CaptainSwan Forever

“You’re sure he’s not going to be home?” Killian asked, as they sat in his car outside the condo she used to share with Neal.

“Yeah, his car is gone. He leaves for work at nine. Of course, that’s when he’s supposed to be there, but he’s always late,” she said, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

“How does he keep his job, then?”

“Oh, he works for his dear old dad at a pawn shop, and I use the word ‘works’ very loosely. I think he spends most of the day placing bets on sporting events.”

“Sounds like a real loser,” Killian commented, then shot a look at Emma. “Sorry, lass. I didn’t mean to…”

She held up a hand to stop him. “No worries. I’ve come to the same conclusion. Unfortunately, it took me way too long to figure it out.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, until Killian asked, “How long are we going to wait?”

She pointed at a condo three doors down from Neal’s. “His buddy Walsh lives there. If he sees me, he’ll let Neal know for sure,” she informed him. “That’s why I asked if we could use your car, so he wouldn’t recognize my bug.”

“Does this Walsh bloke leave for work at a certain time?”

“No, he works second shift, but he always goes for a run at ten.” She looked over at Killian. “I’m sorry you had to take off work to do this, but I was afraid if we waited any longer…”

“I don’t mind at all, Swan,” he assured her. “I haven’t taken a day off since I moved here, so I was due for one. I can think of no better reason than helping you rescue your dogs.”

The door to Walsh’s condo opened and the man stepped outside, dressed in a neon green T-shirt and black shorts. Emma slouched down in the car seat, watching over the top of the dashboard as he stretched. Finally, he turned and jogged off in the opposite direction.

Once he was out of sight, Emma flung open the car door and jumped out. Killian followed, running behind her as she sprinted to the front door. Pulling out her key with shaking fingers, she glanced in both directions, then fitted the key in the lock, opened the door, and slipped inside.

Killian entered and closed the door behind him, then turned to see the joyous reunion between Emma and her dogs. They were jumping on her as she knelt, smothering her with wet dog kisses as their tails wagged so hard, their whole bodies were wiggling.

“Where are their bowls and food?” he asked, following through on the plan the two of them concocted over the phone the evening before.

“In the kitchen.” She pointed him in the right direction, then got to her feet to grab their leashes from the hook by the front door.

He soon returned with a partial bag of food, several bags of treats, and their food and water bowls. Emma was busy tossing scattered toys into a toy basket sitting in the corner of the room.

“I’ll take these out to the car and come back to get their beds and toys,” Killian said, quickly moving toward the door. When he returned, Emma had all the toys gathered and was carrying two dog beds out of the bedroom.

“Neal always hated that I let the dogs sleep in our bedroom. He said it affected our sex life. Apparently that’s what drove him to sleep with someone else.”

Killian looked up at her from where he was bent over picking up the basket of toys. “The bloody wanker cheated on you?” he asked, disgust evident in his voice.

“Yeah. That’s the main reason why we broke up.”

“Have you considered hiring a hit man?” At her startled look, he added, “I’m just kidding, lass…for the most part, at least.”

Emma laughed lightly as she hooked a leash onto Oscar’s collar. “Not that he doesn’t deserve it, but I’d rather not spend the rest of my life in jail because of him.” Straightening up, she looked around the room. “I think that’s everything. We better get going.”

He collected the beds from the floor. “I’ll follow you out and secure the door.”

“Wait! I need to take them out back and let them do their business or they might do it in your car.”

“Is there time?”

“Yeah,” she called over her shoulder, already on her way through the kitchen. “We have at least another ten minutes before Walsh comes home.” She returned in less than a minute. “Okay, we’re good now.”

They left the condo, bundling the dogs and the last of the supplies into the car, then climbing in themselves. Killian started the car and smoothly pulled away from the curb, leisurely driving down the street so as not to draw undue attention.

Emma blew out a sigh of relief. “I wonder what Neal will do when he comes home and finds out they’re gone. He’s gonna be furious because he lost his bargaining chips.”

“Do you think he’ll turn his anger on you? From the way you’ve described him…”

“Well, I blocked him on my phone and all of my social media accounts, so he shouldn’t have any way to contact me. He also has no idea where my apartment is located. When I had my mail forwarded, I rented a PO box. The only thing I’m worried about is him coming to the restaurant.”

“Do you think he will?”

“Probably, but if he comes in and makes a scene, my manager will call the police. She did it before when Ella’s stepmother came in and started screaming at her for stealing her jewelry. It turned out her own daughter did it.”

“Perhaps I should be there during your shift tonight.”

Emma shook her head vehemently. “No, I don’t want him to know anything about you. I’ll warn August that he might show up. He’ll have my back.”

Killian glanced in his rearview mirror. “Your dogs are very well behaved.”

She turned to look at them, reaching back to pat each one on the head. “They love car rides, don’t you, my babies?”

“It’s very clear how much they love you, Swan. Thank you for trusting me to take care of them.”

“I was still mulling over your offer before I talked to Neal last night, but when he said he was going to have them euthanized, I knew I had to take you up on it. As hateful as he was towards me on the phone, I’m pretty sure he would have followed through with it.”

Killian’s jaw ticked in anger. “If he ever threatens you or makes you feel unsafe in any way, please tell me. If August has your back at the restaurant, I’ll have your back outside of it. We’ll do all we can to protect you from that prat.”

“I don’t even know how it got to this point,” Emma sighed. “Two months ago, I couldn’t imagine spending my life with anyone else but Neal. Now, I need protection from him.”

“I’m sorry, Emma.”

“You don’t need to apologize. It’s not your fault he turned into Mr. Hyde.”

“Aye, but I’m still sorry that your future plans have been dashed.”

“Yeah, me too.”

The rest of the ride to Killian’s house was quiet, except for the sounds of the dogs panting and occasionally whining in the back seat. When they arrived, he carried the supplies into the house, while she took the dogs through the gate to the backyard to start acclimating them to their new environment.

Soon, Killian joined them, smiling as he watched Oscar and Sophie sniffing and exploring the yard. “They seem comfortable already,” he observed.

Emma nodded in agreement. “Sophie adjusted pretty quickly when I moved in with Neal, and like I said, Oscar is very easy-going.” They watched as Oscar chose a spot and began to poop.

“Oh, crap,” she said. “Literally. I forgot to grab the pooper scooper out of the laundry room.”

“No problem,” Killian said, pulling out his phone. “I’ll order some waste bags from Amazon. They should be here tomorrow.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can order them myself.”

“I don’t mind. They’re not expensive.”

“Look, we need to get something straight. I don’t expect you to buy things for my dogs. You’re already providing a temporary place for them to live. You don’t need to be spending money on them on top of it.”

“The bags are four dollars, Swan. That’s not going to break my bank account. I promise.”

She put her hands on her hips, pursing her lips. “Killian…”

“The next time I’m at the restaurant, you can buy me a drink to pay me back.”

“I get drinks for free.”

“Even better,” he grinned.

She rolled her eyes. “Are you always this stubborn?”

“No. Sometimes I’m even worse.” If possible, his grin grew a little bigger.

“Well, thank you, but please don’t buy anything else. I already owe you big time.”

“You don’t owe me anything. When I was a kid, my brother and I had a dog. It’s one of my favorite childhood memories. I always wanted to adopt another one once I had my own place, but everywhere I’ve lived hasn’t permitted pets. So, you see, you’re actually doing me a favor by allowing your dogs to stay here.”

Emma glanced at her smart watch. “I have to be at work in less than two hours. I should go home, get a shower and eat some lunch. Do you think you’ll be okay with them?”

“Aye, we’ll be fine. I’ll take them inside and let them get acquainted with the place.”

“Well, I guess I’ll see you two later then,” she said, kneeling down to gather her dogs and give them a hug. “My shift is over at eight. Would it be okay if I stop in to see them afterwards?”

“Of course. Just make sure your ex doesn’t follow you here.”

She stood and brushed off the knees of her jeans. “I didn’t even think of that. I’ll be cautious.” After scratching Sophie behind the ears and rubbing Oscar’s throat, explaining those were their favorite places to be petted, she turned and walked toward the gate. “I’ll call you before I leave for work to see how they’re doing. Thanks again, Killian.”

“You’re welcome, Emma.”

