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

45. Chapter 45

Chapter 45

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

Thanks to Lisboa, as always for betaing and letting me use her story as a starting point.

The next day was Saturday, and Snow made French toast for the whole family. It was wonderful, just as Snow's meals always were. As they ate, she and David discussed plans to go to something called "the armory," which was apparently a place where Snow could practice her archery, that day. It was kind of nice to see her parents excited about something, Emma had to admit. Still, she wasn't sure how long it would last. Sooner or later, they would probably start arguing again.

After Snow and David left (with no arguments, so far), Henry asked if he could go to Teddy's house to play video games. Emma thought it was fine, so he disappeared as well. But now she wasn't sure what to do. It was nice that she didn't have to work today, and that she had the house to herself. Still, Emma had to admit…it was kind of boring. Perhaps Ruby was available?

Emma was still thinking about calling Ruby when she received a call. From Killian. It was rather strange to receive a call from him. Killian had taken longer to get used to the technology in this world than her family did. Probably because he spent most of the year before in prison. Emma also had a feeling he had a hard time asking for help learning how to use it. (She could certainly identify with that.)

But a couple of weeks ago, Killian had finally bought himself a cell phone. Emma had even programed her number into it. This was the first time he'd actually used it to call her, though. Seeing Killian's name on her phone gave her a warm feeling. She wondered if it meant something to their relationship that he was reaching out to her this way. Probably not. Emma was reading into things. "Hello," she greeted him as she finally answered the phone.

"Hello, Emma," Killian responded, brightly. "These communication devices are not too bad."

"They're useful," Emma agreed.

"I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to a new eating place for lunch today. One just opened around the corner from where I live.

"Sure," Emma replied. They had a great time together the night before. Emma looked forward to seeing Killian again.

"Great" Killian replied.

"I'll meet you at your apartment and we can walk over to the restaurant," Emma told him as she put on her coat.

"Sure," Killian agreed.

Emma made her way down to the bus station, smiling. Perhaps they could even play "kiss and wrestle" after lunch today. Emma was so glad she had decided to play that game with Killian again. She'd initiated it last so Killian could do something he used to really enjoy doing with her. But Emma had almost forgotten how much fun she had with it as well.

She got off the bus and made her way to Killian's apartment, still smiling.

"Hi Emma!" Killian greeted her with a kiss. "Are you ready to go to lunch?"

Emma nodded. "So where is this place?"

"It's just around here," Killian replied, tugging her arm in the correct direction. Emma quickly began to walk with him.

It all happened quickly as they were about cross the road. A truck came barreling around the corner at least forty – five miles per hour. Emma didn't know where it came from or why it didn't stop. It was supposed to have a red light! Killian tried to pull Emma back on the sidewalk but it was too late. The truck hit Emma and she fell, right into a dirty snowbank. Everything went black.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Emma awoke in a hospital room to the sound of people arguing. She heard Killian's voice, her parents' voices, and some others she didn't recognize. She didn't understand it. Why was she here? "Wha," she mumbled. Her throat was dry. She tried to reach for something to drink, but she couldn't. She tried to sit up, but it hurt too much.

A slightly bald doctor eventually came in, smiling. "I'm glad to see you're awake, Miss Swan," he told her as he handed her a jug of water.

Emma took a few sips before she responded. "I guess I'm glad, too. But I still don't understand. Why am I here?"

The doctor sighed as he looked at his mini – computer. "What do you remember?"

Emma searched her memory. Snow had made French toast this morning and then everyone had left the house. Killian had called her on his cell phone for the first time (that still gave her a warm feeling), and they decided to go eat lunch at a restaurant near his apartment. "I was going to eat lunch with...(what should she call Killian to a stranger?) a…friend and then…sorry, I don't remember after that."

The doctor nodded and typed something on the computer. Then he put the computer down after a minute and looked at her. "I talked to your friend that saw the accident. He told me you were hit by a speeding car when you tried to cross the street. He said he tried to pull you out of the way but it was too late. He firmly believes that it was the fault of the speeding car, not yours." The doctor paused and hooked Emma to a blood pressure device. He typed in the answer then continued, "From what he said and what others who saw the accident say, we think the driver was drunk."

Emma couldn't keep quiet anymore at that. "Who drinks that much at 11:00 AM on a Saturday? And drives, too? Why do these idiots even get out of bed?" She already dealt with some drunk drivers while she was working. This was her day off. And because some moron decided to drink and drive today, she was stuck in a hospital room. Emma hated hospitals.

The doctor placed his hand on her shoulder in attempt to calm her, Emma supposed. It didn't work. She hated when strangers touched her like that. She had a hard enough time with doctor's examinations, she didn't need him getting touchy – feely, too. She brushed his hand off her.

The doctor sighed. "I don't know the answer to that, Miss Swan. But the driver has been taken into police custody. The police will probably want to talk to you later today or tomorrow."

