On Monday, Emma woke up in the middle of the night to the sounds of her crying baby. She slowly opened her eyelids in a groggy state and rubbed her eyes. Sitting up and stepping out of bed, she went to Henry's nursery and switched on the light. She approached his crib and picked him up, cradling Henry in her arms, trying to calm him.
She realized quickly that his cheeks were flushed and he was radiating heat. She felt his forehead with the back of her hand. He was burning up. She retrieved his thermometer and took his temperature, finding out it was 101. Emma gave him some baby tylenol and a lukewarm bath, meanwhile keeping him hydrated and continuing to check his temperature. She was tempted to take him to the hospital but the medicine seemed to help and his cries became softer as she continued to cradle him gently in her arms.
Hours had passed until he finally went to sleep. Emma called in to work, not wanting to chance taking him into daycare. After texting Mary Margaret to tell her she would not be bringing Henry in, she laid in bed with him laying on her chest. Feeling weary and exhausted, she closed her heavy eyes and fell to sleep.
Killian was pacing nervously in his office by the end of the work day. Emma hadn't shown up to drop Henry off at daycare and hadn't returned any of his calls. Had he done something wrong? Had he done too much, not enough? After they're amazing day together, he was only trying to be a gentleman that night, but maybe she took his actions to be offensive. Maybe he was overreacting or maybe something happened to her and Henry. And if so, wouldn't Mary Margaret have told him? Those were all of the thoughts running through his mind in a never-ending loop.
He wasn't really sure what to think. He was probably more worried than he should have been... okay maybe he was completely mad with worry, but he couldn't really help how much he cared for her. His heart was no longer under his control, he had given it to her completely. So, he did the only rational thing he could think of before he went to get Liam.
Leaving his office, he got in his car and drove to her place. He had only been there once, but remembered where it was. When he pulled up in front of her house and saw her car in the driveway, a wave of relief had swept over him, thinking she just had the day off and didn't tell him. Still, his stomach was in knots and he knew he wouldn't be able to rest his mind until he knew that she was okay... that they were okay. He walked up to her doorstep and knocked, waiting patiently before she answered.
After what felt like an eternity, the door finally opened and Emma looked at him in awe. "Killian? Hi... what are you doing here?" she asked with a weak expression.
His eyes grew soft, his heart sinking in his chest when he saw her. She was holding Henry who was clutching tightly to her in only his diaper, his eyes closed and Emma looked pale, wearing pajamas and her hair was a mess. He immediately felt guilty for his poor reaction.
He scratched a spot behind his ear as he replied. "I'm sorry to stop by like this, love, but I was a bit worried. You haven't returned my calls and I just... I wanted to make sure you were alright."
She looked surprised at his words... shocked even, her voice raspy as she spoke. "Oh, I'm sorry, Killian. I didn't know that you called. Henry had a fever and kept me up all night and I turned my phone off so we could rest."
Killian ran his hand through his hair, nervously. He felt like an idiot, but there was apart of him that was still worried she didn't want this anymore. "Love, can we talk for a minute?"
Emma looked at him him obligingly. "Yeah, of course. Just let me put Henry in his crib and I'll be right back." She went into Henry's nursery while Killian sat down, trying to figure why he was so nervous. He was usually more confident, more sure of himself.
She came back a moment later and sat next to him. "What is it Killian?"
Killian let out a long breath before he replied. He looked at her with worried eyes, his voice low and deep. "I just wanted to make sure that you and I are okay."
Emma's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Of course we are. Why would you think otherwise? What's going on?" she asked softly as she took his hand and put it in between both of hers.
"I just... you didn't answer or return my phone calls and I haven't heard from you since our date."
"Killian, I told you, I stayed up all night and this morning taking care of Henry."
"I'm sorry, love. I don't mean to be paranoid." His eyes grew soft as he looked into hers. "I was just worried that I upset you Saturday."
"You did nothing wrong. I promise you. I meant every word I said that day and I'm not going anywhere."