*********

Emma was twenty minutes into her dinner break when Neal came storming into the restaurant and over to the bar where she was sitting. “What the fuck, Ems?” he hollered. “How dare you break into MY place! And why aren’t you answering your phone? I’ve called you a million times and it keeps going straight to voicemail!”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw August move around the bar to stand beside her. She had told him what she and Killian did as soon as she got to work that afternoon and he assured her he would protect her if Neal showed up.

She took a deep breath then spoke in what she hoped sounded like a steady voice. “First of all, I didn’t break in because I still have a key. Besides, I paid more than my share of the rent the entire time I lived with you, so technically, it’s more my place than yours. To answer your second question, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m working and haven’t had time to look at my phone.” She lifted her chin and met his furious gaze. “And besides, I blocked your number.”

Neal’s face reddened with rage and his hands balled into fists. “You did what?”

August stepped in front of her, stating firmly, “Leave her alone, Cassidy.”

“Stay out of it, Booth! This is none of your business!”

“Maybe not, but Emma is my friend and I’m not going to stand here and listen to you scream at her.”

Neal stepped forward until he was nose-to-nose with August. “This BITCH,” he spat, “broke into my house while I was at work…”

“Didn’t you hear her? She didn’t break in. And she went in to rescue her own dogs,” August said calmly.

“Did she give them to you?” Neal questioned loudly, his face showing even more anger at being cut off.

August shook his head. “No. I’m allergic to dogs.”

“Then where the fuck are they?”

The bartender shrugged unconcernedly. “I don’t know.” It wasn’t a lie, since he didn’t know where Killian lived.

Neal stepped to his left to focus on Emma again. “Don’t think this is over, Ems! When I find those mutts…”

“Why do you want to find them?” she interrupted. “Obviously you hate them or you wouldn’t have threatened to have them killed. They’re not your problem anymore, so just let it go.”

“You’ll pay for this, Emma,” Neal growled. “Nobody makes a fool out of me!”

As he turned to stalk away, Emma couldn’t stop herself from saying, “Nobody has to, Neal. You do a good enough job of that all by yourself.”

He whirled around and had his finger in her face before August could move to stop him. “I will find those fucking dogs and when I do, I’ll chop them into bite-sized pieces and sell them to a Chinese restaurant!”

Emma’s face was ashen as she watched him stomp out the door. Turning to August, she whispered, “Do you think he’ll be able to find them?”

“Not if you’re careful for the next couple of weeks” he assured her. “Knowing Neal, he’ll lose interest in finding them after that.”

“That’s true. He has the attention span of a gnat. Hopefully he’ll move on and be out of my life soon.”

*********

Emma called Killian as soon as her shift was over. “How are they?” she blurted.

“Hello to you, too, Swan,” he chuckled.

“Sorry. I just…”

“No worries. The dogs are absolutely fine. Sophie slept most of the day and Oscar has been exploring the house. I think he decided his favorite spot is my bedroom, so I put his bed in there.”

“Well, I’ll warn you - he snores.”

Killian laughed again. “I probably do, too. Will you be coming by to see them?”

She sighed. “I can’t. Neal came into the restaurant tonight and his car hasn’t left the parking lot. He’s obviously planning on following me when I leave and he’s not even being sneaky about it.”

“Are you going to be alright?” he asked, concern very evident in his voice.

“Yeah. I’m going to spend the night at my friend Mary Margaret’s. She’s one of the other waitresses and her boyfriend is a police officer.”

“How did Neal act toward you when he came in?”

“He was awful. August was there for me, though.”

“I’m so sorry, Emma.”

“Thanks, but you don’t need to apologize. He’s a jerk and I’m the idiot who got involved with him.”

“Any man who treats a lovely lass like you the way he has is the idiot, Swan.”

Emma was glad he couldn’t see the blush she knew was filling her cheeks. “Well, in any case, I don’t know when I’ll be able to come by your house. I have a feeling Neal is going to be relentless for a few days. He’s furious about me taking the dogs and blocking his number.”

“Once you get to your friend’s place, why don’t you Facetime me so you can at least see them?”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not. I’m sure you’ll sleep better seeing for yourself that they are truly settled in here.”

“Okay, I’ll talk to you in a little while, then. Thanks, Killian.”

“You really don’t have to keep thanking me.”

“I just want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’re doing. You’re a hero in my eyes.”

“I’m happy to help any way I can. I’ll be awaiting your call. Be careful, Emma.”

*********

Thank you for reading and for your feedback

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Emma Swan entered the back door of the restaurant, slamming it behind her. After preparing herself for her shift, she went into the employee’s bathroom to check her reflection in the mirror. Just as she expected, her eyes were red and puffy and her face splotchy. She grabbed a paper towel, ran it under cold water, and dabbed around her eyes, trying not to completely ruin her makeup. It already looked worse for wear from the crying she did on the way to work.

“Stupid, fucking Neal,” she ground out, using another towel to pat her face dry. “What did I ever see in him anyway?” When the woman in the mirror didn’t offer an answer, she sighed and tossed the wad of paper in the trash can on the way out the door.

She checked her table assignments, relieved to see she didn’t have any of the bigger tables. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with large parties of people tonight. Plastering on a smile, she headed to the booth in the corner to take their order.

After turning in their food order to the kitchen, she went to the bar to place their drink order.

“Hello, Emma,” the bartender greeted.

“Hey, August,” she replied. Of the three bartenders she worked with, he was her favorite. She recited the four drinks she needed, but August didn’t move to start making them.

“You seem upset,” he observed. “What did your rat bastard ex do now?”

“It’s that apparent, huh?”

“It is to me.”

She leaned on the bar, fighting back fresh tears. “He says he’s going to take my dogs to the animal shelter.”

“You’re kidding!” August blurted.

Emma shook her head. “I wish I was.”

“I thought he liked the dogs.”

“He does, or at least he acted like he did,” she shrugged. “He’s just doing it to get back at me. He knows I can’t have them in my apartment, so he’s threatening to take them to the shelter to try to get me to move back in with him.”

“What an absolute dick,” August said, as he set out the drink glasses.

“Yeah,” she sighed again. “What am I going to do? I can’t let Sophie and Oscar go to the animal shelter! They’re like my own kids. It was hard enough to leave them behind when I moved out, but I had no other choice. I had to get away from Neal and I couldn’t find a place on such short notice that would allow pets.” Her words ended on a stifled sob.

“I’d be willing to foster them until you find a place for you and your dogs.”

Emma’s tear-filled eyes swung to the man at the bar who had spoken with a British accent. He held his hand out to her. “Killian Jones.”

She hesitantly shook his offered hand. “Emma Swan.”

“I didn’t intend to eavesdrop, but it was difficult not to when I’m sitting right here. It sounds like you need some help.”

“I do. But why on earth would you offer to help a complete stranger?”

“Well, I love dogs,” he said, ticking the reasons off on his fingers, “I’m renting a home that allows pets and has a fenced-in backyard, and I abhor men who treat women spitefully.”

Emma turned to look at August, who was busy making the drinks while listening to the conversation. “Do you know this guy?”

“Killian’s been in several times. He’s a great tipper,” August grinned, as he set the four filled glasses on Emma’s tray.

Her mind was swirling. She had absolutely no reason to trust this guy, especially since her experiences with trusting men were less than stellar. Still, she had to do something to save her babies. There was a chance that Neal wasn’t serious about his threat, but she wasn’t willing to risk it. He was furious that she had the gall to move out and was vindictive enough to follow through with getting rid of them just to provoke her.

Turning around with her tray, she said, “I’ll tell you what - if you’re still here when I take my break in three hours, I’ll sit down and discuss this with you. If not, I’ll know you weren’t serious. Deal?”

“It’s a deal, lass,” he said with a smile.

Emma continued working her shift, occasionally returning to the bar for mixed drinks. Each time she did during the next two hours, Killian Jones was sitting in the same place, nursing a soda. Whenever she looked his way, he smiled warmly, then turned his attention back to the soccer game on the TV above the bar.

Forty-five minutes before her break, she went to turn in a drink order and noticed the man’s bar stool was empty. Her heart sank a little, because despite telling herself over and over again not to, she had still gotten her hopes up.

August took one look at her face and sent her a commiserating smile, “He’s in the restroom, Emma.”

She tried not to show the relief she felt. “I wasn’t worried. He’s free to leave if he wants,” she said with a shrug.

August rested his forearms on the bar to look her in the eyes. “I’ve been talking to him all evening. He seems like a good guy and he’s serious about taking the dogs.”

“Maybe it’s just his way of getting into my pants.”

