Sadly, I do not have any rights to Once Upon a Time, Killian Jones, or Emma Swan.
I hope you this chapter!

Chapter 4: The Taylor's (Summer 1998)

Nearly three years have passed since Emma and James said goodbye in the hospital room. But, not one day passes that one does not think about the other.

In the summer of 1998, Emma was fourteen going on fifteen, and James had just turned seventeen.
In the weeks, months, years since their separation, Emma had strengthened her walls to the point that
she had closed herself off to the possibility of friendship or love, convincing herself to never let anyone inside her heart. In the years since, Emma had tended the physical and emotional wounds inflicted by foster homes, group homes, and herself. By now, she had made herself believe that she was not worthy of being loved, and she would be alone until the day she died. She had no friends. By shutting everyone out, Emma protected herself from being vulnerable to the pain, neglect, and betrayal that came along with relationships.

After she moved out of the Hansen's, she was placed in a group home on the other side of town where she was bullied constantly. At one point, she thought she had befriended someone, only for them to later use her secrets against her. This so-called friend tormented her to the point of violence. In other words, Emma and this girl got into an altercation, leading to them both being moved into another group home. Subsequently, Emma arrived at the group home in Boston a few weeks prior to Christmas 1997. She has lived in this group home until now. Emma thought that she would never have another foster home. Thinking this was it until she aged out of the foster system, Emma grew used to the group home environment and readied herself for what was to come in later years.

When she got the news about the new foster home, she was both terrified and relieved. She did not know what to expect out of this new home, but she knew better than to expect much. Nevertheless, anything was better than living in the group home. Packing up her things, James crossed her mind. He must be seventeen by now. She wondered where he was; how he was doing. But, as soon as he entered her mind, she pushed him right out.

Since James had said goodbye to Emma, his heart had grown cold. After James' foster parents learned about his involvement with Emma and what happened to her, he was no longer welcome in their home. Angered by this and his separation from Emma, he closed himself off from everyone. Since his departure from Searsport, James became violent in his group homes, causing fights whenever a boy looked at a girl the wrong way. Not many foster homes wanted a teenage boy with a dark past to be living in their home, so he was pushed from group home to group home constantly. Consequently, he lived in three different group homes until the Taylor's welcomed him into their home just after New Years 1998.

The Taylor's had been foster parents in Boston for a few decades, so when they learned about James, they were instantly interested in him. Typically, they took in foster youth who were disruptive and would excel best in a home environment. After meeting James, they became quite aware that James was not a bad kid, and they looked forward to having him in their home. When James first met them, he was skeptical to say the least. But, as the months passed, they kept him around. He even started to smile again, something he hadn't done since he last saw Emma. James never gave up hope that he'd see her again. Even though they didn't know each other long, he felt a special connection, bond to her... And he so desperately dreamed of the day when he could see her again.

When James first heard that someone would be moving into the Taylor's home, he didn't think much about it. Since Jonathan left the previous month, the house had grown quiet, and the Taylor's had all their attention on him. They are nice; he'd give them that. Nevertheless, he is a teenage boy, and he enjoyed living in the shadows.

The day came for Emma to move into the Taylor's home; the cheerful couple arrived at the group home early on a Saturday morning. Saying good-bye to the place she called home for the past six or so months, Emma left with just a backpack and a small suitcase.

When she first met the Taylor's, Emma thought they seemed very kind. They instantly fell in love with her, but Emma still needed to warm up them before she considered letting them past her walls. When they entered the house, the Taylor's immediately gave her the grand tour. Guiding her from room to room, until they reached two final rooms.

"This your foster brother's room. I'm sure he is still asleep, you can meet him later. Ah, and here is your room". As Mrs. Taylor showed her to her room, promising to introduce her to the mysterious foster boy, who lived in the room next to hers, after she unpacked. In her room. there was a full size bed in the center, a desk in the far left corner, a small dresser along the opposite wall, and a bookcase with a few books next to the closet.

"So, this is it! It's rather bare... we weren't sure what you were like, if you need anything we are right down the hall. Well, I guess we should let you unpack!"

Emma could tell that Mrs. Taylor wasn't sure what to say. As she was trying to process all the information without looking overwhelmed, she just smiled and softly replied, "Okay, thanks. I will unpack then?" Awkwardly, Mrs. Taylor hesitated before she left the room.

Laying her backpack on the desk and opening her suitcase on the bed, she was now ready to make herself at home... Well, as much as she possibly could under the circumstances.