Emma nodded, grumbling. The doctor finished his examination, eventually, although Emma asked him several times to move a little faster. She wanted it over as soon as possible. He told her he needed to take her vitals properly. Whatever.

"Now, I'm sure you would like to see your family," the doctor commented after he finally finished.

Emma shrugged. "Sure."

"Your friend, Mr. Jones would like very much to see you, I understand, but unfortunately, we have a family – only policy. Your boyfriend may see you tomorrow."

Emma nodded. It would have been nice to see Killian, but she could wait. Just a minute, had the doctor just called Kilian her boyfriend? Was that really what he was? Emma thought about all the kisses they shared. She thought of all the dates they'd gone on. She thought about the way he tried to get to know her family as well. She thought of the Valentine's presents they'd given each other only yesterday. She thought about how they'd both agreed to try their relationship again after the break, and take it a little more seriously. Yes, Emma finally admitted. Killian is my boyfriend.

"Your sister will be coming in now," the doctor continued, unaware of Emma's thoughts. "She demanded to you as soon as possible." It took Emma a moment to realize the doctor meant Snow. Of course, her mother wanted to see Emma right away. "Her husband insisted on coming with her. Said his wife needed his support or something. She agreed, so your brother – in – law will see you as well." Emma nodded, although she doubted Snow was that weak. Her parents had been arguing so much lately, she didn't see how they could give each other support, anyway. David was using that as an excuse so he could see Emma as well. Still, she supposed that was alright. Emma would like to see both of her parents now.

The doctor left the room and her parents came in, holding hands. "Oh Emma, I'm so happy you're awake!" Snow exclaimed. She leaned over to hug Emma. "Are you alright? Are you in pain?" she asked frantically.

Emma sighed but accepted her mother's hug. "I'm alright. Really." Okay, so her hips hurt a little, but it wasn't that bad. She'd been through worse. "I'm sorry that your trip to that armory place was cut short," she added. Emma knew her mother had been looking forward to spending quite a bit of time there today.

Snow and David shook their heads immediately. "Emma, you're way more important than any trip to the armory."

"We can go another day," David added.

Emma smiled. "Yeah. I guess I knew that."

"We're pretty grateful to Killian," David commented, standing next to Emma's bed. "He stayed with you after you were hurt. He was…looking out for you, Emma." Emma could tell how much that meant to David. "And when you were taken to the hospital, he called us on your cell phone. Henry, too." Emma smiled. That was wonderful for Killian to notify her family.

Snow smiled at David with goo – goo eyes as he said that. Then she continued, "I hear a drunk driver hit you, Emma. I can't believe people like that have the nerve to be on the road! I mean, this driver could have killed you!" Snow began to shake with her anger.

David grabbed his wife's shoulders and began rubbing them gently, to calm her down, apparently. Surprisingly, it appeared to work as Snow slowly stopped shaking. David continued to hold her as he said, "I think I told you we had problems with drunk carriage drivers in our world. But I never expected a drunk driver to be able to hurt you like this, Emma. Just because you and Killian were walking to a restaurant?! Something has to be done about this person."

Emma nodded in agreement. "From what I understand, they've already arrested the driver. The police will probably talk to me about the accident tomorrow."

"Well, anything we can do to help punish him, Emma, we'll be happy to do," David and Snow told her at the same time. They grasped each other's hands again.

"I appreciate that," Emma told them. She really did. It was so nice to have a family to help her when deadbeats hurt her.

"But at least now I know you'll be okay," Snow continued, looking at Emma's face like she was memorizing it. Emma resisted the urge to look away. It made her uncomfortable, but Emma knew she would be doing the same thing if Henry had been in an accident. Her mother was doing that because she loved Emma.

David reached out and took Emma's hand gently. "Henry wants to see you now."

Emma nodded eagerly. Seeing Henry usually cheered her up. David disappeared for a second and then Henry ran into the room. "Mom!" he cried as he launched himself right at Emma. "I'm glad you're going to be okay!"

Emma winced at the pain in her mid – section as Henry climbed on top of her in order to give her a hug. But she refused to admit she was in pain out loud. She wasn't that weak, and she didn't want Henry to know.

David, however, must have noticed her wince, because he warned Henry to be gentler with Emma. "But I thought you said she'd be okay?" Henry asked, as he got off Emma. "She's awake, right?"

Emma smiled at Henry's worried face. "Yes, Henry I'm okay." She reached over and hugged him herself.

David nodded and hugged Henry as well. "Emma is doing better because she's awake now, Henry. And she will be fine. But she's still hurt, so it will take some time for her to recover."

Henry nodded, looking far less excited. "Are you sure? What if she gets sicker, like Regina did?"

David sighed. "I don't think that will happen, Henry. Emma was taken to the hospital right away after she was injured. Regina had to wait…quite a while before she could be treated."

Henry took a deep breath and nodded.

