A:N WARNING: talk of abuse. I do not own OUAT, or their characters but the story is all my own. - BS
You call to me, and I fall at your feet
How could anyone ask for more?
Chapter 2- Reunion
Emma was putting the finishing touches on her hair when her father came down stairs.
"Em, I got a call. An accident by the town line. Rain-check?" David looked at his daughter solemnly.
"Sure, Dad no problem." She gave him a smile. "I'll text Regina and see if she's free. Be safe."
"Always am." David kissed her on her forehead. "Call you when I'm done?"
"Sounds good." Emma pulled her phone out as her father left.
Emma: Hey Gina. Granny's in 10?
Not even a minute went by and she got a response.
Regina: Oh my god you're alive, and home?! I will see you in 10 minutes! Usual booth!
Emma: Yes, your majesty. I'll see you soon. :)
Emma smiled and put the finishing touches on her makeup. It had been far too long since She had seen her two best friends and they had much to talk about.
Emma pulled up to Granny's Diner and parked on the street. She checked herself one more time, her makeup and sunglasses hiding her eye well. She got out of her car and walked up to the door. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and walked inside. The smell of fresh coffee and bacon assaulted her nose; it was like coming home.
"Emma Nolan, you best get over here right now!" Granny's voice rang over the noise. Emma smiled at the elderly woman and walked quickly to the end of the bar, when Granny pulled her into a tight hug. "It's good to see you baby girl."
"You too, Granny." Emma squeezed the elderly woman back just as fiercely. "How have you been?" Granny released her and took a small step back.
"Business as usual, Marco driving me crazy, and my grand-kids driving me even crazier." Granny smiled at her, "I won't ask now, but I need to see that eye."
"Granny," Emma whispered sharply, "How did you know?"
"You're not the first battered woman to cross my path my girl. However, I do have a cross bow, so god help him if he crosses my path." Emma let out a laugh and hugged Granny tightly.
At that moment the women heard a high pitch squeal come from the back of the diner. As Emma looked up a very excited Ruby was bounding her way to Emma. Ruby was tall, and Her long brown hair was straightened and the red streaks in her hair were peeking through. Her body was fit, and she had legs for days and her big grey eyes looked like they were going to pop when she saw Emma. She was dressed in tight black jeans, black boot, a black tank top with a red button up over the top and of course her signature bright red lipstick. Ruby had been her best friend for the past 15 years, through the ups and downs she had always been there; which why she was now hitting Emma like a freight train.
"I will kill you the next time you scare me like that!" Ruby squealed, pulling Emma into a tight hug. "What happened? Are you ok? Where's Walsh? Who Do I have to kill?"
"Would you give her 5 seconds to breathe?" a voice from behind her said.
Emma turned around and saw Regina standing there with her son Roland on her hip, "The woman obviously hasn't even had her coffee yet Rubs!"
"Auntie Emma!" The three-year-old squirmed out of his mother's arms and ran to her like no time had passed.
"Hey Roland!" Emma got down low and caught him in her arms. "Did you miss me?"
"Uh-huh! Whawe hafe you been?"
"That's excellent question." Regina piped in, hugging Emma tightly
Regina was another one of Emma's oldest friends. She met Regina when She was 15, and they were both going through a rebellious stage. When they went to college, Regina buckled down, got a 4.0 and a degree in public administration. Regina was tall, had black hair that was cut shoulder length, and chocolate brown eyes. She was a little curvier than Ruby, but just as drop dead gorgeous. She was the town's new mayor, the youngest ever voted in and a town prodigy.
The three women and a squirmy toddler made their way back to the most secluded booth in the back of the restaurant, Emma having her back toward the door. It wasn't very crowded this morning thankfully, but Emma didn't want peering eyes to see her face. Granny had her head cook Leroy take over for the moment, so she could join the girls.
"Ok Em," Ruby chided. "Spill. We haven't been allowed to see you since your wedding."
Unfortunately, Ruby wasn't wrong. They had tried to visit her in Boston over many different occasions and the only reason they were allowed at the wedding was because Emma refused to get married without them. She took a deep breath, and knew it was now or never.
"I will tell you what happened, but I won't take my glasses off around Roland, he doesn't need to see this; deal?"
All three women nodded in agreement.