“You know how good I am at reading people,” he reminded her. “I don’t get that impression. If I did, I’d toss him out on his ear.”

“Yeah, well, we’ll see, I guess.” She recited the drinks she needed and August got to work.

Just as he was setting the last drink on her tray, Killian Jones returned. He gave her another smile, then checked his phone. “Your break is in about forty minutes, isn’t it, lass?”

“That’s right.”

“Great! I was hoping you would agree to eat with me. I already ordered some food to be ready at that time. August told me what you usually get to eat.”

Emma glanced at August, who was grinning at her. Looking back at Killian, she replied, “Um, sure. I always sit at the bar to eat anyway.”

“She vents to me while she has dinner,” August said.

“Hey, if you didn’t want to hear about people’s problems, you shouldn’t have become a bartender,” Emma huffed.

The two men were chuckling at her response as she picked up her tray and walked away.

The rest of the time until her break seemed to crawl. Finally, she was free to go to the restroom and wash her hands. Looking in the mirror this time, she saw a woman with a genuine smile on her face. She could attribute it to the very appreciative elderly couple to whom she delivered food just before her break, but if she was truly honest, it was also due to the fact that she would be eating dinner with Killian Jones. The man was seriously good-looking and his offer to help gave her hope that she could somehow keep her pets safe.

She pulled the elastic from her hair, combed through it with her fingers, and pulled it back into a neater ponytail. Then she applied some fresh lipstick from the tube she kept tucked in her pocket, feeling a little silly for wanting to make a good impression.

Exiting the restroom, she quickly made her way to the bar and slid onto the stool beside Killian. A steaming plate of chicken alfredo was waiting for her and she gave him a smile of appreciation before picking up her fork. “Thank you for putting in an order for me.”

“I hope August didn’t steer me wrong,” Killian said, getting ready to take his first bite of beef tips.

“He didn’t. I need the carbs to keep me going through the rest of my shift.”

They ate a few bites before he spoke. “Tell me about your dogs.”

Just the thought of her babies brought a smile to her face. “Sophie is an Old English Sheepdog that I’ve had since she was a puppy. She’s four years old now. Oscar is a…well, we’re really not sure of his breed. We got him a few months ago from a lady who was fostering him after he was picked up as a stray.” She pulled her phone from her apron and chose a picture to show him.

“May I?” he asked, wiping his hands on his napkin. At her nod, he used his fingers to zoom in on the picture. “He appears to have a nose and ears like a Shih Tzu, but seems a little bigger. Definitely a mixed breed.”

She was impressed with his apparent knowledge of dogs. “That’s what we thought, too.”

“I love his underbite.”

“Yeah,” she laughed. “That’s what got my attention when I first saw his picture on the website.”

“They’re both very cute dogs,” he said.

Emma nodded in agreement, locking her phone and tucking it away. “They’re my babies.” After taking another bite and swallowing, it was her turn to question him. “So, tell me about yourself, Killian Jones.”

“In case you haven’t already figured it out, I’m from England. I moved to Maine four months ago when the company I work for opened a new office here and asked me to help get it up and running.”

“So you’re just here temporarily?”

“I expect to be here for at least a year, and the way things are going, it may be even longer.”

“It’s that bad?” she asked, cringing slightly.

“Not really bad. It’s just going to take more training than they were planning.”

“What kind of business is it?” she asked before taking a bite of a breadstick.

“Digital design, specializing in boats, yachts and small ships.”

She finished chewing and swallowed. “Sounds interesting.”

“I enjoy it very much,” he agreed. “Now, getting back to your problem…”

“My problem is my asshole ex-boyfriend, as you already heard. I don’t know if he’ll actually follow through on taking them to the dog pound, but I have to take his threat seriously because…let’s just say I wouldn’t put anything past him.”

“Will you be able to get Sophie and Oscar away from him?”

“I’m pretty sure I can. I still have a key and I doubt he went to the trouble of having the locks changed. All I have to do is wait for him to go to work, then I can go in and get them.”

“What will he do when he finds out?”

She shrugged. “I’m sure he’ll be angry, but I’m used to dealing with his temper tantrums. It’s one of the main reasons why I ended our relationship.”

“I’m sorry, lass.”

“Thanks. Anyway, getting the dogs shouldn’t be a problem and he won’t be able to figure out where they are, so you shouldn’t have to worry about him bothering you.”

“I’m not worried about that,” he replied. “I just want to make sure you and your dogs are safe. This guy sounds like a bloody blighter.”

“Come again?” she asked, confused at the term.

“Contemptible idiot,” he clarified.

“Oh, that certainly describes him. Okay, let’s say I do get the dogs. Would I be able to visit them? I don’t even know where you live.”

“I rent a house three blocks from here, which is why I frequent this restaurant. And of course you would be welcome to visit them anytime I’m home,” he assured her. “They’re your dogs, after all.”

She considered him for a moment. “Look, I’m not going to beat around the bush. Are you making this offer so you can get into my pants?”

His eyes widened almost comically. “Get into your pants?”

“Seduce me,” she explained.

“I’m aware of what the phrase means,” he said with a rueful smile. “I’m just a bit shocked you would think that.”

“Well, I don’t know you.”

“Point taken,” he admitted, scratching behind his ear.

“There’s also the fact that I’m obviously a terrible judge of character when it comes to men.”

“Emma, I promise I have no ulterior motives.” His tone was soft and reassuring, and Emma found herself relaxing and beginning to trust him. “I simply heard your dilemma and have the ability to offer a solution.” He tugged his phone out of the front pocket of his jeans and searched for something. Finding what he wanted, he turned it so she could see it. “This is my house. It’s small, but could easily accommodate your dogs. Besides the backyard, there’s also a dog park a few blocks away. How are they on a leash?”

“They’re good. Sophie is better than Oscar because I trained her as a pup, but he’s a pretty calm, easy-going dog.” She looked at her phone to check the time. “Oh, gosh. My break is over in a couple of minutes.”

Killian grabbed a napkin and pulled a pen out of his shirt pocket. After scribbling down his phone number, he slid it across the bar to her. “Think about it, Emma. If you decide to take me up on the offer, give me a call. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll assume you figured out a different way to solve the problem.”

She folded the napkin and tucked it into her apron pocket along with her phone. “I really appreciate your willingness to help,” she said with a smile. “I have to get back to work. Thanks again, Killian.”

With that, she resumed her shift. When she returned to the bar to turn in an order ten minutes later, Killian Jones was gone.

*********

“Neal, why are you being such an absolute jerk?”

“It’s your own fault, Ems,” he said, and the calmness in his voice infuriated her even more. “If you hadn’t moved out, I wouldn’t have to get rid of these mutts.”

“And if you hadn’t cheated on me then pitched a temper tantrum like a child, I wouldn’t have had to move out!” Emma shouted.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, Ems. It was only one time. Get over it already.”

She couldn’t believe this asshole. “Seriously? I’ll never be able to trust you again!”

“Would you stop being so dramatic? So I slept with someone else. What’s the big deal?”

Emma closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to keep her temper under some semblance of control. “How would you feel if I slept with someone else? You get mad when I even look at another guy!”

“Did you sleep with someone else?”

“Of course not! You and I were in a committed relationship and living together!”

“Which you obviously thought gave you permission to invade my privacy. You wouldn’t have even known about Tink if you hadn’t nosed around in my phone.”

“Wait, what…are you saying…” she sputtered. “Somehow you’re turning the blame for this on me?”

“Ignorance is bliss, Ems. The two of us would still be together if you would have just left well enough alone, but you had to go and ruin a good thing.”

“You’re the one who ruined a good thing by being a fucking cheater! But that’s not right, either, because evidently our relationship wasn’t good at all.”

“It was starting to go downhill. In fact, you were getting really boring. Always talking about bills and groceries and schedules…”

“You mean things that normal adults talk about?” she asked incredulously. “Grow up, Neal. Life isn’t one big party like you seem to think. Bills have to be paid on time or utilities get cut off!”

She heard him heave an overly dramatic sigh. “There you go again, Ems. Actually, I’m glad you moved out - it saved me the trouble of kicking you out when I finally had enough of your nagging and complaining.”

Emma felt hot tears sliding down her cheeks. How could the man she thought she loved be so heartless and cruel? Swallowing hard, she fought to keep the emotion out of her voice. “If that’s the way you feel, I’m glad I moved out, too, but please let me have my dogs. It’s not fair for them to be punished because we broke up.”