He let out a breath of relief as he felt the need to explain himself. "I guess... after Milah left me for someone else, I've felt like-"
"Like you're not good enough," Emma finished. "Like you're a failure at relationships and you think that this just the beginning of a string of rejections. Believe me, I've felt that way too."
"You have?"
"Yeah, unfortunately being cheated on is hard to come back from, but ever since I met you, I feel like we can get through this together." She looked down like she was embarrassed of her confession. "I know that probably sounds stupid."
Killian looked at her in bewilderment, swallowing thickly as he put a finger under her chin, lifting it so she could meet his gaze. "No, it doesn't sound stupid, love. I feel that way too. I guess I just went crazy when I hadn't heard from you."
"I'm sorry, I should have at least sent a text. I figured Mary Magaret would have told you. I must have called after you already left. I'm sorry I had you worried."
Killian finally managed a weak smile. "I'm just glad we're okay."
"Look, Killian, if I was unsure about you in any way, I wouldn't have started this. We've both been through enough, and I've never met a guy like you. Believe me, I'm not going to be so quick to give you up."
A grin pulled his lips even wider, a feeling of utter joy settling inside of him. "I feel the same way about you, love."
Emma smiled back at him as she put her hand to his cheek and grazed her thumb across his stubbled skin. They gently pressed their foreheads together and he reached to put his hand over hers as he closed his eyes. Her lips leaned in to kiss him softly and tenderly, making his heart flutter. He cupped her cheek with his other hand and found her tongue, everything seeming to be right in the world again.
When he released her lips, he spoke in a deep whisper. "I have to get Liam from daycare. When can I see you again?"
"Well, we'll see each other tomorrow morning," she reminded him as she licked her lips.
"I mean, actually see you, love and spend time with you."
"Well maybe we could have a play date with our sons. Go out for ice cream or something after work sometime this week. Maybe Wednesday?"
"Sounds like a plan."
With that, they disentangled themselves from one another and went to the door. Killian kissed her forehead and bid her farewell, satisfied with how they left things.
After Killian left, Emma turned on her phone and listened to her messages. Her heart sank when she heard Killian's voice. He sounded like a wreck and full of worry. Why couldn't she have just called him? Maybe she just wasn't used to a significant other who cared so much. She was touched that he was so concerned but also torn up that he felt that way. She'd have to think of a way to make it up to him. Checking her other messages, she was surprised that Neal hadn't left one. In fact, she was surprised she hadn't heard from him since Friday. She knew it was too good to be true, though. Maybe he was planning on taking her back to court. She decided to call him tomorrow, knowing that she wouldn't be able to put off the inevitable any longer.
The next day, Henry seemed to be doing much better. He was his happy and bouncy self again as Emma took him to daycare. On the way there, she stopped to get coffee for her and Killian and when she got to the daycare, Killian was waiting for her at his car. He walked in with her as she carried Henry, dropping him off to play with Liam.
Before they went out, Emma looked around to make sure no one was in sight. The caregivers were occupied with the children, leaving the lobby empty. She promptly grabbed Killian's hand, pulling him into the small broom closet that was across from Mary Margaret's office.
Once inside, she shut and locked the door, turning them around to trap him against it.
"Emma?" he asked in confusion and she grabbed the collar of his shirt, answering him with a deep kiss. She pressed her body to his, making him groan at the contact. He pulled her closer and wrapped his arms around her, their mouths moving against one another as she twirled her tongue around his. Her hands roamed his body under his blazer, feeling his firmly toned stomach over his shirt. Without warning, he quickly turned them around so that she was the one pinned between him and the door, his fingers finding their way to her breasts that he ached to touch. He palmed her there as his lips trailed down to her neck. She felt her nipples rise at his touch as she tilted her head back to give him more access, goosebumps tingling her skin as she let out a whispered moan.
His tongue and mouth worked desperately on her skin as she grabbed his shoulders, closing her eyes. She felt arousal pooling in her belly, although she didn't want their first time to be in a broom closet at the daycare. Still, it didn't hurt to have a bit of fun. It had been a while since she actually enjoyed herself like this.
