Thicker than Water Part II

by Sara K M

Sequel to the original Thicker than Water. The Charmings' have found each other (again), after Storybrooke was destroyed. Now they face even more challenges as they adjust to life in the real world. Pairings: Mostly Snowing and also minor Abirick. Eventual Captain Swan and Red/OC

42. Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Disclaimers: I don't own Once Upon a Time. Also, this is a sequel to the original "Thicker than Water" written by La Lisboa.

Thanks to Lisboa for betaing, especially all the help with Killian, and for letting me use your story as a starting point. And the Gremma feels in this chapter are dedicated to you, my friend. Oh, and if you guys are interested in more Gremma, you should read her story, "I See the Light."

I do apologize for the long wait. I will remind you that if ever decide to stop writing this, I will tell you. Otherwise, assume I'm still writing it, no matter how long it takes for me to update.

Warring: Chapter deals with some abuse themes, based mostly on misunderstandings.

Snow mentioned the hospital was having a health fair in the near future, and Emma suggested they all go. "Last year, all three of us came down with the flu, and it was horrible, remember?" Snow and David sighed and nodded.

"Yeah, I remember that. It wasn't fun to be around you guys, either," Henry added.

"So if we go to the health clinic, we can all get free flu shots," Emma concluded.

Henry made a face. "Do we have to, Mom? Shots are never fun."

Emma nodded. "And getting the flu is even less fun, Henry. We all agreed we didn't want that this year, remember. The only good thing about last year was that you never caught the flu. Your health isn't something I want to gamble with. And neither is the health of the rest of my family," she added, looking firmly at her parents.

Snow shrugged. "It's fine, Emma. I've heard a lot about flu shots at the hospital. They sound like a good idea."

"Yeah, I guess," David agreed reluctantly. Both Emma and Snow looked at him sharply. "I mean, absolutely! A wonderful idea," he quickly corrected himself.

Emma smiled to herself. She loved the way her relationship with her father was progressing. Of course, it warmed her heart to see David trying to accept Killian. She loved the way he'd invited Killian to the sword – fighting in the park. But even more than that, Emma felt better about their relationship after their fight a couple of weeks ago. Knowing that they could have a fight like that, and still make up afterwards, it erased a worry Emma didn't know she had. Now she smiled and joked with David more. "You'd better believe it, buster," she told him, wagging her finger at him.

Emma even convinced Killian to get a flu shot. "So what, I have to have a stranger stick a needle in my arm?" he protested as she brought him to the hospital along with her family. "Are you sure this is absolutely bloody necessary?"

Emma nodded. "Of course. I don't want you to get sick, Killian. And this is the best way to prevent it."

Killian shook his head. "The things I do for you, Swan."

So they all got flu shots.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Emma also made time for Ruby. She knew the woman was hurting because Justin had effectively dumped her. Emma talked to her on the phone frequently. Snow had her over to their house for dinner, and they all talked. Emma also took her out for ice cream. She knew it was a little chilly for that, but what better way to drown your sorrows than by eating ice cream? There was an ice cream store in the mall, anyway, so it wasn't as if they were outside. Ruby was unfamiliar with the tradition of eating ice cream after she was dumped, but she quickly warmed up to it. "How many times have you done this yourself, Emma?" Ruby asked as she scooped a bite of chocolate ice cream with whipped cream.

Emma shrugged. "Not as many times as you would think. I usually don't get close enough to men to feel the pain of a break – up. Not after what happened with Neal. And when things went bad there, I was in prison. No ice cream there."

Ruby shook her head. "I'm sorry, Emma."

Emma sighed. "I'm not here to talk about Neal. I know why he didn't show up back then now. And I'm…dealing with his death a little better. I'm here to help you today."

Ruby smiled. "Thanks."

Emma smiled too as she took a bite of chocolate ice cream topped with strawberry syrup. "Anyway, I think I've only had ice cream after a break – up once. But it helped…a little. And women in this world do it all the time. So I thought it might help you."

Ruby nodded again and they finished their ice cream. It was rather strange for Emma, to be comforting Ruby after a break – up. After all, she would have never started dating Killian if it wasn't for Ruby's advice. And now, Emma and Kilian were still together and Ruby and Justin weren't. It was unsettling, but Emma tried not to think about it. And she never mentioned Killian in front of Ruby.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Emma still enjoyed time with Killian, though. She went to dinner with him. Her parents had him over for dinner at their house. They played cards together, as a family and just the two of them in his apartment. And of course they played "kiss and wrestle" all the time, too. It was quite a sexy way of getting a kiss, Emma had to admit.

Then one day…their "kiss and wrestle" game went horribly wrong, and Emma hurt Killian. She was just trying to get out of his grip, but she must have squeezed his arm too hard. The next day, when Emma saw him, she was horrified to see bruises in the shape of s couple of her fingers on his arm. "Killian, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed as she stared at it.

Killian shrugged. "It's no big deal. I've been hurt worse in a skirmish with another pirate. Hey, I've been hurt worse last year when I was in prison. So don't worry about it, Swan. I got to kiss you as a result, and that is well worth it. See you later," he told her as he left for the night.

Emma sighed. She appreciated the comment, but she didn't really agree with it. She'd seen plenty of people start out with a bruise or two as a "mistake" when she was in the foster system. As time went on, they got more injuries, and not all of them were mistakes. Was Emma going to do the same thing with Killian some day? She shuddered at the thought of hurting someone she cared about.