“You already told me you can’t have them at your apartment, so what would you do with them if I did give them to you?”

“I’ll figure something out. I just don’t want them taken to the shelter. They would hate it there.”

Neal didn’t respond for several seconds, then said flippantly, “You’re right. They would hate living in a shelter, so I guess the best solution is to have them euthanized.”

“What?! NO! Neal, you can’t be serious!”

“Oh, I’m completely serious,” he replied. “I’m sick of taking care of them. I hope you gave them a nice, long goodbye before you left, Ems, because it was the last time you’ll ever see them.”

The call ended before Emma could respond. She stared at the phone in horror. What if he really was angry enough to kill her pets? Panic began to set in and she forced herself to take deep breaths.

Once her mind cleared enough to think, she retrieved the napkin from her desk drawer and punched in Killian’s number.

*********

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Killian had expected the mausoleum to be locked. Affluent family gravesights often were, as a way to ward off theft and vandalism. What he had not anticipated was the style and intricacy of said lock.

Crouching in front of the iron door, Killian cursed as he fiddled with the mechanism. “Bloody tumblers won’t budge. It’s as though they’re secured by magic.”

“We’ve no evidence that Cora was a witch,” Liam replied without a hint of sarcasm, his gaze scanning the area for any signs of interruption.

“I didn’t mean literally, brother,” Killian said with an eyeroll, then muttered, “Though, I wouldn’t have put it past her.”

A soft giggle pulled his attention upward to where Swan was standing over him, holding the flashlight. As it was prone to do, his body instantly reacted; his breath catching and his heart palpitating as a warm flush of desire and affection spread through him. Seeing her, bathed in moonlight amongst the headstones, transported him back to the night they met, here in this very cemetery.

What he wouldn’t give to go back and do things differently. He’d been such a fool and desperately hoped--now that everything was out in the open between them--that she’d give him a second chance. A tall order, considering she was currently romantically involved and living with another man. Even if he found said man to be lacking in a number of ways and nowhere near deserving of someone the caliber of Emma Swan.

Although, some might question whether he was any more deserving himself, given how he’d squandered his chance with her when he’d had it, regardless of how noble he thought his reasons were at the time.

“Want me to give it a try?” Emma asked, crouching down beside him. Her breath against his cheek caused a shiver to run down his spine, compromising his balance and landing him on his backside with an audible oomph.

“Shhh,” Liam hissed. “Someone’s coming.”

His brother hid behind a tall grave marker as the beam of a flashlight swept across the headstones. Grabbing Killian by the lapels of his jacket, Swan pulled him back towards the cover of the mausoleum’s shadow, the two of them tangled together as they sat pressed against the structure and one another.

The roar of his blood thundered in his ears as he held his breath, his focus torn between trying not to be discovered by who he assumed was one of the officers on patrol and the feel of Emma wrapped in his arms as she practically straddled his lap. It felt like an eternity before the coast became clear once more, but Killian made no effort to extricate himself from his current position. Leaning back to glance around the side of the mausoleum, Emma’s hips shifted over his groin and he was helpless to stop his body from responding, or the aching whimper from falling off his lips.

The startled swiftness with which she straightened back up, eyes wide and lips slightly parted told him his affliction had not gone unnoticed. The two of them held the other’s gaze for a long moment, and when her eyes dipped down to his lips, his followed suit. Their breathing shallowed, exhales mingling in the chilled air that was growing more charged by the second. His fingers gripped her hip a bit tighter, his thumb sliding under the hem of her sweater to the bare skin beneath causing her breath to hitch and her flesh to pebble from his touch. Cautiously, he inched forward, intending to close the gap and claim that perfect mouth of hers, but only if she gave him the slightest hint of consent to do so.

Consent he’d never know if he would have received, thanks to his clueless, meddlesome, infuriating brother.

“That was too close for comfort,” Liam whispered. “I think it best we take our leave and come up with a new plan.”

Emma scrambled off Killian’s lap, forcing another pained sound to escape from the back of his throat. Holding his hands out, Liam assisted them both to standing and waited for their agreement before setting off in the direction of the park.

It wasn’t until they were back in his Chevelle that Emma suggested, “Maybe the groundskeeper has a key to the mausoleum. We could ask Belle to find out. She could use the excuse of needing to update records or wanting to do research for city historical purposes.”

“Perhaps you could also ask Sheriff Humbert if he’d be willing to pull back on the patrols here, although I’m not sure what reason you’d give him,” Liam offered from the backseat, having graciously insisted that Swan ride shotgun, which Killian knew had been his brother’s way of torturing him. The git.

Emma smirked and stated, “If I have Ruby ask him he won’t need a reason.”

Liam chuckled. “Aye. The lass does seem to have your sheriff wrapped around her finger.”

“Among other parts of herself, I dare say,” Killian quipped, earning him a chortle from Swan and a slap at the back of his head from his brother. “Oi! Bad form to assault the driver whilst the vehicle is in motion!”

“Bad form to make such remarks about our host’s friend.”

“I assure you, I was only stating what Emma was already thinking. Isn’t that right, Swan?”

Glancing towards the passenger seat, Killian was met with a cheeky expression and mischievous glint sparkling from those enticing, green depths he often found himself lost in.

“Actually, I was gonna suggest that Liam talk with Belle about getting us access to the mausoleum, seeing as he wouldn’t mind being wrapped around more than just her finger.”

Killian erupted into laughter and peered at his brother through the rearview mirror. Even in the dim light of passing cars and streetlights he could see his brother’s face turn bright red. Fortunately, it was accompanied by a caught out smile and good-natured chuckle.

“Lass, I fear my brother has been a bad influence on you.”

“No more than I am over him,” she quipped back haughtily, furtively shooting Killian a look that made his pants tighten impossibly more.

He wasn’t sure how he’d ever manage to get out of the car, much less make it up the stairs to the front door. Coming up with some excuse to hang back, Killian remained behind the wheel as Emma and Liam both exited the car.

“I’ll see you both in the morning, then,” Swan replied, heading up the front steps, her tight jeans hugging her arse in a way that solidified the reality that Killian was in for a long, uncomfortable night.

“Everything alright, brother?” Liam asked with a little too much concern in his tone. “Finding it hard to put the day behind you?”

“Piss off,” Killian grummaced, throwing open the car door and stepping out into the cool night air.

“You’re both idiots, you know that right?”

Sighing, Killian conceded, “I’ll admit to you being half right. I’ve only myself to blame.”

Placing a firm hand on Killian’s shoulder, Liam urged, “Just tell her how you feel. Explain what happened after the Wend--”

“I have,” Killian told him. “But it’s not that simple. She’s with someone now. I don’t want to make things more complicated for her, or be the reason things fall apart and cause her more pain.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much about that, brother,” Liam confided. “I have it on good authority that things were rocky between her and Neal long before we got here. If I were a betting man, I’d say their relationship has run its course and it’s only a matter of time before he’s out of the picture completely.”

“And you think I ought to be waiting in the wings, ready to pick up the pieces? A bit opportunistic, don’t you think?”

“I think,” Liam countered in a somber yet affectionate tone, “you should give yourself permission to fight for what you want. Give yourself permission to be happy. You deserve that as much as anyone else, little brother.”

Killian swallowed past the tightness in his throat and gave his brother a nod of understanding before following him inside, muttering younger as they entered the carriage house.

~/~

Consciousness came slowly, lazily, and with little effort. Stretching out the few kinks peppering her body, Emma could not remember the last time she’d slept so well. Allowing herself a few more moments of comfort, she hugged the pillow beside her and sighed into its softness. The smell of her laundry detergent and the lavender scented dryer sheets filled her sinuses and a contented smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

After they’d returned home from the cemetery, Emma had made her way upstairs and surveyed her room. Her room. No physical sign of Neal remained; a fact that had enveloped her in a blanket of relief. She’d wasted no time stripping the bed, replacing the sheets she’d last shared with him with fresh ones from the linen closet.

From the depths of her dresser drawer she’d pulled out the raggedy t-shirt she’d almost always worn to bed before Neal had become a frequent overnight fixture. The one he’d mocked incessantly until she finally replaced it with a cami or some other barely there pajama top. The soft, worn fabric felt like the embrace of an old friend on her skin, welcoming her back with comfort and ease.

Out of habit, she’d pulled back the blankets on what had been her side for the past couple months, but then stopped herself. She’d only started sleeping on that side, the one closest to the door, because Neal had preferred the other. The one closer to the bathroom, so he wouldn’t have to go too far if he awoke in the middle of the night, ensuring he’d get back to sleep quickly. Nevermind the fact he was never quiet about it and often woke her up in the process.

