Pacific City, Oregon.
Emma stirred as a she heard Killian moving around the room. She could tell it was early, he always left before 6 and was up even earlier. Last night after their kiss, well kisses honestly, they headed up to bed, each to their own room of course. But barely an hour later she got up and headed to his room, grinning as she saw him outside his door doing the same. They spent some of the night talking, stealing a few kisses every so often before finally falling asleep somewhere around 11.
"Sorry it's early. I tried not to wake you." He said softly as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, smiling as he did so. "Go back to bed love. Keys are on the table and Dave will bring me home. See you tonight beautiful." He told her softly smiling before he kissed her head one last time before leaving.
Emma rolled over to go back to bed, to get some more sleep until she had to leave at 10. She was heading to Portland to sign up for classes. It would be a long drive, just over an hour, but she couldn't wait to do it. Instead of going back to bed, she got up and headed back to her own room and changed in to her running gear and her running shoes before she left the house.
Emma enjoyed the run. She loved the feeling of her feet pounding on the pavement, the feeling of the cold morning air on her skin as she pushed herself to go harder, longer. After a few miles, she stopped near the bench she first met Killian and smiled. It brought back memories, made her think of Neal for a moment.
He had still been texting her, telling her she had to go home, she had to give him back his necklace. She knew had he just gone in to his own bed for a night, he would have his necklace. With a sigh she started running back to the house, her pace slower as she thought about Neal, hoping Tamara would help him work through his problems.
Killian thanked Will for the ride as he headed to the office and grabbed the clip board, logging the guys in as they came on to the sight, making sure he gave Will the time he promised for the ride to work. Robin had a few interviews that morning and Dave would have most the afternoon filled with interviews. Killian knew that they both wanted to get their crews set so they could get back to work but he also knew the stress they both were under from it all.
As the lat of the crew arrived Killian started telling them the plan for the day, that the following week new guys would be starting and he needed people to help train. Most of the guys stepped up to volunteer, something that made Killian beyond happy to see. He dismissed them and headed in to the office to put the clipboard up and headed back out to work.
He couldn't wait to get the day done and go back home to Emma.
The best part of his day.
After a long shower and a change in to Jeans and a blue top, Emma headed down to the kitchen knowing she needed to leave soon. She grabbed an apple from the counter and Killian's keys before she moved to slip her shoes on. A chirp from her phone made her stop and pull it out, hoping it may be Killian.
"When you are in Portland can you stop and get Granny some roses at Flowerworks? It's her favorite place and I won't be able to get there until next week at the earliest. I'll owe you! –Rubs"
"Of course! Any certain color or just whatever they have? –Ems."
"She loves their red and purple but I'm not sure what they have in at the moment. Any would make her day! –Rubs."
"You got it! I'll make sure to stop before coming back. See you tonight! –Ems."
Putting her phone back in her pocket, she slipped her shoes on and headed to the truck not wanting to be late.
Killian finished putting the last nail in before he turned and looked to Will. They had been working together for the last 4 hours and he hadn't said a word. Putting the hammer down he took a drink of his water before he looked to will again.
"Alright spit it out. 4 hours with you not talking is very off. What's up?" He asked as he rested back against the finished wall, opposite from the one they were working on.
"Belle and I are fighting mate. Its more than tiring. She's working more and more at the Library and I'm wondering if she is cheatin' on me with that Gold man that's her boss." He said as he put down his own tools and sat down on the ground, just needing a moment.
"You know she wouldn't cheat on you mate. She's bloody crazy about you." He told Will shaking his head. "You guys have been together more years than you can count. Have ya talked to her?" He asked as he tossed Wills water to her.
"We barely get the chance too. She's working from 10 to 7; I'm gone from 5 to 3 and am in bed at 7. I've tried stayin up but it ain't workin. I don't know what to do mate." Will said sighing, grabbing his phone out of his pocket and looked at the screen saver of him and Belle. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He was scared to lose her.
"Talk to her. Take tomorrow off and spend the night until ya both pass out talkin. You know she loves you and you are sure as hell crazy about her. It will be okay." He promised will as h stood up and held his hand out for Will to help him stand.
"Thanks mate. I am glad you were willing to listen to me. I didn't know who I would have talked to about it." He said with a small laugh as Killian joined in, shaking his head.
"You will be fine kid. Get back to work though." He said with a small laugh as they went back to finishing the room.