Emma would like to believe she was incapable of hurting someone like that. After all, she'd never done so before. Why would she start now? But she also knew that many people who were abused as children end up as abusers themselves. It was something she learned while she was pregnant with Henry. It was one of the reasons why she was so determined to give him up. Henry would not grow up like that. In the end, Emma realized she was still a better mother than Regina, and now of course, she was Henry's only mother. She'd been his mother for over two years now, and she knew she wouldn't hurt him. Ever. Emma also knew she would never hurt her parents. Their relationship was secure.

But Emma's relationship with Killian was just starting. If she'd already bruised him while they were fooling around, what else might she do to him? Even if she never hurt Killian on purpose, she probably would hurt him in some way. After all, all her previous boyfriends (excluding the one – night stands), had been hurt by her in some way. Neal would never have been shot and fallen through the portal if she hadn't insisted he come with her to confront Tamara. He'd also forced her to let go of his hand in order to protect Emma and Henry when he fell through the portal. She'd made her peace with Neal's death. But there was still a big part of her that thought his death was her fault.

But there was another person that was hurt because of Emma. Someone she hadn't thought of in a long time. Graham. Emma lifted her sleeve up to reveal the bootlace she still wore on her wrist. She'd worn it for so long, she barely thought about it anymore. But she couldn't bring herself to take it off, either. It was surprising that no one asked her about it, but she appreciated them not questing it. She hadn't loved Graham of course; there hadn't been enough time. But she'd opened her heart to the possibility. Worse, he'd opened up his heart to her. And that had gotten Graham killed.

Emma shook her head. One way or another, Killian was going to get hurt because of Emma again. There was only one thing to do. Emma would have to break up with him before that happened. It was no big deal. After all, she'd known her relationship with Kilian would be temporary all along. She was a little disappointed she didn't get to sleep with him before they broke up, though. Sex with Killian would have been amazing. Maybe she could sleep with him tonight before she broke up with him?

When Emma saw Killian again, she suggested they get McDonald's take out for dinner. She wanted to be alone with him, tonight after all. Emma ordered a Quarter Pounder with fries and a coke, and Killian ordered a Big Mac again. "This is the oddest bloody sandwiches I've ever tasted. I mean, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and beef?" He laughed. "But it's good, I'll say that. I think this fast food is a pretty good idea."

Emma laughed too. She'd miss the way he made her laugh.

They talked about their lives while they ate. Killian told her his boss was impressed with him at the boat shop. Emma was proud of him for that, but she wondered how much longer he would work there. After she broke up with him, he would probably high – tail it back to the Jolly Roger sooner than she could blink. When they finished, Emma began kissing him intensely. She was still determined to sleep with him tonight before they broke up.

Killian eagerly responded. But as his hands ran over her body, Emma saw his bruises again. She stopped suddenly. She couldn't deal with the physical evidence that she'd hurt him.

"Emma, love, what is it?" Killian asked as she backed away from him. "I thought we were enjoying ourselves. Come on, Swan."

"No Killian, I can't do this anymore," she told himself firmly.

"What?" he protested.

"I don't think we should see each other anymore."

"So what does that mean? We're not allowed any contact? Or I can see you but not kiss you anymore? What if we pass each other on the bus?"

Emma sighed. "I mean no more dates, Kilian. And no more 'just hanging out,' either." After all, if she said they were 'just friends' again, they'd probably end up kissing again. She needed to break all contact with him. "But if you see me on the bus or on the street…it's okay to say hello."

"Why?" Killian protested. He looked shocked. Completely shocked. "I thought I was making you happy! I mean all the things I did for you…"

"You did make me happy," Emma assured him. "This isn't about you. It's me," She felt like rolling her eyes at herself. Had she really used such a cliché break – up line? Still, in this case, it was true. "Good – bye," she told him firmly.

Then she walked out the door, slamming it behind her. She needed to make it clear that Killian couldn't come after her.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Snow, Charming, and Henry had eaten divided the spaghetti between the three of them, since Emma was eating with Killian tonight. They had just finished and Charming was beginning to wash the plates. Snow got a towel ready to dry. Charming had just handed her a plate when Emma walked through the door.

"Hi Emma, did you have a good dinner?" Charming asked her. Snow noticed he hadn't mentioned anything about Killian. Oh well. He was trying.

Emma shrugged. "It was alright, I guess."

Snow looked at Emma strangely. "Just 'alright'? What was the matter? Was there something wrong with the food? I might have some spaghetti left over…"

Emma shook her head. "No, I'm full. The McDonalds was fine."

Snow looked at Emma more closely. "You don't look fine, Honey. What is the matter?"

Emma shrugged. "Killian I broke up. We aren't going to be seeing each other anymore."

Snow dropped the plate she was holding and it shattered as it hit the floor. What? After all the time Killian had spent with Emma, making her happy, he suddenly decided it wasn't worth it anymore?

"What!?" Charming screamed. "All the effort I've made to give that pirate a chance, and he just throws my girl away like that!"

Snow nodded in agreement. She knew how hard it was for Charming to be nice to…that man. Why just last week, Charming had even invited him to his sword – fighting match! And this was the thanks he gave them? Treating Emma like this?

Charming dried his hands off. "Well, I told the pirate what would happen if he hurt you, Emma. Come on, Snow."

Snow nodded, ignoring the broken dish. She'd clean it up later. They had more important things to worry about right now. Like making that pirate sorry.

"Wait!" Emma protested as they went out the door. "It's not what you think!"