Emma looked down for a minute, feeling guilty. If she had just managed to get Regina to the hospital sooner, she might still be alive. But then she took a deep breath. That wasn't important now. What was important was to make sure she recovered. So Henry wouldn't lose another mother. So Snow and David wouldn't lose their daughter again. And so Killian wouldn't lose another person that he cared about in his long life. "David's right, Henry. I'll be fine."

Eventually, the doctors told Snow, David, and Henry to leave so Emma could rest. As they left, she noticed how her parents were holding hands again. They even exchanged a couple of kisses as they disappeared. Perhaps there was some truth to David's comment to the doctor. About how Snow needed his support. Actually, they seemed to have been supporting each other with touches and hand – holding throughout the visit. Their relationship seemed stronger than it had been in a while. Emma was happy to see it. She'd never believed it would happen, but she was even happy to see her parents kissing. Her parents were in love, happily married, and that was a good thing.

OOOOOOOOOOO

The doctors determined she'd had a small concussion, which was why she didn't remember the accident. The best way to treat this was plenty of rest, particularly for the next week. She would need to remain in the hospital for that time, according to the doctors, so they could monitor her. Emma didn't like that idea at all, and she was sure Henry didn't, either. She tried to tell the doctors that she could go home by tomorrow, and her family could take care of her. But the doctors (and her parents) said "absolutely not," so she was stuck here for now.

Emma also had a broken pelvis, which is why it hurt so much when she tried to sit up, or someone pushed on her lap. That meant she wouldn't be able to walk, or even sit up without assistance, for at least a month. She hated this. Stupid drunk driver. She wouldn't be able to go to work, either. At least the Hampden Police department had been understanding. They also said even though the accident fell into the Bangor Police's department, they would do anything to help. One of their one had been hurt, after all.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Emma woke up that night by a few taps on the shoulder and a sexy accent saying her name. She opened her eyes to see Killian looking at her.

"Killian!" Emma whispered. "What are you doing here? The doctors said you had to wait until tomorrow to see me!"

Killian grinned. "Since when have I listened to rules? I'm a pirate!"

Emma sighed, rubbing her eyes. Why had he decided to wake her up? "I thought you gave up piracy?"

Killian shrugged. "I have. For the most part. For you, Emma. But when someone tells me I can't have what I want, because of some lame 'rules,' well, the pirate instinct comes back."

Emma yawned. "I see. Why did you have to want to see me in the middle of the night? Don't you know I'm supposed to sleep to treat this stupid 'concussion'?" She turned around and tried to go back to sleep.

But Killian put his hand on her arm. "Please, Emma not yet. I needed to see you today, and I had to wait until I wouldn't likely be caught. When that automobile hit you, I don't think I've ever been so…so…scared. I didn't know what to do. I wanted to pick you up and carry you away, but someone shouted out that would hurt you more, so I didn't. A hospital vehicle with a siren was called, and they took you away from me, Emma. I was so worried…that it would be the last time I've ever see you. I tried to ride in the hospital vehicle with you, but they said I had to be family so I was left behind. Like I'm always left behind. Liam left me behind after he took the poison. The crocodile left me behind after he killed Milah. I thought…"

Emma woke up fully after that speech and took Killian's hand. "I'm so sorry, Killian. I'm sorry you had to go through that. But you did good today, you know. David said you were the one that called him and Snow, and Henry too. They really appreciate that."

Killian shrugged. "I found the numbers on your cell phone after they took you away in the thing with the siren. I just thought…if I couldn't help you the way I wanted to, I could still do something. But David still picked up Henry. Then we went to the hospital on the bus. I didn't do that much. I didn't do enough. It was worse than when Liam died. At least I tried to help him, with the spring water. And Milah, we tried to con the crocodile together. With you, when I tried help, they told me I did it wrong!"

Emma squeezed his hand. "You tried, though Killian. That's more than a lot of people have done for me in the past. And I'm really glad you told my family." She looked up at Killian, realizing she could trust him. She did trust him.

Killian shook his head. "No, Emma. I still didn't do enough. It's not even just that. It's…well…Emma when Liam and Milah died, they knew how much I cared for them. They knew I loved them. With you, I thought you might…that you might…not ever hear… that I might not get to say…" his voice cracked a little.

Emma's eyes widened as she realized what Killian was trying to say. Was she really ready to hear this from him? Or should she tell him he needed to leave before he got caught? Emma thought about how she had decided to open up to 'the possibility of love.' She thought about how he tried to include her family in their life, especially Henry. She thought about the song he'd written her just last night. She remembered how the doctor had called Killian 'her boyfriend' and she'd realized he was right. She thought about how much she could trust Killian if she was in trouble. Yes, she was ready.

Killian started over again. "I love you, Emma," he told her slowly and deliberately. "And I'm so glad I get the chance to say that to you. That you're going to be okay." He took his hand and smoothed her hair. She could feel his breath on her face.