Emma had been sitting in the truck for the last 10 minutes, trying to gather her courage and go inside. She was early but she was scared to move. She wanted this more than anything, wanted a better life for herself. But she was scared to take the first few steps. Her phone chirped in her pocket, giving her a bit more time to stall.
"You will be great. Go sign up and tonight I'll take you for dinner. –Kil."
Emma smiled as she realized he was right. Plus knowing a date was on the line she couldn't help but get out of the car.
Walking in to the building she signed in before heading towards the guidance office, paper work in hand ready to sign up. She knew what classes she was hoping to get in to next quarter, and hoped that they had room.
As she sat down she took a deep breath, doing her best to remain calm. 25 and she was freaking out about this? She needed to pull herself together.
"Nervous?" A petite blonde sitting across from her asked softly. Emma nodded smiling.
"Very. It's weird to me. Being here and signing up and it shouldn't be a big deal, but instead I'm fighting off a panic attack." She said with a small laugh. The girl laughed with her before sticking her hand out.
"I'm Elsa. And trust me, it does get easier." She said smiling Emma shook her hand before sitting back.
"I'm Emma. It's nice to meet you. I'm hoping to do all online. I live an hour from here, so I'm hoping all the online classes I need are still open." Emma said smiling.
"Where do you live? My sister and I are about to move with her husband. He just got a new job in construction." Elsa said smiling. "I'm hoping to get most online as well since I'm moving."
"Pacific City. Did he get a job at Jolly Roger Construction?" Emma asked smiling. Elsa nodded, grinning.
"He did! I'm moving there too! If we have classes on campus maybe we can carpool! I'm excited now. I don't have many friends here so I will be glad to move knowing I have at least one." She said with a laugh, Emma joining in, agreeing. She was glad to know she would have another friend, one who she hoped to ride with if the need arose.
"You guys will love it there! It's so small but so welcoming! I just moved there almost 2 months ago now." Emma said smiling as she started feeling herself relax. She told Elsa more about Pacific City and everyone there, before her name was called. They traded phone numbers, Elsa promised to call when she got to Pacific City.
Emma's meeting didn't take long. Most of her classes could be done online, but 2 had to be in class. She was just glad they were the same day and only an hour apart. She texted Elsa her schedule as she walked to the truck, grinning when she received a text back, that she had to classes at the same time and they could trade off on carpooling. Emma agreed and texted her they could figure it out when time got closer. After texting Killian she couldn't wait for their date, and to tell him about her meeting, she headed to Flowerworks and made sure to get Granny red and purple. She had done so much for her she could buy her flowers as a thank you.
Killian waited until the last interview before he walked in to the office, the rest of the guys having left for the day. Robin looked like he was beyond tired and Dave seemed like he was done with interviews.
"How did it go?" He asked as he sat down on the couch, looking to the two men. Robin sighed shaking his head.
"I hired 3 today. I'm at 6 now. I may just call it good. I am tired of interviews. But I have 4 left to do and then I'll decide." Robin said as he looked to him, taking a drink of his coffee.
"I'm at 7. I have 2 interviews tomorrow and I'm hoping that it will be done then. I won't really know for sure till Monday." David said sighing. Killian knew that they were tired and wanted to give them time off, they deserved it. But he knew that he couldn't because they were determined to get the interviews done.
"After your interviews tomorrow take the day off, you are both tired and need a break. Plus I'm sure Regina and Mary would be happy to see you both." Killian said as he looked to them. He say them start to shake his head and he shook his own. "No you guys need this time off. Don't argue me on it. In fact just send out the call to everyone to take the time off." He told them as he grabbed his phone and smiled, replying to Emma before he started texting the crew. Robin and Dave followed suite, each having a certain amount on the team to text.
After locking up the office they headed to David's truck and got in, Killian and Robin thanking him for the ride.
Emma smiled as she watched Granny's face light up with the sight of the flowers. She kept telling Emma they were beautiful.
"I can't take all the credit. Ruby bought the reds." Emma said smiling as she winked to Ruby in the back room, ruby mouthing thank you to Emma.
"Girls these are just beautiful. I love them so much!" Granny said with tears in her eyes. Emma kissed her cheek before she waved to Ruby and headed out of the diner. She made her way back to the house, her mind on everything that's happened in the last day. Realizing she hadn't texted the girls about Killian she made a note to do it that night, wanting a little longer to have her secret.
Walking in to the house, she sat down on the couch and closed her eyes, taking it all in for a moment. She was excited to start classes up again, excited for her date with Killian that night, and excited to be able to set down her life here.