But Snow and Charming were too angry to think about what she was saying. "I can't wait to pound his face to a pulp," Charming grumbled as they ran down the street, holding hands. "Emma's been so happy recently. And now she comes home…all withdrawn and with that frown on her face…"

"I know," Snow agreed. That pirate has a lot to answer to."

"And he will. With my fist."

"Mine, too," Snow agreed. Emma had unfortunately had a lot of people hurt her in the past, and there was nothing she or Charming could do about it. But this pirate, they could do something about.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at what looked like Killian's building. "This were Emma said he lived, right?"

Charming nodded. "I think so. Emma said downtown Bangor, number 340. We'll find out soon enough."

Snow nodded as they went in the apartment and up the stairs. Then they knocked on the door at the top.

Killian answered the door. "Hi, I'm glad you're here," he began. "Could you tell me –"

But before he could finish the sentence, Charming socked him in the jaw and Snow punched him in the stomach. "I'm glad to be here, too" Charming told the other man as he doubled over.

"Wait a minute!" the pirate protested as he tried to get up. But Snow grabbed his ankles and Charming grabbed his arms before he could do so, just like before.

"Now," Charming said firmly. "What did you do to Emma? Why did you throw her away like that?"

"I didn't do anything, mate," he protested. "At least I don't think I did. I've been trying to figure it out…"

"Figure what out?" Snow snapped. "Figure out why you had to make her unhappy? I hate to see Emma unhappy, you know. And when we found out you were the reason for it…"

"Emma was unhappy?" Killian sounded pleased at this. Snow couldn't believe his gall. She punched his arm. Neither could Charming, who punched him in the face again.

"Emma's unhappiness is never a reason to smile!" Charming snapped.

"No, that's not what I meant," the pirate grunted. "Look, I think you're misunderstanding something."

Just then, a breathless Emma came around the corner. "Mom, Dad, what's going on here? Don't hurt Killian!" Then she looked at him on the floor. "At least not more than you already did. Are you okay?" she asked as she helped him up and looked him over.

Snow felt so many things at once, and from the look on Charming's face, he felt the same. Her heart swelled at Emma's use of "Mom and Dad," but Snow also knew that she unfortunately only used those words when it was especially important. That meant Emma really didn't want them to hurt the pirate. Why was that? Wasn't Emma angry and hurt by what this man did? Didn't Snow and Charming have the right to hurt him back?

"I'll be okay, Swan," the pirate was telling Emma in the meantime. "Like I told you yesterday, I'm tough. I've had worse."

"But you shouldn't have more!" Emma protested. Why was this so important to her?

"Besides, I…think you caused quite a bit of damage, with what you said an hour ago."

Emma shrugged. "Sorry. I just came to see if you were okay, after my parents misunderstood what happened between us. I still don't want to see you anymore."

Snow and Charming looked at each other in shock. It had been Emma's idea to stop seeing him? "I…ah guess we owe you an apology," Snow muttered at the other man.

"Yeah, sorry." Charming echoed.

The former pirate nodded. "Okay. I suppose I can understand how you would jump to that conclusion. I'm sure Emma didn't explain it to you any more than she did to me." He looked pointedly at Emma, obviously hoping for more details.

Emma sighed. "Look, I don't want to date you anymore, Killian. End of Story. But I am glad my parents didn't have time to hurt you more than they did." Snow and Charming looked at the floor at that statement, still ashamed that they'd beat up on an innocent man. At least they knew they could protect Emma if a situation like this ever came up again.

"Now, let's go home, Mom and Dad. And you won't see me again," Emma added to the other man.

The three of them walked down the stairs together. "I'm sorry we didn't listen to you when you tried to tell us what happened, Emma," Charming commented.

"Me, too," Snow added.

Emma sighed. "I really wish you had listened. Even for a second. I hate the thought of Killian getting hurt like that." She shuddered. "But I know that's in your nature to be overprotective of me. So I forgive you, I guess. Just don't let it happen again."

"I promise," Snow replied as she hugged her daughter at the bottom of the stairs.

"I promise," Charming added, hugging Emma as well.

OOOOOOOOOOO

Snow tried to savor the feeling of being called "Mom," from Emma for the next few days. She knew Charming was doing the same. But it was difficult, because she was rarely around the house. She left earlier to go to the police station and stayed out later. She spent time with Red. She took Henry to the library.

Snow sighed as they waited for Emma to come home another night. "Do you think she's still angry with us?" she asked her husband. "I mean she said she forgave us, but if she did, why is she avoiding us? She seemed awfully upset that…that…Killian was hurt." Snow paused at that, a little confused. Of course Emma had been upset that Snow and Charming had hit Killian when he hadn't done anything wrong. But looking back…Snow remembered how Emma looked over Killian's injuries. Quite tenderly, if she remembered correctly.

Charming shrugged. "I don't know, Snow. She hasn't been around enough for me to figure out what she's thinking. But we did beat on him when he hadn't done anything wrong, and Emma believes in justice, because she's in law enforcement. Maybe that bothers her."

Snow nodded. That could be.

"Or maybe she's not angry with us at all. Maybe she's just talking to Red because they understand each other better. Emma's done that before, remember."

Snow nodded. "Yeah, she has. But that's part of what's so confusing. Red is upset right now because she's been turned down. Or 'dumped' I guess they call it here. Emma wasn't dumped; it was her decision to stop seeing Killian. So why should she be so upset about it?"

Charming shrugged again. "I don't know."

"I'm going to make a pot of hot chocolate. It will be nice to drink we'll we're waiting, and maybe…Emma will have some when she gets home."