She supposed she could sleep on whichever side she chose now. Hell, she could take up the entire bed if she wanted. Smiling, she’d climbed onto the mattress and slid beneath the covers smack dab in the middle of the bed. Nestled beneath the weight of the extra blankets--Neal had always wanted it as cold as possible when he slept, despite her desire to stay warm and cozy--Emma had drifted off perfectly content.

Well, almost perfectly content.

There was that small pang of disappointment that it was a stack of quilts and not Killian’s body pressing her into the mattress before sleep fully claimed her. She’d be lying if she said it had only been a fleeting thought. Her dreams of him had been anything but fleeting.

Reluctantly, Emma rolled over and reached for her phone. Unplugging it from the charger, she did a double take when she read the time.

1:16 PM

“Holy shit!” Shooting up, she struggled to detangle herself from the blankets. Grabbing a pair of nearby leggings, Emma hopped towards the door on alternating legs as she struggled to put them on. A glance towards the guest room showed it to be empty, and after making her way down the stairs, another look into the study revealed the same. Turning into the kitchen, she stopped short at the sight of a shirtless Killian Jones, hair sticking up at odd angles with pajama pants perched precariously low on his hips, filling a cup of coffee.

“Morning, love,” he offered in a rough, gravelly voice before bringing the steaming mug to his lips. After a quick, testing swallow he turned towards her fully, his eyes taking her in over the brim as he took another sip. Tonguing an errant drop from the corner of his mouth, he smirked and said, “Nice shirt.”

Glancing down at herself, Emma remembered which shirt she’d put on the night before… and where it had come from in the first place.

“You’ve been taking good care of it, I see.” Before Emma could respond, Killian grabbed another cup from the cabinet and asked, “Coffee?”

“Uh, y-yeah,” she stammered. “Please.”

By the time he’d poured and handed her the beverage, she managed to pull herself together.

Sort of.

“Guess I’m not the only one who overslept?”

Scratching his fingers through his hair, Killian followed her to the living room, a yawn escaping him as he replied, “Seems so.”

Sinking down on opposite ends of her couch, they both took a drink and waited for the coffee to do its thing. Or for the other one to break the ice. Emma wasn’t quite sure which.

“Have you seen Liam?” she asked, tucking her feet beneath her and wrapping her hands around the warm ceramic. For all its comfort and charm, the carriage house still had issues with letting in the morning chill.

Killian pulled an afghan off the back of the chair next to him and handed it to her. “Aye. Briefly.” He helped her spread out the blanket so she wouldn’t have to put her mug down, then added, “He woke me up about half an hour ago. Said he was going to meet Belle at the library and ask her about that key.”

Emma nodded and brought the cup up to her lips, murmuring against the edge, “I’ll call Ruby and see if she can work her magic on Graham.”

Setting her coffee down, Emma took her phone out of the side pocket of her leggings. She was scrolling through her contacts when Killian asked, “How’s Neal this morning? Haven’t seen him since yesterday’s unfortunate event.”

Sucking in her bottom lip, Emma warred with herself before confessing, “He’s, uh… He’s gone.”

“Gone to work?” Killian replied. “I would have thought he’d call out, but I suppose I can’t blame him for wanting to get out of the house for a bit.”

Emma opened her mouth to correct him, but was cut off by an incoming call. She didn’t recognize the number which normally would mean she wouldn’t answer. This time, however, she’d risk a telemarketer in order to have a reprieve from the current topic of conversation.

“Hello?”

“Miss Swan?” inquired a male voice on the other end of the line.

“This is she.”

“Miss Swan, this is Robin Locksley. We met briefly at Regina Mills’ house yesterday?”

Sitting up straighter, she waved at Killian to get his attention (which she already had) and took the phone away from her ear, putting it on speaker. “Yes, Mr. Locksley, I remember.”

Killian scooted closer and the two of them hovered over the phone as the man replied, “Oh, call me Robin. Please.”

“Robin,” Emma repeated. “What can I do for you?”

“I’ve had a talk with Miss Mills… Regina, and she wonders if you’d mind her and I coming to the carriage house so we can all talk some more about… you know.”

“Of course!”

“Terrific. We can head that way in about an hour and be there around four?”

“We’ll be here.”

Killian leaned in so his voice would be picked up clearly, and said, “Robin, mate. It’s Killian. May I ask… What made Regina change her mind?”

Silence echoed over the line to the point that Emma wondered if Robin had ended the call before Killian spoke. The clearing of a throat attested otherwise.

“I’d prefer to have that conversation in person… if you don’t mind.”

Emma shared a bemused look with Killian who haltingly replied, “Sure thing, mate.”

A heavy sigh crackled over the phone. “Thanks. We’ll see you both soon.”

“Aye. Safe travels.”

“See you soon.”

Ending the call, they both sat back into the cushions, dumbfounded over this sudden turn of events. Now that Emma had a chance to process it, a series of concerns ran through her mind.

“You seem vexed, love. Unexpected as it may be, this is a good thing.”

“I know,” Emma said, worrying her lip. “It’s just…”

“Just what?”

Turning her body, Emma looked up at Killian, momentarily distracted by his chest, and whispered, “Is it really a good idea for her to come here? What about… you-know-who? We won’t have a chance to… you know, until after dark. Won’t Regina being here to find closure with Daniel amp Cora up?”

“Probably,” Killian responded nonchalantly, draping his arm over the back of the couch. “Unless we create a warded area that will keep her from interfering.”

Cocking her head to one side, Emma stared at him with a dubious expression and muttered, “How, exactly, do we do that?”

Shooting her a cocky grin and lifted brow, he crooned, “Leave that to me, love. Leave that to me.”

Emma snorted at his ridiculousness and was once again sidetracked by her phone. “It’s Ruby,” she said, putting her friend on speaker. “Hey, Rubes. I was just about to call you.”

“Too late,” Ruby said. “Belle got me first. I just talked with Graham.”

She shared yet another glance with Killian. They both should have known Liam wouldn’t waste time putting things in motion.

“And?” Emma prompted. “What did he say?”

“He said the best he could do was give you an hour of no patrols at shift change.”

“That’s it?”

“I’m afraid so,” Ruby replied. “He said, and I quote, ‘the mayor will have my guts for garters if he finds out I suspended patrols this close to Halloween.’ I mean honestly… who talks like that?”

Emma nearly laughed out loud at the affronted look on the face of the man she knew full well said things just like that.

“Sorry I couldn’t do better.”

“You did plenty, Rubes,” Emma assured her. “Do me a favor and let Belle know so she can tell Liam?”

“Will do,” Ruby replied, and Emma could almost hear the shift in her friend’s demeanor before she sultrily inquired, “So… how’s it going with Mr. Hot Cemetery Makeout Guy? You buy a ticket on that ride yet?”

“Ruby!” Emma exclaimed as Killian choked on the last bit of coffee he was polishing off and erupted into a fit of coughs.

“Oh, shit! He’s right there, isn’t he?”

“I have to let you go.” Without waiting for a response, Emma hung up and got up from the couch. “I’ll get you a glass of water.”

His hand wrapped around her wrist, stopping her, and he managed to croak out, “It’s fine, Swan. No need.” With one last cough, he cleared his throat then swallowed hard against the tight knot that had formed there. “See? Right as rain.”

“I’m sorry about Ruby, she’s…”

“No need to apologize,” he said, and it seemed to Emma that he was suddenly hyper aware of the fact that he was only half dressed. Releasing her wrist, he stood and headed towards the hallway. “I should get myself dressed. Robin and Regina will be here soon, and we need to…”

“Right,” Emma agreed, feeling a bit self-conscious about her own appearance. The thin material of her shirt likely left little to the imagination, especially since she wasn’t wearing a bra, to say nothing about the painted-on quality of her leggings. “I need to shower and get ready.”

Her face went red at the mention of a shower, and the traitorous thought of asking him to join her. Fortunately, Killian spoke again before her tongue could betray her.

“I’ll check-in with Liam and let him know of Regina’s impending arrival. Take your time. I’ll take care of getting things ready.”

As much as Emma wanted to question him about what that might entail, her instinct to run whenever things got emotionally overwhelming took over. Though she’d spent years trying to overcome the reaction and the root of its cause, it still reared its ugly head from time to time. Usually, she would berate herself when it did, but this time she was glad for it.