"Thinking about me again?" Killian asked with a smirk, looking to Emma as she opened her eyes and grinned to him.
"You wish I was." She teased as he came into the room and sat down on the couch, pulling her in to his arms. Smiling she curled close, placing her hand on his chest.
"How did it go?" He asked as he rubbed her back gently. Placing a kiss to his chest she smiled and looked up to him.
"Good. I have most of the classes I can do online ready to start soon. I need to go get a lap top however since I didn't bring mine with me. But I have 2 classes a week on campus and need to get the books for that one. Hopefully I can do that all in a few days and I made a friend today, Elsa. She's moving here with her sister and brother in law soon, you guys just hired him actually Kristoff? We are planning to carpool on Tuesdays when we have class. It's going to be amazing! Granny and I have worked out my schedule so I can still work and get my classes done." She told him as she sat up some and looked to him. He smiled loving how excited she looked in that moment.
"Sounds like you had a busy day. We can go this weekend up to Portland and look at getting what you need. It will be fun to get away from town for a while." He told her smiling as he gave her a grin. Emma leaned forward and placed a kiss to his lips, letting it linger longer than she planned.
"Sounds perfect! I work tomorrow until 5 we could head up after that? Maybe stay the night somewhere and come home Saturday night?" She asked smiling as she watched him. She hoped she wasn't being to forward but she just wanted more time with him.
"I think that sounds perfect. I'll do some planning tomorrow while you are at work. We can just hang out here tonight and have a good date tomorrow." He said with a smile as he placed another kiss to her lips. His hand moved in to her hair pulling her closer to him as she opened her mouth to him. A groan left his lips as he realized how perfect this was. She completed him.
Just as she was about to move onto his lap, her phone rang causing them to pull apart, a smirk on his face let her know this wasn't over anytime soon.
"I'm sorry." She said with a small pout, kissing his lips softly before she grabbed her phone and answered it. Not bothering to look at the screen.
"Hello?" She asked, resting back against the arm of the couch, her legs on Killian's lap as he smiled at her.
"We'll look who answers her phone finally." Neal's voice caused a chill to run through her.
"Neal. What do you want?" She asked, Killian placing his hand on Emma's leg, hoping to keep her calm.
"I'm here in Pacific, Washington. You need to meet me and give me my necklace back. It's the only thing I want. You mean shit to me now." He told her. Even though Emma had moved on, it hurt to hear that she meant nothing to someone.
"I don't have your necklace. I gave it back to you. Had you gone to your damn bedroom you would have known that its there, on your damn pillow!" She snapped at him shaking her head. "I don't want you in my town. I left to be away from you. I don't want you anywhere near me." She told him shaking her head, fighting tears. She felt bad crying like this when Killian was there. But he kept rubbing her leg, letting her know that she was okay and he was there.
"Are you fucking kidding me?! I came all the way out here and you are now telling me it's at home?! You fucking bitch! I am so glad I left your dumb ass! Too stupid to be in college and too ugly to strip. No wonder no one will love you!" He snapped at her, Emma suddenly feeling full of anger.
"I left college because you promised me a life where I didn't need it! You promised me forever, promised me everything I wanted and instead you are a fucking jerk who does all he can to make me feel like crap. I won't let you control me. I left you. I don't need you. Now get the fuck out of my town before I let my boyfriend hunt you down and beat you." She yelled before she hung up and tossed her phone down on to the table. Killian pulled her close to him to tey and help her calm down. He felt her body shake and instantly started soothing her, confused when he heard her laugh.
"He's so stupid!" She said between laughs. Killian looked at her confused before looking to her.
"What makes him stupid besides being himself?" He asked with a smile, his hand on her back rubbing it gently.
"He is in Washington! Pacific Washington! I remember passing through it on the way here. It's like 5 hours or something. God he is a dick." She said with a small grin as she looked to him.
"Well I'm glad that is taken care of. Now we can move on with our life and celebrate you calling me your boyfriend." He said with a laugh kissing her head. She laughed herself holding herself close to him.
"It slipped out but you know I'm glad I did." She told him as she looked to him kissing him. They sat back and talked dinner for a few moments before he ordered in. Most of the night was spent talking and laughing, a movie was on but they barely seemed to notice as they talked. Emma couldn't wait for the night away with him.
Emma woke the next morning, her neck sore from sleeping at a weird angle on the couch. Seeing it was past 6 she turned to Killian and went to wake him, stopping when she realized he didn't work. Slipping out of his arms she headed upstairs and got ready for work. She was excited to get through work day, knowing the end of the day would lead to a date with Killian.