Charming rubbed her shoulder in comfort and pecked her lips. "Sounds like a great idea."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Emma didn't want any of the hot chocolate when she got home, so Snow had to throw it out. The next day, Snow decided to invite Red over for dinner again. She still wanted to be there for her best friend, and if Red was at here, Emma might be more comfortable at their house. Maybe.

So Red did come to dinner, and Snow made one of her friend's favorite meals. Chicken with stuffing. And Emma showed up for dinner as well, much to Snow's relief. "So, how are you doing, Red?" Snow asked as they all ate.

Red shrugged. "I'm getting better, I guess. At least I have friends."

Snow smiled. "That's good to hear. And what about you, Emma?"

Emma shrugged as she swallowed some milk. "I'm fine. Breaking up was my idea, remember?"

Snow shrugged. She knew better than to try to push her daughter, but there was something wrong with Emma. At least she was home again.

OOOOOOOOOOO

The next night Emma ate dinner with them, but she was too quiet. She didn't joke with Henry, she didn't ask David what happened with the cows, or anything. That night Snow decided she had to find out what was going on with Emma. But this needed to be done carefully, so Emma wouldn't push away. Snow put the hot chocolate on the stove, for starters. Snow also told Charming she would try talking to Emma herself, so Emma didn't feel overwhelmed. "Just talking, Charming, I promise," she told him when he started to protest. "No pushing her or yelling at her. I just think…Emma might need to talk, you know. Woman to woman."

"Okay," he had agreed. "Good luck."

"Emma would you like some cinnamon hot chocolate tonight?" Snow asked as she knocked on Emma's door. "It all ready."

Emma sighed. "All right," she grumbled. But she still walked out into the kitchen. Snow decided that was a victory.

"So," Snow began as she poured their favorite hot drink into mugs, "Why did you stop seeing Killian, Emma?"

Emma sighed. "I just decided it was time," she shrugged.

What was that supposed to mean? Snow wanted to ask, but she promised Charming she wouldn't push their daughter. More than was necessary, anyway. "Okay," Snow replied. "Is there anything in particular that made you think that?"

Emma looked at the table for a second longer than was necessary, and Snow knew she had it. "What was it?" she asked softly.

Emma looked away.

"Emma…," Snow said warningly.

Emma sighed and got up. "You know, I decided to humor you with this, but if you want to tell me I need to get back together with Killian or something, forget it! You can throw out the hot chocolate," she called over her shoulder.

"No, Emma, that's not what I meant," Snow protested mentally slapping herself. She'd pushed too hard again. "I just want to understand you a little better. Please?"

Emma sighed and sat back down at the table. She took a gulp of chocolate. "IhurtKillian," she finally mumbled.

Snow wanted to ask Emma to repeat herself so she could understand, but she waited anyway. She didn't want Emma to run away from this conversation again.

"You know how we liked to…fool around outside? Playing wrestle?" Emma finally asked, looking at the table.

Snow nodded. She took a drink of chocolate.

"Well, the other day…I realized that when I did that, I had given him a bruise on his arm. In the shape of my fingerprint" she whispered.

Snow sighed. "Emma, I know it's hard to hear, but that wasn't your fault. Like you said, you were playing around." Still, if that was why Emma had broken up with Killian, it explained why she was so upset about her parents hitting Killian a few times. "I'm sorry for what we did to him, Emma. Again."

Emma sighed and took another drink of chocolate. "Don't worry about it. It only made it clearer to me that it was unsafe for me to be around him."

Great, so now Emma was blaming herself for Snow and Charming's mistakes as well. She patted her daughter's arm. "Look, I know it's easy to start blaming yourself when people you care about get hurt, but you can't do that, Honey. Do you know how many times your father's gotten hurt from me? He still has that scar on his chin from the time first met him, you know."

Emma shook her head. "That was different. You guys didn't know each other back then. You thought he was just like Regina and the other royals from what I understand, right?"

Snow shrugged. "True, but that isn't the only time I hurt him. It's just the only time you know about. I hurt him when we were practicing fighting while we were fighting Regina and George, too. Just a scratch, but I didn't dare touch him for a whole day after that. And then there's the rope burns, from…ah, bedroom activities, too."

"Please, don't go there!" Emma exclaimed covering her ears.

"Sorry, but you see my point, don't you? I never hurt Charming on purpose, just like you didn't hurt Killian on purpose. I admit, it's hard to see them with…evidence that you hurt them, but pushing the person away only hurts more. Killian did seem pretty upset when you said you didn't want to see him anymore, Emma." Snow took another drink of chocolate.

Emma shook her head. "It's still not the same thing, Snow. All the other men I've tried to have a relationship with ended up getting hurt because of me. Killian will be, too, even if the bruise didn't bother him. Neal died because I asked him to confront Tamara with me, and because he wanted to protect me and Henry. And there was…someone else before that, too." Emma rubbed a string she kept tied to her wrist as she said that.

Snow wondered what that meant. She'd noticed a couple of times before, but it had never felt right to ask about it. "Who was that?" she asked softly.

"Graham," Emma replied as she rubbed the string again. "This was his bootlace. I kept it…after he died."

"Oh Emma," Snow cried as she hugged her daughter. The amount of pain that Emma had been through continued to amaze her. Neal and Graham had died. Both men whom Emma had apparently had romantic relationships with in the past.

"Graham was the sheriff of Storybrooke when I arrived there. He offered me a job, working as his deputy. He was the first person that I enjoyed working with. He made believe…that I could really make a difference in law enforcement. I wouldn't be the police officer I am today if it wasn't for him," Emma commented softly.