Emma smiled. "I'm going to be fine, Killian. Don't worry." She reached up and touched his beard and mustache with her fingertips. She was sure he could feel her breath on his face, too.

Killian leaned over and kissed her. It was wonderful. Even more wonderful than it usually was. It was so wonderful Emma decided they needed to do it again.

"Well," Killian commented as they drew apart again. "I should probably leave before I get caught." He began to walk away, slowly.

Emma thought about Killian. She thought about how much she could trust him. She thought about her parents and how their trust in each other seemed to make their relationship stronger, even after all those fights they'd had lately. Snow and David still loved each other, no matter what. They still knew they could depend on each other for support. She used to think depending on another person made you weak, but she didn't think so now. Emma remembered what Killian had said when they made up right before Christmas. "I want us to help each other." Could she trust Killian with her heart, so they could help each other? Support each other, like her parents did? Finally she took a deep breath. "I love you, too, Killian."

Killian flashed her the biggest smile she'd ever seen. "Good," he commented. Then he disappeared from the hospital room.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

The police came by the next afternoon to interview Emma. She told them she didn't remember the accident and that the doctors told her it meant she had a concussion. They also asked permission to see the X – rays of her pelvis that were taken yesterday. Emma agreed, so they could punish that drunk. They talked to Killian as well. He was able to describe the accident better, and was eager to punish the driver, too.

Emma unfortunately spent the rest of the week in the hospital. Her mother was able to visit her often, considering she worked there. The rest of her family visited whenever possible. Killian as well. Even Ruby dropped by once. Emma had to admit, it was the most pleasant stay in the hospital she'd ever had. Usually when she'd landed in the hospital, there was no one to visit Emma. Except perhaps a social worker, who seemed to be required to come. Hospitals had made her feel lonely, especially when she noticed how many other visitors some patients had. This time she had a whole family, as well as boyfriend and a best friend. It wasn't that lonely.

Still, Emma was extremely happy when she was able finally go home. Part of that was how relieved Henry seemed to be when she was allowed to go home. Despite the fact that Emma and David reassured Henry that what happened to Regina would not happen to Emma, Henry seemed unusually anxious. Emma was eager to show Henry how well she already was at home. She was already less tired than she'd been a week ago. The other half of Emma was just happy to be out of the hospital. Despite the fact that it had been a happier visit, she still hated hospitals. They made her feel weak. Even though she no longer felt lonely, she still didn't like feeling weak.

Unfortunately, Killian and her parents still treated Emma like she was weak at home. They wouldn't even let her sit up or lie down by herself! It was ridiculous. (The fact that the doctors showed her parents and Killian how to help her, because they thought she wouldn't be able to sit up made no difference to Emma.) But no matter how many times Emma grumbled, David still helped her sit up every night for dinner. Snow still helped her lay down to go to sleep. Killian helped her sit up when he came over in the afternoon. David carried her around when she needed to move around the house.

Snow and David even called her during the day, to make sure she wasn't trying to walk or something. Why would she try to walk? It was impossible! (Actually she'd tried walking once. That was how she knew it was impossible, but they didn't need to know that.) It was also boring, lying around all day while everyone else went to work. Snow brought her some magazines to pass the time, and that helped a little. But Emma still wanted to walk as soon as possible.

Her family helped the best they could. Henry came home and they read the fairytale book together. They all played Sorry! Killian told her tales of what was happening in the outside world.

Sometimes Emma felt nervous around Killian, although she tried not to show it. The dynamic of their relationship had changed, since they'd told each other they loved each other. Emma wasn't sure what to do about it. What should she say to him? How many times should they kiss? Still, she had to admit, Emma liked being in love with Killian. She liked him being in love with her, too.

OOOOOOOOOOO

One day, about a week after she'd come home, Killian had just helped Emma sit up in her bed (despite her protests). Henry had finally realized he could go to a friend's house without Emma dying while he was gone. Snow was busy in the kitchen, so they were almost alone. There, Killian noticed Graham's bootlace tied to her wrist again. He stared at it for a second before looking back at Emma.

Emma sighed. She supposed she shouldn't really be wearing that if she was going to be committed to Killian. She loved him. He loved her. She shouldn't be wearing something that showed an attachment to another man, even if that man was dead. "I'll take it off," she told him. She would, even if she didn't really want to do so. For Killian.

But to Emma's surprise, Killian shook his head. "No, Emma. Don't do that."

"Doesn't it bother you? That I'm wearing something that belonged to Graham when I'm committed to you?"

"Do you want me to remove this?" He pushed up his sleeve revealing the tattoo that said "Milah" in bold letters.

Emma thought about that for a second. Removing a tattoo was a lot more difficult than a bootlace, so she supposed that made a difference. It was expensive, for one. Plus, Milah was an uncommon name in this world. It might attract attention from the wrong kind of people. "No, you can keep that," she told him after a minute.