Racing up the stairs, she entered her room and firmly closed the door behind her. Shedding her clothes, it wasn’t until she was under the spray of the shower--the dial turned to a much colder temperature than usual--that Emma allowed herself to face the truth of why she’d run from him just now.

Because if she hadn’t, she would have done as Ruby suggested, and having Regina Mills show up as she was riding Killian probably wasn’t the best way to help the woman get closure.

~/~

It was much later than four before Robin and Regina arrived. Still struggling with doubt and a whole host of other emotions, Miss Mills had apparently insisted the two stop several times along the way. At one point, Robin had called to inform them of their updated estimated time of arrival, which would be cutting it close to the window of opportunity they had to enter the mausoleum. Knowing Emma would need one of the brothers there for support and assistance with helping Daniel move on, it was decided that Killian would stay behind while Liam and Belle - who was the one securing the key from the groundskeeper later that evening - would deal with Cora’s resting place.

When Robin and Regina finally arrived, the former extended heart-felt apologies while the latter coolly offered a ‘sorry I’m late’ before strolling into the structure she likely had not set foot in for many years, possibly decades. Emma welcomed them both, her nerves taking over and causing her to overshare about the remodel as Regina perused her surroundings. It wasn’t until Killian invited them all to have a seat in the living room, offering beverages that might make the situation a little less tense that everyone began to relax and soften.

“I must say,” Regina stated, accepting the offered libation being handed to her, “you have done a remarkable job here. Everything looks impeccably finished yet it feels so homey.”

“Thank you.” Swan took a swallow of her own drink, obviously allowing herself time to formulate a more in-depth response.

Killian, however, did not wish to waste time on small talk. “If you don’t mind my asking,” he began, cradling his tumbler in his hands as he leaned forward with his elbows resting on the tops of his thighs, “what changed your mind about coming here? You did not seem very keen on the idea when we left you, and given the amount of stops you made along the way, it seems you may not yet be completely at ease with the decision to be here.”

“Yes, well…” Regina took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly before continuing. “You’re right. When you and Miss Swan left, I thought you were either some sort of conman team set out to swindle me, or completely insane.” Glancing over to the man seated beside her on the sofa, she added, “But after you were gone, Robin sought me out to check on me, and after I told him what you had said, he…”

Hesitantly, Robin reached over and took Regina’s hand, picking up on her distress before it became apparent to either Emma or Killian.

“I asked Regina whether she was willing to take the chance on you not being crazy and missing out on the opportunity to heal a long held wound.” Shifting in his seat, Robin met Killian’s eye and said, “I have some experience with unrestful spirits. My wife, Marion, visited me after her death.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Aye, mate,” Killian replied, echoing Emma’s sentiment. “Our condolences.”

“Thank you.”

Robin gave them both an appreciative nod then shared the story of his wife’s passing. Her death had been sudden and tragic; a fire had broken out at her workplace and due to several fire code violations, she and several of her co-workers had perished in the blaze. Robin had been out of town for work in a rather remote area and had not spoken to his wife for several days, only communicating via e-mail. When he was notified of what happened, he’d been told she was identified by dental records and there was no need for him to identify the body. In fact, he was encouraged not to, being told he would not wish to remember her that way.

“Of course, I said good-bye to her at the funeral, but…” Swallowing past the lump that had formed in his throat, Robin looked up at the ceiling in an attempt to quell the tears pooling in his eyes. “It felt so empty. I remember being tortured by the fact that I couldn’t even remember the last thing I ever said to her. Had I told her I loved her? Had I made her feel missed? Or had I been short and flippant because I was busy?”

Taking a fortifying drink, he gave himself a moment before clearing his throat to continue. “It was about a month after her death that I started to… experience things.”

“What sort of things?”

“The smell of her perfume, an indentation on her pillow, the feeling of her presence, and what I thought to be the occasional glimpse of her in the corner of my eye. I thought I was going mad, and I confided in one of my mates, Will.”

“And did this Will believe you?”

Robin let out a light chuckle. “Not only did he believe me, he dragged my arse to a psychic medium he knew.”

“You went to a psychic?” Emma inquired, fascinated. “Who?”

“A woman by the name of Zelena,” Robin told her. Killian filed the name away in the back of his mind and encouraged the man to tell them more about the meeting with her. “She backed up all my experiences. Said that those who die suddenly or violently often have difficulty moving on due to having unfinished business. She, uh… she helped me get closure. She helped me say a proper good-bye.”

Killian did not wish to offend the man, but he had to ask. “And you are certain she was… legit?”

To his relief, Robin smiled at the question. “Regina said the same thing.”

“I did,” Miss Mills said, sheepishly. “And I’m still not sure I believe in ghosts, or psychics, or any of this,” she said, gesturing vaguely at the room around them. “But what Robin told me in reply made me at least keep an open mind and be willing to see this through.”

Killian and Emma shared a common look of curiosity before Swan asked, “What did you tell her?”

“I told her,” Robin said, squeezing Regina’s hand. “That even if I had imagined everything that had happened after Marion’s death, and even if Zelena was a total fraud… The closure was real. The peace is real. The firm belief that Marion is in a better place, her unfinished business resolved… that’s real. And it has allowed me to move forward through my grief into a life that is still worth living.”

A long pause hung in the room; Robin and Regina looked fondly at one another while Killian and Emma shared furtive glances. The buzz of Killian’s phone broke the reverie, and he apologized as he pulled the device from his pocket.

Key acquired. Headed to the cemetery. The text from Liam read. Putting the phone back in his pocket, Killian turned his attention back to the couple who was looking at him expectantly.

“So…” Regina drew out, hesitantly. “What now?”

“Now,” Killian replied, getting to his feet. “We get you and Daniel the same closure.”

Part Seven - Coming Soon!

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Passing by the library, Killian hesitantly broke the silence. “How do you think my brother and Belle got on?”

“How? Or Where?” Eyes widening and cheeks pinking, Emma hadn’t intended for the dirty innuendo to slip out.

Killian didn’t miss a beat. After a full-chested laugh he waggled his brows at her, quipping, “Indeed. I imagine they left the circulation desk, the conference table, and various stacks scandalized.”

“Are you suggesting my friend is a tramp?” Emma challenged in an amused and mock-affronted tone.

“I would never dream of besmirching Miss French’s good name,” Killian replied. “The only harlot in this scenario is my brother. Don’t let the self-righteousness fool you, love.”

Another laugh was not the only thing they shared as Killian pulled up to her house. Soft smiles and a gaze that spoke volumes passed between them. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Emma wet her lips and inhaled deeply in an attempt to calm her racing heart. The way Killian’s eyes fell to her mouth, his Adam’s apple bobbing in response to her tongue’s action was not helping matters.

“We should, um…”

“Aye. We ought to…”

Awkwardly, they exited the car and headed inside.

“I’ll tell Liam of our meeting with Regina and get an update from him if you’d like to check-in with Neal and--”

“Killian? Emma?” Liam’s voice called out from upstairs. “You better get up here.”

Sharing a brief, worried glance, they swiftly headed up the stairs, the urgency in Liam’s tone adding haste to their steps.

Emma expected to find him in the guest room, and was therefore surprised to see him hovering at her bedroom’s doorway.

“What is it, brother?” Killian inquired from behind her.

Peering around the elder Jones, Emma’s brows scrunched tightly together. “Neal? What’s going--”

“That isn’t Neal.”

The quiet warning underpinning his words caused the hairs at the back of her neck to raise. Killian rushed forward to stand next to his brother, partially blocking her from the room.

Peering over the brothers’ shoulders, she looked at the man standing calmly in the middle of her bedroom and asked, “What do you mean that isn’t Neal?”

Murmuring under his breath, Liam answered, “He’s possessed by a spirit. I’m just not sure which spirit.”

“Emma, did you see Regina? Did you speak with her?” Neal - or rather, Not Neal - took a step forward with an air of desperation; an action that had the Jones brothers even more guarded than before.

“I, uh…”

“Please,” he said, keeping his focus on Emma. “I know I shouldn’t have, but taking over your boyfriend’s body was the easiest way for us to communicate. I need to know if you saw her. What did she say?”

“Are we to assume you are Daniel?” Killian inquired, inching into the room while still barring Emma from entering.

“Of course I’m Daniel,” Not Neal replied, urgently. “But we don’t have much time. I don’t know how much longer I can keep hold.”