"Sounds like this man had quite an impact on your life," Snow smiled, grateful for the man for helping her finding a fulfilling career.

Emma nodded. "I guess, but I didn't to the same for him. Graham was…the huntsman in the Enchanted Forest."

Snow nodded, picturing the brave young man who rejected Regina's orders to kill her. "I remember him."

Emma nodded. "I thought you would. Anyway, he…was interested in me. But he was still being controlled by Regina. He tried to tell me, but I wouldn't listen, of course. If I had listened better, he might still be alive. Or better yet, stayed away from him. I think Regina killed him when he chose me."

Snow hugged her daughter again. She was suddenly angry at Regina again, and she had to remind herself that the other woman regretted her decisions before she died. "I'm sorry, Emma."

Emma shrugged. "Yeah, well I'm not letting Killian get hurt again just because he's in a relationship with me. By me or by someone else."

Snow sighed. "Emma, Neal wasn't killed because of you. He was killed because someone decided to shoot him. And Graham wasn't killed because of you, either. He was killed because Regina was still set on vengeance back then."

Emma shook her head firmly. "They still wouldn't be dead if it wasn't for me. Romance just isn't supposed to be in my life. I'm lucky enough I have a family now. That's enough."

"I'm glad you have a family, too Emma. But that doesn't mean you should turn away from romance. It's a wonderful experience that I don't want you to turn your back on."

"Easy for you to say," Emma grumbled as she finished her chocolate. "You and David are like this perfect 'destined to be' couple. You know you'll always be together."

Snow smiled softly as she thought of her husband. "That's definitely true. We know we'll always be together. Now. But when we first met and fell in love, I felt like you do. That love wasn't for me. I thought I wasn't safe for Charming. I was a bandit, remember? All the royals were after my head. And Charming was a prince engaged to marry a princess. If we decided to be together, I knew Regina would try to kill him, too. So I tried avoiding him. I even took a potion from Rumplestlsikin to forget him. But Charming showed me love was worth fighting for."

Emma shrugged. "Maybe, but I'm not in love with Killian. I knew this relationship was going to be temporary from the beginning."

Snow's mouth dropped in shock. "Why is that? I thought you were happy with him? What was wrong?"

Emma shrugged. "Nothing specific. I just know love isn't for me. Sooner or later he'll want to return to his boat."

Snow shook her head and looked deep into her daughter's eyes. "Emma, listen to me. You are special, and love is definitely going to be a part of your life. Both the love of your family and the love of a romantic partner. Just open your heart to the possibility. The possibility of love is worth fighting for too, you know." Snow took a big gulp from her mug and finished her chocolate.

Emma shook her head again. "How is that possible when I already lost my True Love? I loved Neal and now he's dead."

"There's nothing to say that a person can only have one True Love, Emma. I think you have enough love in you for more than one. After all, Red lost Peter, too. But then she found Justin."

Emma rolled her eyes. "And look what happened to her as a result. Justin dumped her. Ruby's situation has only made it more clear to me that I'll only get one romantic love."

Snow shrugged. "Well, you never know. Like I told Ruby, he could change his mind. Just like you might change your mind about breaking up with Killian. But even if neither of you do, there should be someone else available for both of you. Don't give up on something as wonderful as love, Emma."

Emma shrugged and took her empty mug to the sink. Snow picked up her empty mug and did the same. "And regardless about what you decide about Killian, could you talk to your father again soon? I think he's upset because he thinks you might be angry at him again. He misses you, Honey." Charming hadn't told her that, but Snow knew him well enough to know it was true.

Emma nodded. "Yeah, I can do that."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Red appreciated all the support her friends had given her since Justin had left her. Snow invited her for dinner often. Emma bought her ice cream. They both called her on the communication device to talk. Abigail took her shopping. Abigail and Fredrick took her to the bookstore. They all helped.

But she still missed Justin terribly. She missed how she felt safe with him, even though he wasn't one of her surrogate brothers. She missed talking to him about her troubles. She missed listening to books with him in his apartment. She missed watching Justin interact with his best friend, Champ. She missed seeing him do all the things everyone else did and more, even though he couldn't see.

She longed to kiss him on the cheek again. Red had thought someday their physical relationship would progress. But now…they had nothing. No chance to take things further. Red just wished Justin could accept who she really was. She knew when she decided to tell him that it would be hard for him to believe but…it hurt that he didn't trust her. It hurt that he thought they'd all lied to him. It hurt more than Red had thought possible. More than when she found out Granny had lied to her about Anita. More than when she found out she couldn't change into a werewolf in this world.

Today, Abigail and Fredrick were both at work and Red was home, reading. Emma and Snow had offered to take her out for ice cream again, but she'd said no. As much as she appreciated her friends' support, sometimes she needed time to herself as well. So she was reading one of her new books. It was called Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul. She liked the book. It reminded her a lot of the dogs she took care of at the kennel.

The only problem was the book also reminded Red of Champ, too. Red missed him, too. She missed the way he'd bark and smile at her like dogs do when he first saw her. She missed his white fur and black eyes looking at her. She missed playing with him. Red was the only person other than himself that Justin let play with Champ, and it was always fun.

Red shook her head. She needed to stop thinking about Justin (and Champ, too). She began reading a new story about man who was trying to house – break his dog. She was about half way through when she heard a knock at the door. She sighed and put the book down for a second. Emma or Snow probably decided to come over anyway. But when she finally opened the door, neither of her best friends were standing in the doorway.