Killian nodded, relieved. "Then I have no right to ask you to remove your reminders, Emma. I know you said you didn't love Graham, but he still made a big impact on your life. If I asked you to remove that bootlace, I would be asking you to erase a part of yourself. A part of yourself that wanted to be a member of law enforcement."

Emma's eyes widened as she looked at Killian. That was exactly why she hadn't wanted to remove the bootlace. "How do you that? How do you get inside my head like that?"

Killian shrugged. "I've always been able to read you well, Swan. You knew that from the bean stalk."

Emma shrugged. "I guess." It felt quite uncomfortable, having people read her like that. (After all, she had a boyfriend and a father who could read her with startling accuracy.) Still, Killian was someone she could trust. She did trust him. As she looked at him again, she realized that his comment about her and Graham could apply to Killian and Milah as well. Milah had a huge impact on Killian's life, even though he was in love with Emma now. He shouldn't be asked to give up the reminder, either.

Emma took her hand and caressed the tattoo, accepting it as a part of him. Killian caressed the bootlace, accepting it as well. She felt closer to Killian than ever. They kissed, carefully, as he didn't want to cause trouble for her injury. When they finally came up for air, he began kissing her neck and caressing her back. Emma tilted her neck so he could kiss her even more. They both moaned.

Suddenly, Killian jumped back from her. "Sorry Emma. I really want to make love to you, now and I think our relationship is ready. But with your injury…"

Darn. Killian was right. One thing she definitely couldn't do with a broken pelvis was have sex. Stupid drunk driver! He ruined Emma's life. She couldn't wait until his butt was in jail. "Yeah," she agreed. "Speaking of reminders, do you see that dream catcher in my window?"

Killian nodded.

"It's another reminder. Of Neal. We had one when we were together. As a way to show us better things were coming, you know? And when I saw Neal's apartment in New York a couple of years ago, it was still there. That's how I knew… that he still cared about me. My parents bought that for me, so I would remember him, too."

Killian went over to the window and examined it. "I'm glad you told me why it's special."

"And of course I have Henry," Emma added, looking at the pictures of her son on her nightstand. "He'll always remind me of Neal. Henry was the best part of our relationship."

"Definitely," Killian agreed wholeheartedly. Emma loved how much he cared about Henry.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOO

Henry noticed Mom recovering as the weeks passed. One day, she even brought home a walker so she could begin walking again. It was wonderful. At that point, he finally accepted Mom would be alright again. Ever since she'd been in the hospital, Henry had been scared. Even though Mom and Grandma and Grandpa kept telling him Mom would be fine, he couldn't stop remembering when Regina in the hospital. What if Mom got worse, like Regina did? Even after Mom came home, Henry still worried a little. Grandpa and Grandma had to help Mom do everything (much to her protests). Mom was usually so independent, so Henry didn't like that she couldn't walk, or get into the bathtub, or even sit without help.

But with the walker, Mom could sit on her own again. And she could even walk around the house again, although not very fast. Henry would never forget how happy the whole family was the first time Emma used the walker to go from the living room to the kitchen.

Life was good again.

OOOOOOOOOOO

But shortly after that, Grandma started getting sick in the morning and tired in the evening. Henry didn't say anything, but he was getting worried again. What was happening to Grandma? She already had a flu shot, so it wasn't that, right? What else might it be?

Then one night, Grandma and Grandpa kept looking at each other, smiling and holding hands as they sat down to dinner. That kind of thing wasn't necessarily unusual for them, but…somehow there was something different this time.

Mom noticed too, apparently. After they all sat down to spaghetti, she sighed. "Okay. Tell us," she told them as she spun the spaghetti on her fork.

Grandma and Grandpa looked at each other again and then Grandma began, "I'm sure you've noticed that I haven't been feeling well lately."

Henry nodded. "Yes. You're not really sick or anything, are you?" he asked her. Still, it couldn't be that bad, if Grandma and Grandpa were smiling that much.

"No, Henry," Grandpa replied. "Nothing is wrong with your Grandma. Nothing at all, in fact." He took her hand again.

"You see, Henry I've been feeling like that because I'm pregnant. I'm going to have a baby!"

Henry's eyes lit up. "That's great!" He'd been worried there was something wrong with Grandma, but instead there would be a new baby here soon! He sprung off his chair and put his hand on Grandma's stomach. "I can't feel anything," he commented. He'd been hoping he could feel something different that showed the baby was in there.

"Give it a few months, Henry," Grandpa promised. "Then you'll be able to feel the baby kick sometimes." His eyes had a faraway look as he said that. Henry wondered if Grandpa was remembering feeling Mom when she was inside Grandma.

Henry nodded. "Okay. I guess I can wait."

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

It wasn't until the next day that Henry realized Mom hadn't said anything about the new baby. At all. He was confused. The baby would be Mom's sibling, even if he or she would be much younger. Shouldn't she be even more excited about it than Henry was? Still, maybe Mom would realize how great it was that Grandma was having a baby soon.

