him and walking to the couch, finding Henry lying the length of it (god, he was getting so big-though, it was a pretty small couch), slightly snoring.
"Emma, that's not what I meant."
"I don't care." Emma spoke, raising both of her eyebrows, "Can you please watch him tomorrow night?"
"Fine."
"You act like this is a chore." Emma said, "He's your son-the least you could do is try to pretend like you enjoy spending time with him."
"I do, Emma. Otherwise, I wouldn't offer to do this." Neal rebutted, making Emma roll her eyes and gently bend down beside Henry. She smiled and carefully brushed back some of his hair (she needed to get it cut again), waking him.
"Hey, kid." Emma smiled, "I'm sorry to wake you up, but we've gotta go check into the hotel."
Henry smiled a little, leaning forward to hug her sleepily. She giggled and pressed a kiss behind his ear before gently tugging away.
"Ready to go, kid?" Emma asked as he sat up.
"Mm." He nodded.
"His bag's all packed." Neal added.
"Where's Peter?" Henry asked, looking around for his beloved doll. Emma grinned and picked the fallen doll from the floor, handing it to him.
"If you can put your bookbag on, I'll carry you downstairs." Emma smiled.
Henry got off the couch, moving around her to grab his bookbag. Once he had it on his back, he climbed onto Emma's back, making her groan.
"Getting heavy, kid."
"I am six." Henry added, making Emma laugh.
"I know-you get taller every day, kid." Emma giggled, walking by Neal, "I'll bring him by tomorrow night around six, okay?"
"That's fine. I'll be here." He replied with a quick smile, "Night Henry, night Emma."
"Night, Papa!" Henry exclaimed as Emma hauled her suitcase (and son) out the door.
"How was your stay with your dad?" Emma asked.
"Really good. He took me to Central Park, and the museum with the big blue whale, and the big toy store!"
"Wow, it sounds like you guys had a packed week." Emma smiled as she stepped into the elevator.
"Mm." He replied, and Emma could feel him nod against her shoulder.
"Well, we'll get you and Peter to the hotel, then we can get some rest."
Henry nodded again, growing quieter by the moment-Emma knew he was tired (though, his tired was nothing compared to hers).
Once they were checked into the hotel and mostly settled in, Henry was out. It was well past midnight at this point, so Emma was rushing to get her makeup off and ready for bed. As soon as she was comfortable, she got a text.
That. Book.
She giggled, shaking her head.
E: I thought we decided on no midnight texts?
K: I'm sorry, but I had to. Thanks for letting me borrow it-it's great.
E: Glad you liked it.
E: Oh, by the way, I'm free tomorrow night, after six.
K: Really?
E: Yep.
K: I'll make a reservation in the morning-what kind of food do you like?
E: I'm down for most anything.
K: Alright. I'll let you know the time and place tomorrow.
E: That makes it sound like it's some kind of secret mission.
K: You never know-it might be.
E: I'll be sure to bring my stilettos.
K: Do they have lasers in the heels?
E: If that'll help you sleep at night, sure.
K: Perfect.
K: Well, I won't keep you long. I just needed to tell you how much I love that book. Baseball is about the only American sport I can handle.
E: I'm glad you did-we'll have to talk baseball tomorrow.
K: I'm counting the minutes.
E: Goodnight, Killian.
K: Goodnight, Swan.