Instead, there was a man with dark brown hair and shades over his eyes. He was holding onto a leash attached to a harness and a white lab. Justin. And Champ. "Hello, Red," Justin said carefully. "Could we talk?" She wondered why he was using her real name.

Champ barked at her and gave her his doggie smile, just like she'd wished for before.

There was a part of Red that wanted to throw her arms around both of them and say "Yes! Please come in!" After all, she'd missed them desperately. But Red couldn't forget the way he'd left a couple of weeks ago, either. He didn't believe her. He thought she and her friends and family were playing a joke on him. Red had told him she loved him, and he…just walked away. So she didn't know what to do about Justin.

He waited for several minutes. Then Justin commented. "I'm glad you're home today. I didn't know how I was going to talk to you if you weren't. It's getting too cold to spend time at the park anymore. Please Red. I know I hurt you before. But let me talk to you, at least."

Well, he sounded sincere. And even though Red was still quite hurt by Justin, she wanted to know why he'd come back. As well as why he was using her real name. "Okay," she told him finally. "You guys can come in," she added to Champ.

Justin's face broke into a grin as he walked into the apartment. "Thank you." Champ came in, wagging his tail behind his master.

"So," Red commented as they all sat down at the table. "Why are you calling me 'Red?'"

Justin shrugged. "It's your name, isn't it?"

"Yes, but…" What did it mean that he was calling her that? That he accepted she had a different name than the one she'd originally given him? That she would be easier to placate if he called her the name she wanted him to? Or…could it actually mean that he now believed the truth she'd tried to tell him before? It sounded like too much to hope for. "I still don't know why you're calling me that."

Justin sighed and petted Champ for a second. "I hoped if I called you by your real name, it could be sort of a peace offering. A way for you to listen to me, at least."

Well, he was right about that, in a way. The fact that he used her real name was one of the reasons why she let him in the apartment. Still, he made her feel stupid. "So you are trying to placate me." She got up and shook her head. "You know, for someone who hates it when people patronize and placate you, you're being a great hypocrite! Leave!"

But Justin said, "No," firmly. "Look, Red, that came out wrong." He shook his head. "Now I know how it feels when I assume people are patronizing me. I'm sorry for all the people who I accused of patronizing me when they weren't. And I'm sorry that I made you feel that way, Red. What I meant was that I thought that calling you by your name was a good way to start. But I was also going to tell you…that I thought it over and I believe what you told me. I mean, what you and your friends told me."

"Really? About everything?" Red asked with disbelief. "About me being a werewolf?"

"Yes."

"And about the Enchanted Forest?"

"Yes."

Red sat back down.

Justin sighed. "I should have never doubted you in the first place, Red. I know you wouldn't lie to me. Especially after…you told me you loved me."

Red nodded. That was what had hurt the most. "That was…hard to deal with," she admitted.

Justin continued, "There's no one on this Earth, or any other world, that I trust more than you. Besides, I knew you and your friends were telling the truth from the tone of your voice."

"So why did you say we were lying before?" It was nice that he believed her now, but why did he leave before?

Justin sighed. "The story was just so unbelievable. I mean, you're a werewolf? From a magical fairytale land? You're friends with Snow White? It was overwhelming. It was easier for me to believe that you were all lying than to accept the truth." Red sighed. It sounded like Snow had been right before. "But that wasn't all," he added softly. "I was afraid, Red. When you told me you loved me and I told you I loved you…I was afraid you'd eventually reject me. Like my Dad did. In some ways, it was easier to push you away first."

Red nodded again. "I see." And she did see. It made sense. But it didn't make the pain of him leaving go away. "I still don't know what to do about it though, Justin."

Justin sighed. "I guess I deserve that. I'm lucky you let me back in your house, actually. But I have one more thing to say. Red…I was scared when you first told me you came from a different world. A magical world. It was unbelievable." She sighed. He'd said this already. "But now…I'm glad that unbelievable world exists, if it gave me you. I always knew there was something different about you. And I liked it. Before, I felt like I was the most unusual person around. How many guys in Houlton, Maine are blind? I liked seeing the world differently, but…I always thought no one would understand me at the same time. But you…you're a werewolf. You're from the Enchanted Forest. I think you're even more unusual than I am. You understand me. And that's what I need, Red. You're what I need." He petted Champ again as he finished his speech. "Well, that's all I have to say. I'll leave now if you want me to." He got up from the table and began walking toward the door.

"Wait!" Red protested. His words had melted the last of her anger and hurt. Justin was right. Even though she had settled into this new world, she always felt like she didn't fit it. Even in the Enchanted Forest, there were so many people that didn't accept her werewolf heritage. But Justin had always felt like he didn't fit in, either. Because of his blindness. But they did fit. With each other. She grabbed Justin's shoulders and gave him a big kiss. Right on the lips. And she didn't even think about Peter or Mr. Jenison. "I love your differences, Justin," she told him as her lips left his.

"And I love yours," Justin replied as he kissed her. Justin smiled at her as they broke apart. "So does this mean I can stay?"

Red shrugged. "Next week is Thanksgiving. Do you have any plans?"

"Not really. I've already been to see my mother, as you know. And my father and I…I can't picture myself going to see him for Thanksgiving."

Red smiled and rubbed her arms against his chest. "Well, Granny's going to make Thanksgiving Dinner for all of us again. It will be at Snow's, because Granny's place isn't big enough, but Granny insisted on doing most of the cooking. But…would you like to come?" she asked nervously. Red thought it would be a good time for him to do more things with the rest of the group, especially now that he knew the truth. But would it be too much for him?

