AN: Sorry I've been a little MIA...I was going through a bit of writer's block and had trouble finishing any chapters I started. (On a similar note; I still plan to continue "Home", but I've kind of hit a wall for the time being. I'll try to update that one soon).
Anyway, here's a quick chapter inspired by how shady Snow and Charming were in last week's episode, and the CS hug we've seen footage of. Enjoy!
She had left the diner in a rush of harsh words and tear-filled eyes, already out of sight by the time Killian had hurried after her, the only sound the pounding of her boots on pavement.
As she ran.
Again.
Killian's heart sank a little at that realization, though he told himself not to take it personally (it wasn't exactly him Emma was running from, anyway). He stood on the sidewalk for a few minutes, considering where Emma could have taken off to. A memory struck Killian, who followed his instincts and sure enough, found her at the docks. It wasn't the first time he'd discovered her there when she wished to clear her head, and the knowledge that Emma, too, sought comfort by the water filled Killian with a surge of endearment.
When she came into view, her back was to him, her long blonde tresses blown about by the wind. Killian approached her slowly, though made no move to hide his presence. He could see Emma stiffen as he neared her, saw the way she curled her fingers tightly around her own arms. She didn't turn around until Killian spoke.
"Emma, love?"
She faced him mutely, not moving closer but neither shying away from him, and Killian considered that progress. He didn't reach out, despite the flexing of his fingers, itching to comfort her. Emma hugged her arms tighter around herself as the sea breeze picked up, her voice startling him when Killian began to shrug out of his jacket.
"Don't," Emma protested. "I'm fine."
"You're shivering." Killian disagreed, but brought the coat back over his shoulders, regardless.
"It's not from the cold."
Killian felt a pang for Emma, an ache deep in his chest for the woman he loved.
"They lied to me." she continued, voice low and bitter. Killian could see the effort she was making to keep her tears at bay. "I trusted them- they're my parents, for Christ's sake- and they lied to me."
Killian didn't know what to say, for once in his many years at a loss for words. He stared at Emma, feeling utterly useless. "It's a terrible truth, Swan, that our parents are not the people we believed them to be as children."
Emma was reminded that she wasn't the only one with family issues. She'd been told stories about Killian's mother (a kind woman that had given him his dark hair, loved an undeserving man, and died before her time), but it was rare that he spoke of his father. Emma knew Killian was thinking of him now, and she stared back at him, something flashing in her green eyes.
"Why are you doing that?"
Killian blinked. "Doing what?"
She tensed her shoulders, curling further away from him. "Trying to relate to me, to comfort me. You heard what my parents were hiding." She sucked in a breath. "If I'm destined to go full-on darkness, it's better you get out while you still can."
"Emma." Killian gaped, taking an involuntary step closer, "You have seen my worst self, yet continue to insist that the sins of my past are of no concern to you." He gazed at her closely, needing his words to reach her. "No matter the darkness you or your parents seem to think is within you-" He broke off suddenly, dropped his voice, "I will continue to only see the best."
Emma sniffled, unshed tears still shining in her eyes. "And if it gets to the point that I can't control myself?"
Killian again fought the urge to reach for her, wanting to shake this ridiculous woman until she understood. "Whatever darkness you might hold," he murmured, solemn and true, "I will remain at your side. I chose you, Swan. I will continue to choose you, no matter the consequences of that choice."
The words filled Emma with a burst of warmth. Even in her miserable state, even as she wanted to deny them, she knew they were true. Like Killian, Emma had made her decision a long time ago; and she knew with every piece of her that it had been the right one. However trying, however challenging the path- Emma liked their choices.
After a moment, Killian stopped wishing to hold her, because then Emma was reaching for him, her arms going tight around Killian's middle, shocking him for just a moment before he returned the embrace. Emma nuzzled against the crook of Killian's neck and he rested his hand at the back of her head, fingers running through her hair. It was a familiar gesture, comforting Emma despite herself. They stood there for an immeasurable length of time, assurance being offered and received through their touch. Emma lifted her head eventually, searching Killian's eyes.
"You trust me that much?" she asked after a long moment, referring to his promise to be at her side; recalling the certainty in his voice, the unwavering faith.
"Aye." Killian vowed, meeting Emma's gaze without a shred of a doubt.
"You sure?" Emma pressed, tightening her hold, "Could be dangerous."
"I'm counting on it, love." Killian said humorlessly. "But, yes, I'm certain. I trust you with my life."
Emma exhaled, feeling the pressure on her chest lighten just a fraction. She still felt her parent's betrayal, but it helped to know there was one less person that believed the worst in her.
(Especially when she couldn't help but believe the worst in herself).
Emma tilted her head up towards Killian. She met his gaze, as strong and steady as his arms around her, and she pressed a single kiss to his jaw. "Ditto." she murmured, earning Killian's customary look for when phrases were unfamiliar to him.
"Same here." Emma clarified, resting her head against Killian's chest. "I trust you, too."