"Ok," Emma took a large drink of coffee. "It started after the honeymoon, he was acting... I don't know… different. He was becoming more controlling. When I took that business trip to Los Angeles he cleaned the apartment and threw a bunch of my belongings away without asking me. When I got mad and told him he had no right to do that, He told me if I didn't like how he cleaned his house I could leave."
"His house?" Regina echoed
"Yup. Anyways, after that He started accusing me of cheating on him and sleeping around because I was talking to our friend station in Okinawa."
"Wait, do you mean Lancelot?" Ruby interrupted.
"Yup."
"Didn't Gwenivere just leave him?"
"Yup for Arthur. I wanted to send him a Christmas card and Walsh had a freak out."
"That's crap." Regina inputted. "Continue Emma."
"After he saw me talking to Lance, he started going through my phone all the time; like twice a week. That's why I hadn't been in contact much. The last serious conversation I had with someone got me in trouble."
"The one where you asked Robin what you should do since you didn't feel safe? That conversation?" Regina asked quietly.
Emma nodded, taking another drink of coffee. "He got so mad at me for that, told me I had no reason not to feel safe. That was the last time I came home, you know for Elsa's birthday?" Both women nodded. "Well I had talked to my mother about what was happened, and she told me to stand my ground and not let him go through my phone anymore. That night was the first time he…" Emma trailed off gesturing to her face. Regina, Granny and Ruby all shared a knowing look.
"Hey mommy," Roland piped up, "Can I go play outside wif Alice?" The three women glanced out the window and saw a girl from his daycare playing with her parents.
"Sure baby just stay in sight."
"Otay!" The boy ran out the door with excitement, making the ladies laugh.
"Anyway Emma," Granny said as she refilled their mugs with fresh coffee. "Continue."
"Things got progressively worse. His temper got worse and he no longer hid it. I would get hit for bad dinner, not a clean enough house, not being home on time, you name it." Emma took a deep breath and removed her glasses. The gasps that echoed around the table were not helping, even with her makeup on you could see the severity of her bruising.
"I am going to fucking kill him." Regina growled.
"Get in line." Ruby spat.
"I have a crossbow and I never miss!" Granny piped up, easing the tension at the table.
Regina put her arm around Emma and Ruby grabbed her hand from across the table, "Emma, honey," Ruby began. "Why didn't you tell us how bad it was? Why didn't you leave sooner?"
"You think I wanted this?!" It was a good thing that the dinner was mostly empty now, because she could no longer keep her emotions in check. "I stayed because I am married! I am a wife! Things weren't supposed to be like this! He expects me to be this obedient wife and I can't do that. My parents raised me to be strong, not some needy Mormon wife! But I stayed, and I tried to make it work because I loved him." Emma was sobbing now, her head buried in Regina's shoulder. "It just got to the point I couldn't take it anymore. The point where I left my wedding ring on the table, packed as much as I could in my bug and drove straight here."
The ladies were quiet for a few, dragging moments.
"Babes, that's not love." Regina finally whispered, stroking her hair. "Love doesn't hurt that way, and this is not your fault"
"You think I don't know that Gina? Look at my parents, they are the are the epitome of what love should fucking look like. I had that one and he walked away. I wasn't enough for him, just like I'm not enough for Walsh!"
Emma clasped her hands over her mouth, realizing she had said too much, "Granny, Rubes, I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that to come out."
"It's OK Em," Ruby squeezed her best friend's hand. "You're right."
"But I will tell you this Emma Rose," Granny interjected. "He has regretted it every day since he made that dumb-ass decision."
Emma laughed, did she ever mention how much she loves Granny?
"We will get to that subject in a minute." Regina scoffed. "What are you going to now?"
"Well, he sent me some pretty nasty text messages, and he left me a voicemail I haven't listened to yet. My dad thinks we should change my number after I file for divorce."
"Let me see your phone."
Emma got her phone out and set it on the table. The women passed around her phone reading the messages, each getting angrier the more they read. After the read the texts, Emma put her voicemail on speaker. Walsh's voice spilled the small space between them.
"Emma you bitch! You have been doing nothing but manipulating me ever since I caught you cheating! As if I was the one who did something wrong and you fucking know it! I don't understand why you say you're willing to work with me when You just up and fucking left! You need to come home and love me and be a fucking wife! I do love you I will call you later. You just make me so angry and… Fuck!"
All was silent again, and Emma's tears streamed down her face.