"Have Thanksgiving with my girlfriend Red Riding Hood, her friend Snow White, and all their friends? Why not? Let's embrace the oddness of our relationship. It's what makes it so wonderful!" Justin laughed.

"Great."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOOO

Everyone was surprised when Ruby announced she would be bringing Justin to Thanksgiving Dinner. Apparently, they had made up. "Are you sure, Red?" David asked. "We've asked the dwarves to come too, after all."

But Ruby nodded firmly. "Yes. He knows everything now, and he's okay with it." The smile on her face showed how happy she was about that. "And I think Justin should be more worried about Granny than the dwarves. At least she'll be too busy cooking to bother with a cross – bow."

David shrugged. "I suppose that's true."

Snow smiled. "I knew he'd come back to you, Red. I just knew it."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Granny arrived early Thursday morning to cook the turkey and she and Snow bickered frequently about who should be making the other dishes and how they should be fixed. Henry complained that he wanted snacks as soon as possible. The dwarves arrived and wanted snacks as well. Emma rummaged around the kitchen, looking for something to give her son and their hungry guests. David and Fredrick brought over an extra table to accommodate the additional people.

So when Ruby arrived with Justin, almost no one even noticed. David seemed to be talking to someone in the living room, but that was all. However, when they all sat down to dinner, Ruby had a smiling man with a dog sitting next to her. "This is Justin," Ruby told everyone. She was grinning from ear to ear. "And this is Emma, Henry, David, Snow, and my Granny. The others you might know as the seven dwarves, although there aren't so many anymore." They all paused for a second, thinking of Doc. "But there names are Grumpy, Happy, Dopey, Bashful, and Sneezy and Sleepy, although the last two don't really know those names."

"Hello," they all replied to Justin.

"What are you doing, bringing an outsider to this table?" Grumpy complained. "He could have us all put in an institution! Or write a book about our lives and sell it for profits."

But Justin shook his head. "No, I won't. I know I have a lot to prove to you and your friends, but I won't do that."

"You better not. I could still find a cross – bow, you know," Granny snapped. "After I heard about you breaking Red's heart, I was looking for one real hard."

"I understand," Justin replied.

With that, they all ate the dinner. It was a much better atmosphere than the last Thanksgiving, considering they didn't have so many people grieving for lost family members. Justin's presence made everyone a little nervous, but he seemed to fit in eventually. The dog who sat next to him was extremely well behaved. Emma would have expected him to beg for food, with so many people eating all around him. But he simply sat quietly next to Justin, munching on the dinner Justin had brought for him. They all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Emma couldn't get over Red and Justin. They had broken up previously, were back together now. In fact, from what she had seen, they seemed to be doing better than ever. Maybe Snow was right. Could a person have more than one True Love? Could Emma? Someday?

But I hurt Killian, she argued with herself. I have to protect him before something worse happens to him. Like what happened with Neal and Graham. Emma looked at the Dream Catcher in her bedroom and rubbed the bootlace on her wrist.

Still, Emma had to admit that she missed Killian. Seeing Red and Justin together again only made it worse. She longed for him a lot more than Emma had thought she would. The last time she missed a man this much, Emma was in jail, still missing Neal while pregnant with Henry. It would be nice to see Killian again. Kiss him again. Laugh with him again. Eat dinner with him again.

No! Emma shook her head at those ideas. I can't think about that. I have to protect Killian from me. But her mother's words came back to Emma. "Love is worth fighting for, and the possibility of love is worth fighting for, too." Was Killian worth it? Could she and Killian really beat the odds, like her parents did? Just by believing in each other?

Emma shook her head. She and Killian didn't have the kind of relationship her parents had. They weren't in love or anything. Honestly, Emma wouldn't be surprised if Killian left town after Emma told them they couldn't see each other anymore. She knew he was looking for an excuse to return to his ship, and she'd given him the perfect one.

And yet, Emma kept thinking about her and Killian anyway. She remembered all the fun they'd had. Of course, that "fun" was exactly what led to Killian being hurt. That's why she should stay away from him. If she kept seeing him, he'd get hurt more. Snow's voice came back to Emma again. "Pushing them away hurts them more." Then she thought of the look on Killian's face as she told him they couldn't see each other anymore. Killian even implied that her break – up hurt him more than the small bruise she'd given him. Even more than her parents hitting him. After all, the man had a point. He had been a pirate. He'd spent time in prison. He was used to getting to scrimmages and fights.

Emma had grown up in the foster system. She knew there were a lot more ways to hurt someone than with just a fist. As much as it had hurt when the other kids beat her or the parents hit her, what hurt the most was when they ignored her completely. Had Emma done the same thing to Killian when she told them they couldn't see each other anymore? Possibly.

Now that Emma thought about it more, she wasn't so sure she'd broken up with Killian just because she'd hurt him. The fact was, the two of them had been getting closer, and it had scared her. Emma had promised herself she would keep their relationship causal. But the way Killian interacted with her family…was that causal? Maybe not. And what about the conversation they had about sex? Killian said he wanted to wait, so it would be special and just between them. That certainly wasn't something that happened in a causal relationship. So, maybe she'd used her fears of hurting Killian as an excuse.

So Emma admitted to herself…that she might have been wrong to break – up with Killian. But was she brave enough to try again? Could she really admit she'd been wrong? What if Killian didn't want to talk to her anymore? What if he'd returned to the Jolly Roger? Snow's voice came back to her again. "The possibility of love is worth fighting for, too."