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

In the meantime, Henry talked excitedly about the baby. "Will you make the baby a sword like mine, Grandpa? Can I help teach the baby how to sword – fight?"

"Someday, Henry," Grandpa replied. "Someday."

Another time Grandpa was looking at the book on woodworking that Grandma had bought him. The book had instructions on how to make a baby cradle. "Are you going to make a cradle for the new baby, Grandpa?"

"I'm thinking about it," Grandpa said smiling. "Geppetto made us the cradle for your Mom, but he's not available anymore. And I thought since I have more time and your Grandma gave me this book…I might try it."

"Can I help?"

"Of course, Henry!"

OOOOOOOOOOO

Finally, one day Mom told Grandma and Grandpa she didn't want to eat dinner with them. Henry didn't understand it. They always ate dinner together as a family. Except for when Mom ate with Killian, Henry supposed. But Killian wasn't even taking Mom to dinner tonight. (Mom couldn't really go many places because of her broken bones.) But Grandma and Grandpa let Mom eat in her bedroom that night. And the next night after that.

"Why isn't Mom eating with us anymore?" Henry asked them. "Is there something wrong with her again? Does she need to go back to the hospital?" He tried to keep the panic out of his voice.

Grandma and Grandpa sighed. "No, Henry, your mother is recovering fine. She gets better at using the walker every day. You've seen it yourself," Grandma told him as she served the chicken and baked potatoes. Then she picked up a plate and brought to Mom, who was still in the bedroom.

"Then why isn't she with us?" Henry asked Grandpa.

Grandpa sighed. "I think your Mom is probably…upset with Grandma and I. Because we're having a new baby."

"But a new baby is something to be happy about!" Henry protested. "I thought we were all excited. We're talking about things we're going to make for the new baby, and I heard Grandma talking about her next doctor's appointment for the baby yesterday. She was so excited about it!"

Grandma nodded as she returned and sat down at the table. "Yes, we're excited about the baby, Henry. And we're glad you are, too. But Emma might have a harder time being excited. I think she thinks we won't care about her if we have a new baby."

Henry shook his head. "That doesn't make sense! You guys love Emma, and you love the new baby. They're both your children. Can't you just tell her that? I'm going to go tell her that, so she'll come back to dinner!" He moved to get up.

But Grandpa put his hand on Henry's shoulder to stop him. "We've tried, Henry. She's just not ready to listen yet. And one thing I know about Emma is that you can't force her. Telling her she has to eat with us when she doesn't want to isn't going to make her feel better about us or the new baby. She needs time to get used to the idea. And the fact that she can't go anywhere because of her injury doesn't help. She's angry right now. And she has a right to be."

Grandma sighed and nodded.

Henry sighed and finished his dinner. He didn't like Grandpa's answer. Mom had no right to ignore her family like this!

OOOOOOOOOO

The next day, Henry decided if Mom was going to ignore Grandma and Grandpa, he would ignore her, too. The only person Mom interacted with for the next few days was Killian, when he visited, or they talked on the phone. Henry didn't like Killian very much, particularly considering the man was trying to replace Dad. Considering Killian seemed to be taking Mom away from the family as well, he liked him even less now. And Henry no longer bothered to hide his hostility.

He grunted at Killian. He asked him why he had to come to their house. Once he even asked Killian why he was trying to replace Henry's father. Killian insisted he wasn't trying to replace Henry's Dad. But Henry couldn't believe that. After all, Dad had loved Mom, and wanted to be a father to Henry. Now Killian was trying to be Mom's love and Henry's father. Still, Henry had to admit Killian had really helped Mom when she was hit by that car. He was glad Killian was there that day, at least. And the man was really nice to Mom. And to the rest of the family, too. If only he wasn't trying to replace Dad.

Replacement.

Henry thought about that again. Was that what Mom thought Grandma and Grandpa were doing? "I had a family until I was three but then they had their own kid, so they sent me back!" Mom had said that to Henry when he first took her to Storybrooke. Did she think they would replace Emma with the new baby? Grandma and Grandpa wouldn't do that. Henry knew that. But did Mom know that?

"Mom, Grandma and Grandpa won't replace you with the new baby. You know that, right?" Henry asked her when he came home from school one day.

Mom was looking through some magazines. She sighed. "It's complicated, Henry. I wish I could be excited about it, the way you are. But I just…I don't know. Thank you for trying, but I'd rather not talk about it." She went back to the magazines.

Henry was beginning to understand what Grandpa meant when he said Mom needed time to get used to the idea of the new baby. He tried talking. Grandma said she'd tried talking as well. Mom just didn't listen.