She began by hanging up her three dresses in the closet and placing the rest of her folded clothes into the dresser. Now, She was left with the rest of her possessions: a blanket, her only link to her parents, with the name Emma sewn into it, four books (Jane Austen's Persuasion, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, and J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan with the birthday card that James gave her tucked neatly inside), and what she called her box of secrets (which was locked). Organizing the books on the bookcase, Emma used her locked box of secrets as a bookend. Leaving her baby blanket on the desk, she moved her now empty suitcase and backpack into the back of the closet. After she finished unpacking, Emma decided to emerge from her room; she couldn't hide away forever.

As soon as she left her room and closed the door, she saw a tall, lean teenage boy walk into the hallway. Wearing dark jeans, high tops, and a tight black tee, Emma admired him from in front of her door.
When he turned, facing her, Emma immediately recognized him. She froze on the spot, telling herself, You can still turn back. He hasn't seen you yet.

Approaching her, James could not believe his eyes, Is that Emma? She looks so much older... It has been almost three years...what do I do?

Walking in a daze, he approached her with a bewildered expression fixed on his face. Standing face to face, inches separating them from each other, James stared into her eyes briefly before a smile arose on his face and his arms engulfed her in an intimate hug.

"Emma? Is it really you?" James held her close, it seemed like forever since he had last held her in his arms. But, regardless how much time had passed, their closeness came naturally to the both of them.

"How..." Emma could barely speak. She was in shock. She never thought she would see him again.

"I am never letting you go." James laughed as he pulled her closer.

"I can see that. Did you plan this?" Emma felt tears begin to fall to her cheeks.

"No, I had no idea. I never imagined. Usually, they bring in boys... I never thought." James loosened the hug to wipe away Emma's tears just like he did all those years ago.

"Are you hungry? If the Taylor's don't have something planned, I can make you lunch. We have so much to talk about." James' tough exterior disappeared in an instant. Grabbing her hand, Emma followed him to the kitchen.

When James and Emma entered the kitchen, Mrs. Taylor was already preparing lunch.
"Oh! So, you two met! Good! Wait...Emma, are you crying? James, why are you smiling so big? What happened?" Mrs. Taylor's voice trailed off.

"We, uh, we knew each other once. " Emma answered as tears continued to fall down her cheeks.

"Well, it is good you two have been reunited! I'll finish making lunch. Why don't you two catch up? I hope you like tacos, Emma!" Gesturing for them to leave the kitchen.

Sitting, facing each other on the couch in the living room, James and Emma sat for a few moments, staring at each other. They were still in shock.

"So, Emma..." James became quiet, not sure exactly what he should say. The last time they were in the same room there was so much, too much, emotion. It became painful as all the feelings from the last time they saw each other hit him in the chest.

Seeing that James didn't know where to go with this conversation, Emma started, "How long have you been living with the Taylor's?"

Smiling and internally thanking Emma for doing what he couldn't, "For maybe five months or so. I think you're going to like it here. The Taylor's are very nice. They give you the space you need but still try to be around in case you need the,. Every Sunday night, we have a movie night."

Not sure how else to respond, "That sound since..."

"We also spend most of meals together, unless otherwise specified. But, I am sure they will go over this when we have lunch." Elaborating, James hoped that the conversation might head in some sort of direction, but it stayed stagnant.

"I hope so." No other words could come to her mind.

"I don't want to push you, I know it has been a while... a lot has changed, I am sure. But, maybe, I can show you around the neighborhood after we finish lunch."

"You aren't pushing. I just... I just need to warm up a little more. It won't take long I promise. And, I think that'd be just what I need." With each shared moment, the tension in Emma's shoulders began to relax.

"Well, it is a beautiful day for a nice walk...and if it is too much in one day, we can always shorten the trip." Trying to ensure that Emma felt comfortable and safe, James also did not want Emma to feel like the friendship was being rushed.

Remembering the first day James took her to the harbor, Emma was no longer unable to hide her excitement, "The walk sounds like wonderful idea. I'm sure I will be fine."

Sitting in silence, locked in a gaze, they were disrupted by Mrs. Taylor's voice coming from the dining room, "Lunch is ready!"