His teeth nipped at her skin as he grabbed her hips and pulled her sharply to him. She let out a soft whimper as she felt his hardness through his pants. He lifted her up and she latched her legs around his hips as he pulled her skirt up. He gave her light, playful thrusts and she could feel his throbbing member through the thin material of her underwear. She had to bite her lip to keep herself from moaning out loud. He lifted his head and captured her lips again as he held her into place. He took her lip between his teeth before his mouth moved to her cheek and along her jaw. They were both panting as he reached her ear, his voice completely shattered as he breathed a dark whisper. "Love, we should stop before I take you right here in the closet."
Her core clenched as she thought of him doing just that, but she reluctantly gave a nod and turned her head to kiss his lips. His hands moved to her butt, fingers massaging into her skin as they tried to find the strength to pull apart. He lingered there for a moment, not wanting to let go. He pressed his lips to hers, getting one last taste before they had to separate. When he spoke again, his voice was needy and eager and completely gone. "The next time I get you alone, make no mistake, Emma..." he gave her a final thrust, the prominent bulge in his pants rubbing against her covered folds. "I won't be leaving you unsatisfied... or having to fake an orgasm..."
She gasped, his words vibrating though her. He made her want him more, but eventually she found it in her to let herself down from his hold. The loss was almost unbearable as she straightened her skirt out. "Well, I can promise this... it won't take much," she breathed with a smirk and turned around to reach for the knob. He grabbed her before she could open the door, wrapping his arms around her.
"Not to worry, love, when it does happen, it will be over and over until you can't take it anymore." He moved his hands down her stomach and hips, stopping just below her waistline. "I can't wait to run my tongue all over your body and make you come undone."
She let out a soft whine as she imagined what his tongue would feel like on her, knowing exactly how it felt in her mouth and if that was any indication as to how it feel inside of her, she was definitely in for a treat. She almost crumbled at the thought as he held her up for balance.
They really needed to leave.
He finally let her go and she tried to reassemble herself. "I'll be right behind you. I'm afraid I need some time to... settle down," he told her with a smirk as he looked down at himself.
She turned to look at him, her cheeks pink with blush as she laughed lightly before she opened the door and walked out. Closing it behind her, she let out a long breath and headed outside the building. He joined her at their cars a few moments later and she remembered the coffee she had gotten him. She opened her car door and grabbed it, handing it to him.
"I almost forgot to give this to you."
He smiled appreciatively and took it. "Well our minds were a little preoccupied," he said with a wicked smirk before he took a sip.
She grinned back, not knowing how she was going to get through day thinking about the idea of him making her come undone over and over. Which was really not a good thing, considering her busy schedule. There were only a few more weeks in the semester until summer break.
"Yeah, and thanks to you, my mind will be occupied all day, which is unfortunate because I have a bunch of appointments to get the eighth graders ready for their high school classes."
"Oi, don't blame this on me, love. If I recall, you're the one who pulled me into the closet."
"Oh yeah, because I had to drag you in kicking and screaming," she said sarcastically with a laugh.
"Hey I'm not denying the fact that I was a very willing participant, but you did start it, love."
"Well..." Emma stepped closer to him and leaned her lips to his ear with a seductive whisper. "I'm leaving it up to you to finish."
His breath hitched at the challenge and lightly grabbed her arm before she pulled away. "Love, I'll make you finish right here in the parking lot if we don't leave right now."
She flashed him a mischevious grin as though she wasn't opposed to that idea.
Keeping some semblance, though, she gave him a chaste kiss, making sure to keep her hands to herself to avoid any sort of unsightly public display before they parted ways. She went to work with a smile permantly fixed to her features as the day went by.
By the time she picked Henry up and took him home, her smile faded when she realized the front door had been unlocked. With Henry restlessly squirming in her arm, she turned the knob and opened the door, stepping cautiously into her house. She stopped in her tracks when she went into the living room and saw Neal sitting on the couch. Her guard immediately went up, a defensive tone in her voice as she spoke.