As he watched Killian and Mom interact the next day, Henry wondered if his attitude toward Killian was in any way similar to Mom's attitude towards the baby. Mom and Killian both said he wasn't trying to replace Dad, but Henry couldn't stop thinking that Killian was here and Dad was not. Grandma and Grandpa said they weren't trying to replace Mom, but she probably thought about how the baby would be raised by the parents she'd never received. Would Mom accept the baby if Henry tried to accept Killian? Could he? It wasn't as if Killian was a bad man anymore. On the contrary, he was a very good man who made Henry's mother happy. Even Grandpa had warmed up to Killian, particularly since Mom's accident.

Henry decided to try it. "Good night, Killian," he told the man when he left.

Killian's eyes widened as he replied. "Good night, Henry."

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

OOOOOOOOOO

Emma should have expected this. After all, Snow had warned Emma that she and David would like to have another baby last fall. Instead Emma had purposely forgot about it. Of course, no one else had mentioned anything about a new baby in months, either. She supposed a part of her assumed her parents had forgotten about their plans to have a baby, too.

Obviously they hadn't. Snow and David were overjoyed that a new baby would soon be here. All their dreams were coming true, after all. Meanwhile, Emma was falling into a nightmare. She remembered the last time her parents had a new baby.

"Hello, Emma" said the lady in the new house. Children yelled in the background. "Are you here to stay with us?"

Emma shrugged and nodded. This was supposed to be her new home. That's what her parents told her.

"Let me show you your new bed, Emma," the lady told her brightly. "We're happy you'll be staying with us."

"Will you come, too?" she asked her parents, a little nervous about being in a new place, full of children she didn't know.

Her parents sighed and nodded. So the lady showed Emma her new bed. It was in a room with six bunk beds. Emma got the bottom bunk in the corner. "Does this look nice?"

"Do you like it?" her parents asked.

"Sure," Emma replied. Her parents smiled at her and put her suitcase on the bed. "So where's your bed going to be?" She knew she was supposed to sleep in her own bed, but sometimes it got too scary. With this new place and all these new children…Emma might need her parents' bed.

Her father sighed and knelt down closer to Emma. "I thought we explained this earlier to you, sweetie. We won't be staying here with you."

Emma seemed to remember them telling her that before, but she knew it wasn't true. "What do you mean? Your Mommy and Daddy! I need you!"

Her mother shook her head. "Emma, you're a big girl now. You don't need us all the time anymore. I have a new person in here," she patted her stomach, "who will need me more soon. The grown – ups here will take care of you."

"Don't worry, Emma," her father finished, patting Emma's shoulder. And they left. Emma threw a tantrum, screaming "Come back! Come back!" But they didn't. They'd chosen their new baby over Emma.

Now Emma had a different set of parents, but she knew the same thing was happening all over again. She listened as Snow talked excitedly about her next obstetrician appointment, where they would see how the baby was developing. Emma dreaded those appointments, as they only showed how much closer the baby was coming to replace her. David even mentioned he'd like to try making the cradle for the new baby. Emma couldn't help compare the hand – made cradle this baby would receive as a newborn to the highway Emma had ended up on. It just wasn't fair.

David took care of Snow, of course. He tried to buy her whatever food she asked for, he let her lie down whenever she appeared tired, and forbade anyone in the house from using peanut butter (since it made Snow very nauseous). It was nice that Snow had a husband to take care of her, Emma supposed. But as David took care of Snow, he didn't take care of Emma. Emma did still have a broken pelvis, after all. Okay, so Emma could sit by herself now, and even walk with a walker, but it wasn't the same. Before Snow became pregnant, David always made sure Emma was all right. Now? He never even asked Emma how she was doing. Emma never thought she'd miss her parents hovering over her while she was weak. But Emma knew this was only the beginning. Soon, they wouldn't pay any attention to her at all. She was being replaced. It made her angry and hurt.

It was ironic that only a month ago, Emma was in the hospital, surrounded by family and friends that loved her. She didn't enjoy being in the hospital, of course, but she couldn't help but notice that she wasn't as loved now as she was then. It would only get worse as the new baby became bigger and eventually came out of Snow's stomach.

If Emma could leave the house, she would. Unfortunately, she still had a broken pelvis. Even though she was recovering, she still needed the stupid walker. The only place she was able to go was to physical therapy at the hospital. (Snow still met her after the therapy was done, but Emma knew that would change soon.) What made it even worse is that Henry was so excited about the new baby. He wanted to help David build the cradle. He wanted to go to the obstetrician appointments, too. He constantly asked how soon they would be able to feel the baby inside Snow. And Henry was quite upset that Emma wasn't excited as well. Emma felt guilty for upsetting her son, but she wasn't sure how to deal with it. So Emma ended up spending a lot of time alone in her room. Her family probably liked it better that way anyway, because they could talk about the baby all the time if they wanted.

Ruby still came by sometimes, and she seemed sympathetic to Emma. She even asked Emma how she felt about the new baby. When Emma told Ruby her feelings, Ruby commented she had expected as much, and she understood. But Ruby also talked to Snow about her pregnancy. Snow was also working on a veil for Ruby's wedding. Emma didn't like sharing her best friend with her mother. She knew Ruby had been her mother's friend first, but Emma and Ruby had shared so much over the last two years. Wasn't there anyone that would put Emma first?