As James and Emma walked into the dining room, Mrs. Taylor placed a tray of tacos in the center of the table that looked to be filled with chicken. Among the other dishes, there were bowls filled with beans, rice, and salsa. Sitting at the table next to James, Emma sat awkwardly unsure of what to do next. Today was her first day with the Taylor's, and she was afraid to take a misstep. After the remainder of lunch was placed on the table, a plate of orange slices and a bowl of grapes, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor sat down at the table.

Passing the food around the table, Mr. Taylor was curious about how James' and Emma's paths crosses. "So, Emma, my wife said that you and James know each other? Were you two in a previous foster home together? "

"Oh, no. We...Umm...Well, we went to the same middle school for a little while." As her voice trailed off, James chimed it, trying to save her.
"I helped her find her classes on the first day of school and we became friends fast."

Mrs. Taylor took back the conversation, "It's nice that you two are reunited, how long has it been?"

Answering, Emma said in almost a whisper, "About 2 ½ years".

"Well, I'm glad things worked out this way. Sweetheart, would you care to go over the rules with Emma?" Redirecting the conversation to the husband, Mrs. Taylor wanted the few rules to be addressed before it left her mind completely.

"Sure thing, dear." Seeing Emma's facial expression, Mr. Taylor smiled and reassured her, "Don't Worry, there aren'y many rules. Rule number one, as foster youth in the same house, you two are not allowed to engage in romantic activities. However, you two can spend as much time together as you want- as long as you two aren't spending the night together. We're going to trust that you won;t do anything to trigger one of you being moved. Rule number two, your curfew is the city curfew, ten. As long as you stay out of and keep decent grades, you can come and go as you please. But, that doesn't mean we want you wandering the streets at night. Call us and we will come get you. I think that's really it."

Continuing on behalf of her husband, "And Sundays are movie nights. We also like to have meals together, so if you're going to miss dinner, just please let us know in advance. We want you to have freedom, but that don't mean we don't worry".

Letting all the new information sink in, Emma was afraid this was all too good to be true.
Attempting to steady her voice, she looked to James for validation, "That all sounds fine with me".

"Yep. No hanky panky, got it," James laughed. Meanwhile, he grabbed Emma's hand under the table, supporting her.

Knowing that he was only joking, Mrs. Taylor changed the subject, "So with that covered. What do you two have planned for the day?"

"I was thinking about showing Emma around the neighborhood." James said in between bites.

"Oh, that sounds nice. Doesn't it?" Asking her husband, Mrs. Taylor's words appeared to be laced an another meaning.

"Yes. Yes, it does." Mr. Taylor agreed, but Emma was nervous... she feared that this little exchange meant more than it appeared to on the surface. Then, she felt it again, a little squeeze on her hand, coming form James.

For the rest of lunch, the four of them ate and made small talk, trying to break the ice, trying to welcome Emma to their home. Every time Emma's walls came up, her fears came apparent, the little squeeze returned, comforting her.

After lunch, Emma changed into one of her summer dresses, threw on a light sweater, and tied the shoelaces on her converse. The sweater was a measure, an attempt, to hide her insecurities. No matter, James could see right through her walls.

Knocking on James' bedroom door, "James? I'm ready..." As soon as the words left her mouth, he was opening the door wearing the same clothes as earlier, only this time, the shirt appeared to have gotten tighter. Or, perhaps, Emma just now noticed how well it showcased his biceps and lean body.

Smiling at her change of wardrobe, "I've never seen you in a dress before...you look nice." James instantly felt a spark when their skin met earlier. He knew he was always interested in her, but he never thought, never considered the possibility of an attraction. And there, in front of him. There she stood, looking as radiant as ever, but there was something different about her. Time was turning his awkward lost girl into a beautiful teenage princess.

"Thanks... are you ready?" As quickly as the blush met her cheeks, their arms were locked, and they were on their way. "Let's go!"

This time James began the conversation, "So, my dear princess, how have the high seas treated you?"

Here he goes again with his pirate talk. You'd think he would have stopped this by now.

"There have been bumpy seas, alas, I think they will fair me well." Emma played along, her eyes never leaving his, how did their friendship fall back into place so perfectly?

"I hope the same, my princess." Distracted by their moment, Emma tripped on the uneven sidewalk, only for James to catch her before she hit the ground. "I remember something about us not being allowed to fall for each other, and look, you're already falling."

Now overcome with embarrassment and anger, Emma forced herself from his arms and brushed herself off, even though she never fell, "No, the sidewalk-".

"No need for explanations, I understand." Smirking at her, he enjoyed pushing her to her limit.

Raising her voice, "JAMES!"