“Why are you only now using this tactic?” Liam also stepped into the room, positioning himself a few feet to Killian’s left. “You haven’t used possession before.”

“I didn’t know I could,” Not Neal answered. “And even if I had, I don’t think I would have been strong enough before.”

“So, what’s changed?” Killian asked, his arm slightly extended from his body in an effort to signal her to stay behind him when she crossed the threshold into the room.

“Hope,” Not Neal exhaled. “Ever since you found those letters and understood what I needed you to do, hope began to strengthen me.”

“And you discovered you could possess the living how?”

Not Neal waved off Liam’s question and turned his attention towards Emma once more. “There’s no time for me to explain. I need to know about Regina. Please, tell me what happened before the other one can interfere and overpower me again.”

“Who is the other spirit? Who is keeping you subdued?”

“I don’t want to talk about her.” Agitation and impatience slipped through the genial facade and with an edge of menace, Not Neal demanded, “Tell me what you told Regina and what she said.”

Killian shifted his posture and shot a knowing glance at his brother before stating, “You’re not Daniel. Who are you?”

“I am Daniel!” the spirit protested, moving to close the gap between them all. “Emma, you have to believe me. You’re the only one who--”

Both brothers countered Not Neal’s approach, shielding her from the spirit’s advance.

“You don’t speak to her.” Killian’s lowered tone and threatening timbre had the fine hairs of Emma’s body raising in an altogether different way than it had been. “I’m the one you’re going to deal with. Tell me who you are.”

Not Neal’s entire demeanor changed. Instead of a gentle and friendly expression, Neal’s face turned smug and bitter.

“Think you’re clever, don’t you?”

“Cleverer than most, though frequently underestimated.”

Not Neal scoffed and rolled his eyes, defiance and arrogance oozing from every inch of his body.

“We can stand here all day if you like, but you will answer our questions.”

A derisive hum vibrated against Neal’s lip and his form sauntered forward until it was toe-to-toe with Killian. “I’m sure your pretty face usually buys you a lot, but not my time.” Neal’s eyes shifted and met Emma’s, sending a cold chill down her spine. “You should have left well enough alone.”

Before any of them could respond, Neal’s eyes rolled back into his head and his body dropped towards the floor. Mercifully, Liam and Killian were able to catch him and lower him safely to the carpet.

“Neal!” Emma pushed past the brothers and knelt at his side, shaking his shoulders. “Neal, wake up!”

“Here,” Liam said, passing something to her. “Smelling salts. Should do the trick.”

Emma uncorked the small bottle and wafted it under Neal’s nose. The effect was almost instantaneous. With a wild jolt, Neal’s eyes shot open and he attempted to sit up.

“Woah, there mate,” Killian advised, placing a hand against his shoulder to keep him from getting up too fast. “Take it slow.”

“Wh-What the hell happ--”

“The unknown spirit possessed you, I’m afraid,” Liam said, sympathetically. “I know everything feels wrong and distorted, but I assure you, it’ll pass quickly.”

“Wrong is an understatement,” Neal muttered, shaking himself.

“Are you okay?” Emma asked. “Did they hurt you in any--”

“She,” Neal corrected. “It was definitely a she.”

With assistance from the brothers, Neal was hauled up to his feet. Emma reached out to help steady him as he swayed, annoyed at Liam’s immediate interrogation once Neal was settled on the edge of the bed.

“Were you able to identify her? Sometimes those possessed can gain knowledge of the possessing spirit. Any idea why she possessed you, or how she knew she could? Anything you can tell us could be helpful.”

“Liam,” Killian admonished. “Give the man a moment to collect himself.” Crouching down in front of Neal, Killian looked up at him with a sympathetic expression and asked, “Can I get you anything, mate? Water? Maybe something a bit stronger?”

His eyes cut over to Emma and despite her concern for the man seated beside her who was still clearly shaken, she let out an amused huff and attempted to stifle the smile Killian’s words engendered. The truth was, they all could probably do with a stiff drink right about now.

“I uh…” Neal’s utterances turned their attention back his way. Swiping a hand down his pale and clammy face, he said, “I don’t know how she knew she could, or even how it happened really, I just… all of a sudden I wasn’t in control of myself.”

Neal’s hand dug into the mattress, balling up the covers in his fist. Placing a comforting hand on his knee, Emma encouraged him to take his time then glanced at the Jones brothers. “Maybe we should give him time to rest a bit before forcing him to reliv--”

“No, it’s fine,” Neal countered with a slight bite in his tone. “There isn’t much I can tell you anyway… other than her identity.”

Taking his eyes off the floor for the first time since they’d helped him off of it, Neal met each of their expectant stares before locking his with Emma’s. “Cora. The other spirit is Cora Mills.”

“You’re certain?”

Even Killian rolled his eyes at his brother’s asinine question.

“What kind of question is that?” Neal spat. “Am I sure? You think that’s the kind of thing I wouldn’t be--”

“Apologies,” Liam offered with his hands raised in supplication. “It’s just… spirits can be tricky and we have to be sure the other spirit doesn’t want you to think it’s--”

“If he says it’s Cora, then it’s Cora,” Killian interrupted. Standing, he reached out and took Liam by the shoulder, guiding him towards the door. “Which means you and I have work to do. Let’s leave Neal and Emma be while we come up with our plan of attack.”

“Of course,” Liam acquiesced, a bit reluctantly. “I am eager to hear how things went with--”

“Aye, but it may be best to have that conversation outside.” Glancing around them, he reminded, “You never know who might be listening.” Before the two departed down the stairs, Killian called out over his shoulder, “We’ll be downstairs if either of you need anything.”

“Thanks,” Emma answered at the doorway, having followed them towards the door so she could close it, allowing her and Neal some privacy. With her back now pressed against it, she took in the pitiful sight of her boyfriend. She knew she ought to feel more in this moment. More concerned. More sorry. More upset. But…

It wasn’t that she didn’t feel those things, she simply wished she wasn’t the one expected to help him through it. If given the option, she’d much rather be downstairs discussing the day’s events and coming up with their next step.

She was a terrible person.

With a heavy exhale, Emma pushed away from the door and approached Neal with soft steps. “Neal, are you sure you’re ok--”

“No, I’m not okay!” he exploded, shooting up to his feet. “How could you even think I’d be okay after something like that?”

“You’re right,” she said, sheepishly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Stupid question. Sorry.”

Neal ran a hand down his face then let it fall dramatically down to his side with an equally significant sigh. “I think it’s time to cut our losses.”

Brows furrowing and head cocking to one side, Emma replied, “What do you mean?”

“I mean, fuck this!” Neal exploded once more, frantically gesturing around them. “Fuck all of this! Let’s get out of here. Pack up our stuff and leave this place behind.”

“Pack up and go where?”

“Anywhere! Anywhere but here. Anywhere but this house and this town.”

“Neal…” she began with a weighty pause. “You know I can’t do that. This is my home. Not just this house, but this whole place. This is where my friends are. Where my family is.”

Neal scowled and let out a derisive scoff. “Yeah, friends that think I’m a loser and family that thinks I’m not good enough for you.”

Unable to hold back the huff of amusement, Emma reminded him, “Yeah, well. David thinks that about everybod--”

“God dammit, Emma! How can you be so flippant? How can you want to stay? How can you even think of spending one more second in this house?”

“Because. It’s. My. Home, Neal.” She knew he’d been through a lot, but surely the man who had been brought up like her, bouncing from one foster home to the next until finally making a life for themselves on the streets would never think to ask that question. “You, of all people, should understand what that means to me.” Nibbling a piece of skin peeling from her lip, she added, “Besides, I can’t abandon Daniel. He--”

“He’s dead!” Neal shouted, now getting in her face as if an up close look at his anger would change her mind. “Dead, Emma. You don’t owe him a goddamn thing!”

“Well, what about Liam and Killian?” Neal’s expression hardened at the mention of the Jones brothers' names. “They came all this way to help us. Am I just supposed to send them packing in the middle of the job?”

“Some job,” Neal sneered. “Things have only gotten worse since they got here, but I get why that doesn’t seem to bother you any.”

Emma crossed her arms over her chest and shifted her weight to one side. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t play dumb, Emma. I know there’s something going on between you and Captain Guyliner.”

“Neal,” she said in a firm tone. She may be a lot of things, but a cheater wasn’t one of them. “There’s nothing going on between me and Killian.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” he replied as he took a few steps back, his tone indicating he didn’t really believe her. “But you haven’t been completely honest about him. Admit it.”