Killian was her salvation. He would come to the house to see Emma, rather than to talk about the new baby. She knew he would never replace her. He told her he loved her regularly now, and Emma even said it back. He made her smile and laugh. They kissed, and it made Emma's knees weak in a way that had nothing to do with her injury. More than that, Killian's kiss made Emma feel loved as well. Special. Maybe he would put Emma first.

Eventually, Emma's doctor's told her she could replace the walker with a cane. She thought that was wonderful news, because a cane allowed her more mobility. She would even be able to return to work if she was using a cane. When Snow saw her come out of physical therapy with a cane, she threw her arms around Emma.

"I'm so happy your finally getting better, Emma! This is great. We should go out to dinner to celebrate. You could bring Killian, too, if you wanted to."

Emma shrugged. She was rather surprised that Snow was willing to celebrate something for Emma now, but she wasn't sure she was ready to be around her parents that much yet. They still made her feel angry and hurt. "No, I think I'd rather just go to dinner with Killian. I've been wanting to have a dinner date with him for a long time." That was true, actually. She and Killian hadn't had a proper date since she'd been in the hospital, and they'd said "I love you."

Snow looked disappointed. "I see," she said slowly. "Just don't be out too late, I suppose."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Killian was all too eager to take Emma to dinner to celebrate replacing her walker with a cane. He came in the house, grinning from ear – to – ear. "Let's see that cane, Swan!"

Emma smiled at him, walking across the room using only the cane to guide her. It was a wonderful feeling, and the look Killian was giving her made it even better.

"That's great, Mom," Henry commented, watching as well. "Hi Killian. Where are you taking my mom?"

"I thought we'd just try that McDonald's place again," Killian replied. "If that's okay, Emma."

Emma shrugged. "That's fine."

"Can you bring me home an extra hamburger?" Henry asked. Emma looked between her boyfriend and her son, enjoying the interaction. For the last couple of weeks, she'd noticed Henry had tried to initiate more conversations with Killian. She thought was great.

"Henry, we'll be eating dinner soon, too, you know," David reminded him. It smelled like ham.

"Yeah, but I'm growing, Grandpa! I can never have enough!" he replied.

"Yeah, actually that sounds good. Will you buy a couple for me, too?" Snow added from the living room.

And of course, her mother had to ruin the easy moment by reminding everyone she was pregnant. "Let's go, Killian," Emma told him firmly, before he could answer the question.

"So how does it feel to be free?" Killian asked as they hobbled to the bus stop.

"A lot slower than I'd like," Emma grumbled, still supporting herself with the cane. "But after being stuck in that house so long with my parents – wonderful!"

"It's the first time I've seen you smile in a long time," Killian commented, rubbing his thumbs over her mouth. "I've missed it."

"Me too," Emma admitted. Then she leaned into his hands as he began caressing her even more. "And I've missed you, too." They kissed, deeply.

"You know, that's actually one of the reasons I was thinking of going to McDonald's," Killian told her when they finally came up for air.

"Huh?"

"Missing you that is. I mean, missing each other. If we order or food to go, we can take the food back to my apartment. I thought since your almost recovered…maybe…well, our relationship is a lot more solid than it used to be. I love you, Emma, and I know you love me. So – "

" – We might be able to have sex?" Emma finished as she realized what he was trying to imply.

Killian nodded. "I'd like to think it's more than sex with us at this point."

"Of course." And it was. Emma just wasn't used to thinking about the deeper meaning of it.

"So McDonalds? And then my apartment?"

"Absolutely."

OOOOOOOOOOO

Eventually they were able to hobble to the bus stop to take them to the McDonalds. After the longest bus trip Emma had ever ridden, they arrived at the restaurant and quickly bought their food. Then they made their way to Kilian's apartment.

"That's weird," Killian commented. "Something smells like it's burning." He sniffed the air

"It's not really the right neighborhood for barbeque," Emma commented. "And it's a little early for it anyway." She sniffed the air, too. "Actually I think that's a burning building. I seem to remember hearing some fire sirens earlier. I hope everyone got out okay."

And then they turned the corner and looked up. Killian's apartment building was on fire.

This is Sara's PSA: Don't drink and drive. Don't even drive if you might be drunk. I don't care if you're just going to the corner store. Just don't.

And please given me some reviews. Here's a response from the last chapter.

Misscam: Yes, it can be hard to read/see one of our favorite couples arguing, but I like to show the couples that I write about going through real – world problems (like family, stress, and even fighting between the two of them). And I believe even a couple with "True Love Magic" can have fights under the right circumstances. Glad you understand about the stress. Also glad you liked the romantic moments in the chapter. (Not that it surprises me. ) And looks like you were right about the pregnancy!