"But, you never cheated on him." Ruby whispered.
"I know, but there's no telling him different."
"Not in the wrong? Does hitting you not count as being in the wrong?" Regina was borderline yelling.
"Apparently not."
"Well I agree with David, that you should change your number." Granny interjected. "But Emma, are you sure this is what you want, Divorce is a tough decision."
Emma nodded slowly, "I am, if I stay he'll kill me."
"A wise decision my dear." Granny patted her hand.
"So, what's Milah like?"
Granny, Ruby, and Regina all groaned and rolled their eyes. Emma tried not to giggle at the sight.
"Was it something I said?" Emma said with a laugh.
"She is a dumb broad." Granny sneered. Emma's eyes went wide, she had never heard Granny use such language in her entire life.
"She is such a bitch." Regina huffed, taking a large swig of coffee. "She won't let us see him. Hell, the only time he ever gets to see Robin is when he goes to the bar. Ever since they got together, she has treated him like her boy-toy, and ever since their engagement it has only gotten worse."
"She got mad at us for defending him,' Ruby piped in, "Granny, Liam and I. With some of their fights, she had come to us for advice when he had been being an ass, which you know he can do." Emma nodded in agreement. "Anyway, this particular fight he hadn't done anything wrong and so we came to his defense. She didn't like that, so now we only get to see him at her say so."
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Emma couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"As a heart attack." Granny answered. Marco does his best to play peacekeeper, bless his heart, but it doesn't work." Granny paused a moment, "He still asks about you dear, quite often actually."
Emma gave Granny a tight-lipped smile. "Thanks Granny, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything."
"Oh my god!" Ruby cried exasperatedly. 'Why do you two have to be so fucking stubborn!" She stood up abruptly and went behind the bar.
"Where is she going?" Regina asked Granny, Granny just shrugged. Ruby reappeared to the table with a bottle of rum and four shot glasses.
"Ruby what the hell?" Emma giggled. "Its 10:00 in the morning."
"Yup! And after a conversation like that I say we all deserve a shot."
The four women took their libations and Granny and Ruby went back to work, needing to get things ready for the lunch rush.
"I have to get going too." Regina groaned, "I have to drop Roland off and get to the office. But, are you busy tonight?"
"No, I don't think so," Emma contemplated, "What's up?"
"Well I wanted to invite you over for dinner and then we could go to the bar afterward."
'"I better be invited to that bar!" Ruby's voice sounded from the back-store room.
Regina laughed, "I figured you could use a girl's night out. If you get too drunk to drive, you could always stay with me."
"Or me!" There was Ruby again.
Emma laughed, "Of course! That sounds great! What time for dinner?"
"7:00 sharp. Don't be late."
"Yes, your majesty." Emma mocked a bow.
Regina flipped her off then pulled her in for a tight hug. "I missed you Em, and I'm glad your home. I'll see you tonight." Regina then left with a flair to gather Roland and get on with her morning.
Emma downed the last of her coffee and put her sunglasses back on. Before leaving the diner, she had a thought.
"Hey Granny?" Emma called out. "Can I get a coffee and a hot chocolate to go? Hot chocolate with..."
"With cinnamon," Granny interrupted. "Don't you act like I don't know how you take your hot chocolate missy."
Emma put her hands up in defeat, "Yes ma'am."
She paid and turned to leave when she smashed into the equivalent of a tree, splashing the hot drinks everywhere.
"Really?" Emma huffed out in annoyance, grabbing a handful on napkins to wipe off her jacket. Thankfully it was leather, so the sticky mess wiped off easily.
"So sorry love." The voice said. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Let me replace them for you."
Emma froze. She knew that voice; soothing, deep and the British accent laced through, it was the one that haunted her dreams. She surveyed the stranger slowly. A tone body was displayed before her. He was dressed in light wash blue jeans that were tight, a black V-neck t shirt and a black leather jacket. He was tall, black hair was going every which way, and then she locked with blue, crystal eyes that haunted her every thought.
"Killian?"
Killian looked down at her, and couldn't believe his eyes. Golden curls were strewn back to avoid the mess, while sweater and a red leather jacket that looked like one he had given someone many years ago. Black jeans hugged her hips and she was wearing tall black boots. This person had sunglasses on, but he would know that lulling voice anywhere.
"Emma?"