Finally, one evening, about a week after Thanksgiving, Emma had enough. She didn't run anymore. She had a family to support her and love her. And if she tried…Emma might even have a boyfriend again. "I'm going out tonight," she told her parents after dinner. "I'll be back later."

Snow nodded. "Okay, but don't forget your mittens. It's getting cold out there."

"And you might want to wear a hat, too," David added.

Emma rolled her eyes. "Sure."

Emma walked over to Killian's apartment. It was too bad she'd deleted his number from her phone. But hopefully he'd be at his apartment. He could have easily returned to the Jolly Roger, she thought to herself. At that, she almost turned around and returned home. But Emma shook her head and continued. She had to know, one way or the other.

When she arrived at Killian's apartment she marched up the stairs and carefully knocked on the door. She waited and received no answer, so Emma knocked on the door again, firmly. She refused to believe she'd come all this way for nothing. Still, she received no answer. Emma was just about to leave. Apparently, he'd returned to the Jolly Roger, after all. She wasn't willing to admit how much that actually hurt her.

But before she could do so, she heard someone come up the stairs. It was Killian. Emma's heart soared.
"Hi Killian," she told him cheerfully. Hopefully if she were cheerful he would be as well. Maybe he'd realize she'd come for a good reason.

"What do you want, Emma?" he snapped at her. Emma sighed. Well, she had suspected this wouldn't be easy.

"I'd like to talk. Could I come inside?"

Killian shrugged. "I don't know. Why should I? You said we couldn't see each other anymore, remember?"

Emma looked down for a moment. Then she took a deep breath. "I made a mistake, Killian. I'm sorry. I'd like to explain why." Maybe there was hope for them. After all, he hadn't left like Emma thought he might.

Killian sighed. "I see. Would you like a beer?" He held up a six pack.

Emma shrugged. "That might be a good idea, yeah." A little alcohol never hurt with a conversation like this.

Killian nodded and unlocked his door. Then he pulled out two beers out of the six pack and sat down. "Start talking."

"So, like I said, I'm sorry about what I said. All the other men that I've cared about have been hurt because of me. I didn't want that to happen to you. So when I gave you that bruise…I thought it would be better if we didn't see each other anymore." Emma sipped her beer.

Killian drank his.

"And I was…afraid of how close we were getting, Killian. I was afraid of the feelings I was developing for you. I thought it would be easier if we broke up," Emma admitted as she looked at the floor. Then she took a big gulp of beer.

Killian took another drink before slamming it on a nearby table. "Easier for you, maybe. It certainly wasn't 'easier' for me! I really cared about you, Emma. And I was beginning to care about your family as well. And then all of the sudden, I was told we were done. No warning. No explanation, except some lame, 'it's not you, it's me,' comment. Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to care about someone like that? For more than a hundred years, the only thing I've thought about is Milah. But then, I starting thinking about you. More and more. And then you say, 'sorry I can't anymore.'"

Emma nodded and took another drink of beer. "I do know, Killian. Because I haven't cared about anyone as much as I care about you in a long time, either."

"Well, then you should know better than to hurt me like you did! You claim you broke up with me so I wouldn't get hurt. But I did get hurt. And I don't mean when your parents starting hitting me without an explanation, either. I mean when you said, 'We can't see each other anymore.'"

Emma nodded. "I thought that might be the case." She took another drink of beer.

"So why did you do it, then?" Killian snapped.

"Because I didn't think about that at the time. At the time, I thought it was for the best. Now, I know I made a really big mistake."

"A big mistake. That's an understatement. And I'm beginning to think it was a mistake to let you in. I can't listen to you anymore, Emma. It's too much."

"But Killian…" Emma's face fell. Did he have any idea how hard it was for her to come back to him? To admit she was wrong? "I know I was wrong."

Killian shrugged. "Until the next time you decide to leave me again. I'm not going to let that happen. This time I'm going to say it. 'We can't see each other anymore.' Goodbye, Emma," he held the door open for her.

Emma took a deep breath and left the apartment. At least she had her answer now. He'd definitely would return to the Jolly Roger after this. She'd never see Killian again. She drank the last of her beer. That was fine. It really was.

So what did you think of that chapter? I hope some of you will still give some reviews, despite the long wait.

Thank you for the reviews from the last one. Here's some responses.

Guest # 1: Okay, that's fine that she has David's smile in canon. Maybe I'll mention that sometime. But I don't think it's unreasonable to assume Emma has most of Snow's facial features, for the sake of this story. I'm sorry this bothers you, but as I've said before, I can't please everyone with a large story like this, so it's up to you whether you want to continue reading despite your problems with it.

Guest # 2: Glad you liked Henry dressing as Prince Charming. I don't really like Hook/Killian beating David, either. That's why I had them "tie" last time I had them fight. But realistically, I can't have them "tie" every time they sword – fight. Especially since this "fight" was one – against – one – against – one. I tried to make it clear all three men were equally matched because they each lost a fight and each one a fight. I thought it was more important that Fredrick beat Killian/Hook in this instance, because Killian didn't have as much respect for Fredrick's sword fighting as he did David's before this fight.

Misscam: Glad you liked Henry dressing as Charming, too. And the family moments with the costume. And, yes, even though it was hard, it was really better that she told Justin about her past. She certainly gets the pay – off in this chapter. And, goodness I'm so glad I'm not the only one that likes little Snowing moments as much as big ones! (You may have heard that before in my reviews to your stuff recently. )