After a shower and dressing for the day, she packed a bag quickly before setting it on the top of the stairs. She had to leave in a few moments. Part of her wanted to wake Killian, spend a few moments with him before work. But she knew that she had to let him sleep. Pressing a kiss to his forehead she headed out the door, making her way towards Grannys.
"Someone is in a good mood this morning!" Ruby called out as she walked in. Granny wanted them in early to have a quick meeting. Ruby handed her a hot chocolate as she sat down at the counter, both taking a moment to take a drink.
"I can't help it. Killian is a super sweet guy. Plus a great kisser." Emma said with a smirk behind her cup as she took another drink. Ruby froze before looking to her.
"Um what?!" She cried out just as Granny walked in to the room.
"Child, calm yourself." She said with a shake of her head as she moved to the counter setting down some files. "What has you all loud and ruby like?" She asked as she looked between the two girls.
"EMMA KISSED KILLIAN!" Ruby cried out again grinning as she did. Granny smiled shaking her head as she looked to Emma.
"Well it's about time. I'm happy for you. Can we get to business now?" She asked with a smile as she set two files in front of the girls.
"I'm getting old, and you both are daughters to me, sisters to each other. A while back I bought some property and have been holding on to it. Ruby, I want you to finally open your Salon. I want you to stop waiting and do it. Call Killian, tell him what you want and do it. It's all paid for. It's all yours. Do it." Granny told her shaking her head. "You deserve the best life child. After everything you need it." She said with a smile to her.
Ruby looked over the paper work, tears in her eyes. She wanted to do this more than anything but was always scared to tell granny. Emma took Ruby's hand in hers giving it a small squeeze.
"Granny you don't have to do this!" she said between tears. "Just cause you took in a foolish girl at 18 and helped her out, you don't have to do this." She said before she broke down crying, Granny walking around the counter and wrapping her arms around Ruby.
"Yes I do. When you came here, you were scared and broke. But I wanted to make sure that I did what I could to help you. I want you to follow your dreams. Make me proud." Granny said smiling as she kissed Ruby's head. Emma felt like she was intruding on a sweet moment but Granny gave her a smile before looking to her.
"As for you child, I am proud of how far you have come. 2 months and you are strong and amazing. I know you still have things to work through; I don't think you will ever be over the hurt caused to you in a short time. You mean a lot to me too. I may not have known you as long but I am so proud of you. You are another daughter of mine and I know that Ruby will agree with me when I tell you, you're family." She said as she placed a kissed to her forehead as well. Emma smiled as she looked to her, tears in her own eyes.
"In the property I bought, is another business space. Smaller than what I gave Ruby but big enough for a real office for Jolly Roger. Killian deserves this and I want you to help me get it up and ready for him. I know the deal he made you, you go to school he gives you a job. I want to make sure he keeps that deal. I want to make sure you girls are taken care of in a way you should have been before." She told her with a tear in her own eyes. Emma stood up and hugged Granny, thanking her as she did. She never had family and in two months of moving here, she suddenly had more family and friends than before. Ruby joined in on the hug all of them laughing as they did.
"I love you both. I never had family before and this is all new to me. But I love you guys. I promise to do whatever I can to help, to always be here." Emma promised smiling at them. Granny smiled and kissed their heads holding them close.
"We need to get ready to open. I'll put the files back on my desk. Go get tables wiped down and the chairs ready." She told them smiling as she let go of them and headed to her office, the files in her hands as she whistled a song. Ruby hugged Emma smiling.
"Welcome to the Lucas family Swan. You will love it!" She said with a laugh as they got to work.
"Great Robin, I'm glad to hear it! With all the crews completed now it will be great when we get back to work on Monday. How did David do?" He asked curiously as he sat back on the bed, his lap top sitting on the side, a hotel in Portland's Confirmation page on the screen.
"Wonderful mate, I'm glad to hear we are all ready to go. Enjoy the weekend and be ready to go Monday. It will be a great day. I will. You too mate. Night." He hung up the phone and closed his computer getting up to pack a bag.
Emma stood in the door way watching him as his back was to her, her eyes moving down his body. With a grin she walked towards him, wrapping her arms around him.
"You have a great backside." She said with a laugh as she kissed between his shoulder blades. He laughed shaking his head.