"What the hell are you doing here, Neal? This isn't your house anymore. You gave it me, remember?"
She walked over to him as Henry reached for Neal and called out to him.
"See my boy misses his daddy. And I wouldn't have to come over here if you'd answer your damn phone. You know I could take you to court for disobeying the judge's orders."
"So then why haven't you?" she asked curiously as she reluctantly let Henry down and watched him walk over to Neal. Neal picked him up and sat him in his lap.
"Hey buddy," he said to Henry with a smile. It was fake, though, like he had something up his sleeve. Emma could tell just by looking at him.
"What do you want?"
Neal looked back at her, his features more serious. "I want the house."
Emma almost snapped at his request. Was he serious? He had already taken her dignity, her trust and now he wanted her house too? "Neal, you gave this house to me. What makes you think I would just hand it over?"
"Because, I want to make you a deal."
"Let me guess, you're going to take me to court unless I give you the house?"
"Actually no."
Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she crossed her arms. "Then what?"
"Why don't you have a seat, Emma?"
"Not until you tell me what you want," she said flatly.
Neal sighed. "I'll tell you, but first I have some news to share with you... Tamara just found out Sunday that she's pregnant and so I've asked her to marry me."
Emma's mouth fell open on its own accord, although she shouldn't be surprised. He sure liked to move quick, that was for sure.
"So, we need a bigger place to raise our child. And here's the thing, if you give us the house, I will stay out of yours and Henry's life for good."
Emma's face went pale as she felt a blow to the stomach, the air becoming thin around her. She should be happy that she didn't have to share Henry with Neal, that was what she wanted, but the fact that he was willing to give his son up for this woman and their unborn child was all too much for her to handle. She suddenly felt the desperate urge to sit in the chair across from Neal, trying to process what he was telling her. She held a blank expression as she stared off into space.
"Emma?"
She didn't answer as she felt realization hitting her like a brick. Just like that, he was willing to give up the one last thing that tied them together. She should feel relieved, happy to be rid of him after what he did, but she just couldn't. Every last shred of confidence that she had slowly gained back from being with Killian was quickly dissipating. Her throat closed up, her mouth dry and she couldn't find the strength to form words.
"Emma, I thought this was what you wanted. You don't ever have to see me again and you can move on and have a fresh start."
Emma turned her head towards him and shot him a glaring stare, finding the words on the tip of her tongue. "You think this is what I wanted? You've got to be kidding me." Anger was bubbling inside of her but she fought against it as she stood up. There was a thousand things she wanted to say to this man, but instead she grabbed Henry and headed for the door. "I'll be by tomorrow to start packing my things."
"Emma, wait, you're not even going to congratulate me-"
She opened the door and walked through, slamming it behind her before he could finish. She kissed Henry's forehead as she continued to her car, keeping all of her emotions inside of her. She buckled Henry into his carseat before she got in and drove away. She couldn't even think about where she would stay until she got a place of her own, she just needed to find something, or rather, someone that might be able to hold her together as she went to the one place where she knew she would be able to find just that.
Killian had just fed Liam as he picked him up out of his highchair and kissed his forehead. The little lad was all smiles and wound up now as he squirmed in Killian's arms to be let down.
"Papa down."
Killian set him on the floor and let him walk about, although he had hold on to things for balance, not learning to walk on his own yet. Killian bent over him and grabbed his hands to help him as he walked over to his toys in the living room. Killian sat down with him in his lap as Liam picked up his toy boat. He relished in the moments he spent with his son, wishing he didn't have to work so much. But every moment with him was precious to Killian and he was looking forward to both of them spending time with Emma and Henry.
The lads enjoyed spending time with eachother as it was and well, he very much enjoyed Emma's company. And although he was dying to get her alone, if he were to be honest with himself he would be happy to just be with her and her son. Killian pressed a kiss to Liam's temple when he heard a knock. He set Liam on the floor before he got up and walked to the door. When Killian opened it, his heart broke when he saw Emma holding Henry with tear-stained cheeks.