Emma gave him a tight-lipped smile, "Don't worry about the coffee." She then did what she did best lately; She pushed past him and ran right out the front door.
Killian looked at Granny in a panic and followed Emma out the door not 30 seconds later.
"Go Figure," Granny huffed. "The day he decides to drag his ass in here to see us, is the day she comes home." Ruby laughed and shook her head. The pair continued getting ready for the lunch rush in compatible silence.
"Emma!" Killian called after her as she ran down the sidewalk past her car. "Emma, wait!" He started to run. He needed to see her, to talk to her.
Emma ran faster, needing to distance herself from before doing something stupid like launching herself into him and never letting him go.
"Emma! Bloody hell, lass wait!" Killian shouted behind her
No, no, no! This is not happening right now! Emma thought, she took a sharp turn down an alley, and Killian followed her step for step.
Bloody hell, I'm an idiot, Killian thought. "SWAN! STOP!"
Emma stopped dead in her tracks as did Killian. She turned around slowly. He used a nickname he gave her in high school, so many years ago. For a moment it seemed as if the world had stopped as they stared at each other, chests heaving, the energy in the air thick.
"Bloody hell Emma." Killian panted, bending over putting his hands on his knees. "Where did you learn to run like that?"
"That's what happens when you chase down criminals for a living." Emma huffed out. She was leaning against the wall trying to catch her breath.
"Bail bonds?" Killian stood, moving a little bit closer to her.
She nodded, watching him carefully behind her sunglasses.
Killian stood there for a moment, as the charged energy swirled between them, bordering on tension and awkwardness.
"When did you move back?" Emma asked quietly. Looking down at her feet.
"Two years ago. After I got out of the prison halfway house things weren't so easy for me. I finished school, and that's where I met Milah. After we were together for a while I convinced her to move back here with me since we were struggling so much."
Emma nodded, doing her best to act like this wasn't affecting her but Killian could see her cringe at the sound of Milah's name.
"When did you get back?" Killian asked her quietly.
Emma shifted her weight and looked up at him, "Last night."
"Where is Walsh?"
"How did you know his name?"
"I have my ways."
"Your ways are Ruby, that's not a big secret."
"Stop avoiding, where is he?"
"Why do you care?"
"Because I do! Emma I never stopped caring about you, not ever!"
Emma was in shocked into silence. Of all the things that she expected him to say, she wasn't expecting that.
"How much do you know, Killian?" Emma whispered softly.
Killian scratched behind his right ear and avoided her gaze. Oh god, don't do that. Emma thought. He was adorable when he did that.
"A lot more than you think I do."
Emma nodded. Of course, he would know more than she wanted him to. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. "Walsh is still in Boston."
"Why?"
"It's a long story."
"I have time."
"I don't. I have to go meet with my dad."
Killian nodded, and looked down at the ground. "Can I see you soon? We really do need to talk."
Emma nodded in silent response. "I am going out with Regina and Ruby tonight to the Rabbit Hole. If you are allowed off your leash, that's where I'll be."
Killian let out a stifled laugh, "Ah, so you know about that?"
"I know more than you know." Emma mocked in his tone.
Killian laughed, and the pair stood locked in a heated gaze, as if the world had stopped existing other than the two of them.
"Well I should go..." Emma began, absentmindedly putting her sunglasses on her head. Once she realized what she did, she froze, and the look Killian gave her shattered her heart. He looked at her in horror, shock and anger all at once. Taking her chin gently in his hand, he tilted her face left, then right surveying the damage. Emma closed her eyes, the touch of his fingers sending jolts of electricity through her body.
"I'm going to kill that bastard." Killian growled in a low tone.
"Hey, Don't worry about it." Emma took a step back and put her sunglasses back on, "Ruby and Regina have first dibs."
What happened after that was the last thing Emma expected. Killian pulled her in hard for a hug, pressing her completely against him. She felt his warm torso, and his strong arms around her. For the first time in years she felt safe.
Killian broke the hug first, taking a step back. "Well I should let you get to your father."
Emma nodded, "Yeah I guess so." She turned to walk away, and his voice stopped her.
"I'll see you tonight."
Emma stopped and looked over her shoulder at him, "Sure you will." She kept walking and turn up the street.
Killian lingered a moment and leaned against the wall, his head falling back.
What the fuck just happened?