"Why thank you. What can I say, construction work agrees with me." He said as he turned kissing her with a smile. She kissed him back smiling, her hands moving to his neck, keeping him close to her as she deepened the kiss. She pulled back with a laugh as she kissed his nose.
"When do we leave?" She asked with a smile as she moved to the bed sitting back. He watched her move smiling.
"In a few moments. I just have to finish packing and we can get going." He told her as he moved back to the dresser. It was only a night but he wanted to make sure he had clothes and something nice to wear for their date.
"Good. I have something to tell you! I can't wait!" She told him smiling as she stood up and jumped on the bed a few times, being very careful of his computer. He turned and looked to her letting a small laugh out.
"You look free and happy." He told her smiling as he looked to her. She shrugged moving to kiss him again before she got down.
"I'm excited to go! Let's go slow poke!" She said as she grabbed her own bag before she headed down the stairs. He laughed and followed her down laughing as he did.
Robin set his phone aside after the call with Killian and closed his eyes for a moment. He was glad for the day off; he had spent most of it with Roland and Regina, even her son Henry had been home from his dads. They had done wedding planning and went to the beach. Robin loved the day so far. Regina head headed up stairs to put Roland down and Henry headed in to town to go to Granny's, his friend Grace meeting him for drinks. Hearing the door bell he went to open it, kissing Regina as he passed her.
Opening the door he stopped, frozen for a moment.
"Marian?" He said shocked to see his ex-wife standing there. He hadn't seen her since she served him with papers and told him she didn't want him or their son almost 3 years ago. Regina looked at them from her spot by the bottom of the stairs, fear in her eyes. She didn't want to lose Robin to Marian but she had feared that maybe she would.
"Hi Robin. Can I come in a moment?" She asked softly as she looked to him. Robin shook his head before he stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
"We can sit on the swing out here. It will be better." He told her as he led her to swing before he sat down on the railing himself. "So what are you doing here?" He asked her as he watched for a moment. She looked to him with a sigh as she sat down.
"I want to have my family back. I miss Rolie, I miss you too Rob, More than anything." She told him as she watched him. Robin shook his head.
"I'm sorry but I don't miss you. You had a chance to be with us and you left to be with someone else. Roland is happy now and he doesn't need you." He told her watching her.
"I'm filing for Custody. I thought I'd let you know." She told him as she stood up. Robin watched her shaking his head.
"You will not take him from me. He needs Regina and Henry with him too." He told her shaking his head. "You can try with everything in you to get my son but you will not." He said as he looked to her.
"I have a lawyer Robin. I will win him back." She told him as she turned and headed down the steps. Regina opened the door and looked to her before moving close to Robin's side shaking her head.
"We have the best lawyer there is around. You want to play games let's play. But let's take in to consideration that Roland doesn't know you. You made that choice when you walked away. Fight all you want. But I know we will be okay, my sons staying with me." Regina told Marian, a look in her eye that said she wasn't back in down. Robin wrapped his arms around her holding her close to him as he watched Marian leave. They headed inside when they saw Killian's truck pulling in to the drive way, both Killian and Emma getting out.
"Have you guys heard from Graham?" He asked as they started up the steps to the house. Robin shook his head as he watched them.
"No what's going on?" He asked softly, almost worried he wouldn't want to know the answer.
"The sites been vandalized. Em and I were just headed out of town when he pulled me over, told me he got a call. 3 houses trashed." He told Robin, Regina was already on her phone calling David. Robin rubbed his face shaking his head.
"You got to be bloody kiddin' me." He said sighing as he started down the steps to the truck. "Emma do you mind staying here? We will go check and be back." Robin said, Emma nodded as she looked to them.
"Go. Keep us posted." She said kissing Killian before she headed up the steps, Regina hanging up the phone.
"David will meet you there. Be safe." She said to them as she invited Emma inside. Killian nodded as he and Robin headed to the sight, both praying it wasn't too bad and could be easily taken care of.
A|N: Sorry this got so long! I wasn't planning on it but it just happened to get away from me. Neal is done for now. We won't hear from him again til chapter 9 or 10. Granny and Ruby's and Emma's moment? Had me in tears writing. It was a sweet moment for sure! Next chapter, Emma and Killian finally get their date, tho not a weekend away, Ruby and Whale have a serious talk, Regina and Robin meet with their lawyer as well as Marian, and the men have to worry about their work being targeted. Let me know what you think! See you guys Tuesday! (reviews bring more kisses! ;) )
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing! Just ideas in my head that get written down. Characters are not mine, and safe haven like areas are not mine as well! Thanks fo