Mimicking her, "EMMA!"

Attempting to divert his attention to what they were supposed to be doing, "I thought you were going to show me around the neighborhood, not torment me."

Deciding to comply, he dropped the subject. I can tease her about the trip some more later.

"Okay, okay. So, this is the closed main street to the house, in that direction," pointing to the left, "is our high school, I will show you that area another day. But, today, we will be going in this direction," pointing to the right, "I hope you still like chocolate ice cream."

When the words chocolate ice cream left his left, a look of pure delight spread across Emma's face. "What do you think?"

As they walked down the street, James told Emma about the high school that she'd be attending in the fall. "So, high school... last semester, I didn't do much besides go to school and spend time at the Taylor's. Jonathan and I would sometimes go wander around town or do our homework together. Mostly, I kept to myself though."

Curiosity consumed Emma, I just have to ask. I hope it doesn't upset him. "Who's Jonathan?"

"Oh, sorry... he is the boy who lived with the Taylor's until about a month ago. I guess he went to go live with his aunt. He was nice enough, but I don't know... I don't really connect with anyone... well, anyone besides you, of course." Now smiling, James couldn't begin to express how happy he was to have Emma back in his life. He looked forward to seeing how she has changed, how she has grown.

Making eye contact, she couldn't help but tell him what she was thinking, "Do you know what this walk reminds me of?"

"No, what?" He actually had an immensely good idea what she meant, but he wanted to hear her say it.

"The first time you showed me the harbor. It was like... like you were trying to make me feel at home, make me feel comfortable. And here you are, doing it again."

His response was another light squeeze of her hand in his.

Jumping away and pointing at the same hand that just touched hers, "See. And that. That's new, you didn't do that before."

"It is just another way for me to make you feel relaxed or as you say it, 'at home'. I never did it before because that was before everything that happened, and after knowing you, I don't want you to ever feel alone or lost again. I am going to do my best to do right by you Emma."

"But, why?" Emma didn't understand why he cared so much about her.

"Because you're the only friend I have ever had. Because you're an amazing lass. Because we understand each other. And because you deserve to feel like you have a home."

"James, I... thanks" She didn't know what else to say. His words touched her heart. James had always put her first, when she was well aware that he harbored demons of his own.

"It's nothing milady, just how I feel...Ah! We're here." There, before the two of them stood an old ice cream shop with a sign out front confirming its age, reading "open since 1948".

As they entered the shop, James held the door open for Emma and guiding her to a booth near the front window. With Emma now sitting at their table, he purchased two scoops of traditional chocolate on a cone for her and two scoops of chocolate fudge on a cone for himself. Walking to the table, James gave her an exaggerated look of sheer excitement and sat down across from her.

Handing Emma her cone, "So, traditional chocolate ice cream for you and chocolate fudge for me. Wanna try some of mine?" as he winked in her direction.

"You know me too well, and you know that I prefer just chocolate ice cream unless, well, you know." With that, she licked the ice cream, the taste overwhelming her, making her forget that she was with James that this was real life. In that moment, she became lost in her ice cream; the last time she had chocolate ice cream was years ago. This is heaven, she thought to herself as she unintentionally murmured, chocolate.

Hearing James' laugh brought her back to reality, "Enjoying the ice cream, princess?"

"Yeah... it's been a while." James simply winked at her in reply.

"Excuse me, dirty pirate. I am fourteen, thank you very much. I don't like what you're suggesting."

Tasting his ice cream, a guilt ridden expression took over his face. Sometimes James forgot that she was two and a half years younger than him. He had just turned seventeen, and Emma won't be fifteen until October. I really should try to control some of my suggestions, shouldn't I?

"I'm sorry... I was only being playful, honest. I'm a teenage boy... But, I can promise you that I won't try anything."

"You better not. If you do, one of us will be moved, and I would really like to have my friend back in my life again." Emma was only slightly annoyed with his suggestion, nevertheless, she wanted him to be well aware that she was not about to do anything to compromise their living situation. Could anything be better than seeing you best friend, your support, every day? Probably not.

Between the playful banter and longing looks they exchanged, they failed to notice long it had been since they had finished their ice cream. It seemed to James and Emma that they consistently lost track of time, becoming lost in their own world whenever they were in each other's company. As the hours ticked by, the forgot how long they had been sitting at the same table. As the seconds, minutes, hours passed by, the pair exchanged their favorite memories at the harbor together. Before they knew it, it was time for them to head back to the house for dinner, and it became clear to both of them how easily their friendship fell back into place.