“I told you we had a past. I never hid that from you.”

“Past. Right,” he clipped. “Then why does the guy use a half-naked picture of you as a bookmark?”

Emma blanched and dropped her arms. “Wh…What are you talking about?”

Approaching her again, he held her gaze as he relayed, “I’m talking about a picture of you, half-naked, wedged between the pages of some other guy’s journal.”

“When did you…?” Confusion turned to indignation. “Did you go snooping through Killian’s things?”

“Oh, no,” Neal said, waving his finger at her. “You don’t get to turn this around on me. Tell me why he has a picture of you, half-naked--”

“In a bikini,” Emma clarified, hotly. “I’m in a bikini in that photo, because I was on spring break.”

“So you admit to sending it to him,” Neal replied with an almost gloating undertone, as though he’d caught her in an ‘I gotcha’ moment.

“Of course, I sent it to him. We were in a relationship at the time.”

“Oh, and I guess you think it’s no big deal that he keeps it as a bookmark in that freaky journal of his?”

Emma could not believe they were having this conversation. With everything else going on, this… THIS? This was the thing he was willing to wage war over?

“Neal, I don’t have time for your petty jealousy right now. If you want to leave, I’m not going to stop you.”

He’d clearly not been expecting that. His eyes widened and his jaw went slack in disbelief. “You can’t be serious.”

“Oh, I am,” she affirmed with a vigorous nod. “You made your feelings about staying here very clear, and to be honest… I’ve thought it best for us to end things and for you to move out for some time now.”

Neal’s expression darkened and his jaw tightened. “Let me guess. About the same time you reached out to your old flame?”

“Before that, actually,” Emma stated, matter-of-factly. “But I don’t expect you to believe it.”

“Well, I don’t.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing you’re moving out.”

“I guess so,” he challenged, probably expecting her to take it all back if it seemed he really might leave.

“You can pack a bag for now then come back for the rest of your things later. I’ll have it all boxed up for you.”

He swallowed tightly, still hoping he was just calling her bluff and said, “No need. I’ll pack it all and be out of here tonight.”

“Great,” she said, holding out her hand, “Then I’ll just take your key and give you some space to do that.”

He stared at her for several moments, his eyes shifting between her face and her hand, until finally it seemed to click; she was serious. She really wanted him out. Out of her house and out of her life.

“Fine,” he growled, stomping over to the dresser where he kept his personal items and prying the house key off the ring. Slapping it into her palm, he said, “Just do me one favor.”

She closed her stinging hand around the sharp metal of the key. “What’s that?”

“Try not to fuck him the minute I leave.”

Emma rolled her eyes and made her way to the door. “Grow up, Neal.” Crossing the threshold, she grabbed the handle and couldn’t resist leaving without throwing out a final barb. “It’ll take more than a minute to strip the bed and put on fresh sheets.”

Slamming the door behind her, Emma stood seething for several moments before mortification set in. The ringing of anger within her ears had subsided, replaced by the deep timbre of the brothers’ voices as they conversed with one another downstairs.

Had they heard everything? She and Neal hadn’t exactly kept their voices down. Hopefully, they’d been outside discussing what each had learned from their morning’s inquiries for the majority of the break up. As assured and confident as she was that ending things with Neal was the right decision, it was still humiliating.

Although, no less humiliating than Neal’s behaviour the entire time Liam and Killian had been there.

She really could not believe she’d let the relationship go on for as long as it had.

One thing was for sure, Ruby would be insufferable over the news. The I told you so’s would probably never end… but neither would the celebratory drinks she’d insist on buying, so Emma guessed that would help balance things out.

Making her way downstairs, Emma found the brothers seated at the dining table hunched over a map. Hearing her approaching steps, the two glanced up. Liam gave her an acknowledging nod, then turned his eyes back down while Killian kept his gaze trained on her. The way he looked at her had always made her toes curl and her breath shaky in the best way. In an effort to mask her breathlessness and erratic heart rate, Emma tossed her hair over her shoulder and planted her hands against the table.

“So… catch me up.”

“Is Neal alright?” Liam asked with a note of concern.

“Um, yeah. He’s just…” Emma gestured vaguely in the direction of her room, not wanting to lie, but not quite ready to confess the truth.

“Probably best he rests,” Killian interjected, drawing his own conclusions to Emma’s response. “Possession isn’t something I’d wish on anyone.” Leaning back he dug into his pants pocket and pulled out a chain with some sort of symbol as a pendant. “In fact, I think it best you wear this until we get Cora sorted.”

Reaching across the table, Emma took the necklace from him, her skin pebbling in response to the way their fingers brushed against each other’s.

“What is it?” she asked with her attention trained on the swinging pendant, hoping he hadn’t noticed the goose bumps.

“It’s an anti-possession sigil,” he explained. “Also known as a demon trap. It’ll keep Cora, or any spirit or being, from being able to take you over.” Flicking a more significant look her way, he added, “It’ll keep you safe.”

“Don’t you… What about you? Don’t you need it? For protection?”

Killian gave her a soft smirk and cut his eyes towards his brother. Pulling open the collar of his shirt, he said, “We’ve got that covered.”

Beneath the thick mat of chest hair, Emma could make out the sigil inked into his and his brother’s skin. A more permanent layer of protection that Emma did not wish to think too long on as to the circumstances that had led to such a choice.

“Here,” Killian said, rounding the table. “Let me help you with that.”

Gently, he took the necklace from her grip and motioned for her to turn around. Emma lifted her hair so he could wrap the chain around her neck and secure the clasp.

“I should have given it to you when we first arrived,” he murmured. “I never considered the spirit here would know they could or manage enough energy to completely possess either you or…” Spinning her back around, Killian stared down at her with wide apologetic eyes. “Gods, Swan! I’m so sorry. I never asked how you were doing. I know what a fright it can be to see someone you care for taken over like that. Are you okay, love?”

“I… I’m fine. Really,” she assured him with a softly placed hand on his forearm. “As awful as it was, I’m just glad we finally know the identity of the other spirit.”

“As am I,” Liam said, turning their attention back towards the table. “I just wish we knew how she found out about possession.”

Emma gripped her bottom lip tightly with her teeth and closed her eyes before blurting out, “I think it was because of Neal.”

The brothers’ heads shot towards her in unison.

“I beg your pardon?”

“What do you mean?”

With her shoulders slightly scrunched, not thrilled about opening this particular can of worms, she glanced at Killian and said, “He mentioned something about opening your journal.”

“Your journal?” Liam repeated with a furrowed brow. “Why would he be looking in your journal, brother?”

Killian shook his head for a moment until Emma saw the truth dawn within the deep blue of his eyes.

“The photo,” he said, his cheeks turning rosy from the heat of his blush as it crested the tips of his ears.

“Photo? What photo?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Killian waved Liam off and brushed past Emma. The two followed him to the study where they found the aforementioned journal lying open on the pull out.

“What were you thinking leaving your journal open?” Liam admonished.

“Give me some credit,” Killian shot back. “I know better than that.”

“Why would it matter if the journal was left open?” Emma inquired, hoping the question would distract both brothers from the photo of her in that damned, scandalous, red bikini only a few feet away on the mattress.

“The journal is protected by the sigil, which means no spirit or demon can access it when it’s closed. When it’s open, however…”

“They can rifle through the bloody thing.”

Emma glanced down at the journal and noted it was open to a page titled, Possession, at the top.

“I’m so sorry,” Emma said, feeling even worse about Neal’s invasion of Killian’s privacy.

“It’s not your fault, Swan,” Killian assured her. Reaching across the bed, he picked up the photo and tucked it back into the journal before closing it firmly. After stuffing it away in his duffle he peeked up at her through his lashes, his hand pawing at the back of his ear. Perhaps realizing she wasn’t upset at him for still having the picture, he gave her that boyish, lop-sided smile of his and Emma couldn’t help but smile back.

“Well,” Liam began, shaking them both from the shared moment. “Now that mystery is solved, I suppose we should move forward with our plans. The sooner the better.”

“Aye,” Killian agreed. “I say we try and deal with her tonight. With her out of the way, it may be easier for Daniel to move on, especially if we can contact him without her interference and let him know that Regina knows the truth. Or much of it, anyway.”

“When you say deal with her, I assume you mean…”

“Aye,” Killian said, gravely. “Fancy a trip to the cemetery, love?”

Part Six - Coming Soon!

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