Around 10:00pm, the Taylor's headed off to bed, leaving Emma and James alone downstairs. Now comfortable in pajamas, the two of them sat on the living room cough, flipping through channels, hoping to find someone. Without giving much though to her words, Emma nonchalantly stated, "It's nice to have my best friend back."

"Ah, so you admit it, I am your best friend." Teasing her, James was happy to make this conversation playful.

"Did I ever not?" made an effort to look serious, proven to be unsuccessful when the corners of her lips began to curl north.

"Nah, but it is just good to hear it sometimes." Shrugging off his previous statement, playing with her hair, he placed a curl behind her ear.

Looking at him inquisitively, slightly tilting her head, a calmness overcame Emma, and she smiled a smile that was new to James, "You're a lot taller than I remember..."

Amused with her comment, James sought out a response that did not appear sarcastic or suggestive, "Well, I have grown a lot, since we last saw each other... and you've changed a bit yourself."

Her defenses going up, she countered his statement, "I haven't changed that much...I'm still the same girl."

"Lass, you're an open book to me. Your may walls have grown stronger, but I can still see right passed them."

"Why can't you just let things be."

"What do you mean?"

Emma raised her voice, she was annoyed, frustrated with his infuriating need to remind her how well he could see inside her heart. "Maybe, I don't want you to see me for who I really am. Maybe, you should stop while you're ahead. Maybe, you shouldn't have taken me to the hospital. If you would have just let everything be the way they were, we wouldn't have been separated for so long. I wouldn't have been alone for so long."

"What he did to you... it was bound to be found out eventually. It was a good thing I found out when I did or else worse could've happened. Emma, your ribs were broken... and it turned out your foot had been broken from another time he hurt you... We're together now. We can read Peter Pan and -"

"No. Everything can't be back to normal, no matter how much I want it to be. I haven't read Peter Pan, since I last saw you, and it hit me. That story blinded me to the reality of this world, of this situation. I grew up. Everyone has to grow up. We can't be playing these games of make believe, these games that we are going to be in each other's life for forever. We acted that way before, and we were ripped apart."

"You don't have to grow up just yet...these games aren't playing pretend, I want to believe that I will always have you in my life. No matter how many times we are separated, I will always look for you."
As he said the words, he gave her hand a slight squeeze of reassurance.

Pulling away, Emma was now standing and slowly backed away from him. "You say that now. Don't do that. Don't touch me. I'm not some broken little girl who needs her friend to protect her. I can take care of myself, I have been for the last two and a half years."

"I'm sorry. I don't want you to feel alone. I just... I want want you to feel safe and cared for..." Inched toward her, reading her, James took a chance, forcing her into an immensely close hug.

"Let go of me. Stop." With that, Emma broke into tears, was no longer able to hold in the emotions of the day, the feelings that reemerged after all these years. Giving into the hug, she pulled him closer, now sobbing.

"It's okay, Emma. I promise, no matter what happens, I will always find you again. If a time ever comes when you want me to stop, I will. I never thought I needed anyone in my life, that I was better off alone, that is until I met you." Holding her in his arms, James lightly rubbed her pack, comforting her, trying to calm her sobs and heal her heart.

Releasing her from the hug and guiding her back to the couch, "How about we find something funny to watch?"

Settling on The Goonies, Emma leaned her head on his shoulder with James putting his arm around her in reaction. As they watched the beloved 80's film, the film seemed more funny than she remembered it. Trying to control her laughter, not wanting to wake the Taylor's, Emma muffled the sound of her giggles in his shirt. Observing her, he couldn't help but smile at the sight before him. At the same time, he could feel her warm breath through his shirt. As the night turned into early morning, the movie ended with Emma asleep on his chest and James failing to stay awake.

Lightly tapping her shoulder, James spoke softly, "Emma, Emma, wake up."

With an inaudible mumble as her only response, James gently picked her up off the couch and carried her to her room. Placing her into bed and covering her with a blanket, he said goodnight with a chaste kiss on her forehead. Goodnight, princess, he thought to himself.

Laying in his own bed, his thoughts were filled with Emma and the day's events until sleep came over him.

I appreciate each and every one of you who follow, favorite, review, or even read this fic. I apologize for the delay in posting this chapter, life sort of just happened. I promise I will try to keep to updating on Fridays. Thanks again.