Chapter 1: The Beginning
Emma Swan
"Who was that?" Henry asked me as I returned to our tiny kitchen.
"No idea." I knew I was panting. What the hell had just happened? "Someone must have left the door open downstairs." I reassured him. Looking at my son, a twinge of fear ran through me. If a creep like this one could get into their building what would stop someone with a penchant for children rather than blondes? I would keep a better eye on him from now on. After all, we lived in New York City! I was supposed to be careful! I glanced back at the door warily. "Come on, let's eat." I sat at the table and took a sip of the steaming hot chocolate. I could never remember where I had picked up this idea, but the first time Henry and I had added cinnamon to our morning treat had been a special day indeed. As Henry changed for school I dead bolted the door. Grabbing a quick shower, I made good time throwing on my dark washed skinny jeans and my favorite red leather jacket over a plain white V-neck. I finished up with minimal makeup and tied my mid-calf leather boots in place over thick woolen socks. It may not have been winter but the air in New York was getting a bit crisper each and every day. I emerged from my room and saw Henry sneaking a chocolate bar into his backpack. I grinned and pretended not to notice as I grabbed my own keys off the table.
"Ready to go, kid?" I asked. Henry nodded and I carefully peered out the peep hole in their door before unbolting it and opening it for Henry.
"You okay mom?" he asked cautiously. That kid had always been far too perceptive for my liking.
"It's New York, Henry," I said after a pause. "I guess you just can't be too careful right?"
"Right!" he responded cheerfully, moving on. We were running late so we had to run through the subway station to catch our usual ride. We just made it and Henry found a seat just as the doors closed. I held onto a pole and smiled as Henry's mittened hand found my own gloved fingers. The train began pulling away from the station and I stared blankly out the window. That's when I saw him. My heart stopped. That was the only way to describe it. I was alive but my heart was no longer beating and I certainly was no longer breathing. There he was, looking as perfect as the last time I had seen him. Dark hair ruffled, thick coat wrapped casually around his shoulders, eyes staring directly into my own. He had come here for me, it was so obvious. He didn't look shocked to see me but was staring directly into my eyes as if he had known I was going to be here. Had he been stalking me? My God, did he know about Henry? As I stared into his eyes, memories began pouring through my head. He disappeared from view as the darkness of the tunnel surrounded our car. Henry kicked his feet obliviously against the bench as I whispered his name, a name I hadn't thought of in years. "Neal." I had been 18, almost a child and he, at 21 had been this dazzling, all knowing adult who captivated me. But he had used me to take the fall for those watches, and would have used me as a fallout had any of our other cons not played out. Tallahassee my ass. He probably had a new girlfriend now, one who didn't realize the thief she was playing with was playing her.
"Mom?" I looked down at Henry who was now standing and trying to get to the door. Looking around myself, I realized that we had reached our stop.
"Oh! Sorry kid!" We ran out the doors just as they were closing and walked briskly down the sidewalk, three blocks to his school. I hugged him goodbye but instead of turning and walking away right after that, I stood on the sidewalk and watched him run up the steps and greet his friends. My eyes followed him until he was well within the school doors. I slowly turned and made my way back to the subway station. I descended the stairs slowly and made my way across town to the office building. Sitting in back I kept my eyes peeled for any signs of strange men. From the crazy guy with the guy liner whom I would have sworn was gay until he planted one on her (and to be honest after a kiss that good it was pretty obvious that he was NOT gay) to seeing Neal again, this was proving to be the start to an interesting day. How interesting it was about to become I had no idea. As I entered the office building I fiddled with the shoelace tied to my wrist. I had no idea why I wore it, but every day that I decided I should stop wearing that ridiculous thing, I had this powerful urge to put it back on. I figured it was just a habit I couldn't break.
"Hey Emma!" the overly cheery receptionist called out.
"Hi Beverly." I said, grinning in spite of myself. "Got anything new for me today?" I had just nailed my last case and the perp was sitting in prison waiting for his ever looming court date. This left my schedule horribly clear for doing paperwork. I desperately hoped for a new case.
"Not today, just some paperwork. But Greg called in as he was finishing a case this morning and told me to remind you that you promised him lunch today." Beverly winked suggestively at me. I rolled my eyes and continued walking into the closet that I called my office.
"Thanks Bev," I yelled out as I disappeared.
"Is that really what you're going to wear?" the brunette bombshell called in. "I can run out and get you something else if you want!" Without bothering to respond I kicked the office door shut. It wasn't like this was a date. Not that I'd mind if it was, of course. Greg was my business partner. And everyone knows you don't date coworkers. Almost exactly one year ago this week he had shown up at my door with the most incredible list of credentials ever offered for this sort of rough and tumble job. I mean, this job wasn't exactly the cream of the crop when it came to jobs. It was the sort of job you didn't tell your parents about. Not that I had to worry about that sort of thing, my parents had been MIA ever since I had been found on the side of the road as an infant. Really, mom and dad? Can't even drop me off at a proper hospital, the side of the highway is fine, I'm sure this infant won't get run over by a car or anything!Not that I couldn't take care of myself now of course. I didn't have to feel responsible for this sketchy line of work like Greg might. And sure, I had met bail bonds people that had started off training to be police men, but Greg had been a police man for 8 years or something like that. Somewhere off the coast of Maine, he said, but I never could remember the name of the town no matter how hard I tried. It just kept slipping from my mind. He was brilliant at tracking people down and we had a lot in common. It didn't hurt that he was incredibly gorgeous and had this adorable accent that could always make me smile. Okay who was I kidding, I'd had a crush on him since we had met. There was something about him that made me feel safe, something about him that was so undeniably familiar that I would have sworn I had known him in another life. If I believed in that sort of thing, which I didn't. But it wasn't a date, so none of this nonsense mattered anyway. I buried my head in my arms and groaned.
How did he do that anyway? How did Greg make me feel like there was a past between us, like I knew him so well? The weird thing was, the more I thought about it, the more I started thinking about the creep from this morning. He and Greg were nothing alike of course. He had been the dark and brooding to Greg's light and smiling nature. And of course he began by kissing me when Greg wouldn't go anywhere near me despite my multitude of pathetic hints. But that feeling I got. Like I knew them. That familiarity, it wouldn't go away. Of course there was always Neal. I felt that same familiarity when I had locked eyes with him this morning but that was different. We actually had a past. We had been together for nearly a year. Hell I had carried his child and was raising him! But that same sense of history came with Greg and even the strange nameless man who had shown up on my door step. I couldn't wait for lunch, I needed a drink.
The morning passed tediously, mostly thanks to the boring paperwork that cluttered my desk. As lunch time approached I heard footsteps in the hallway. The three rooms Greg and I rented out in the middle of this upscale office building were not only the smallest and most cramped but also the least sound proof. Three sharp taps rang through the door and I quickly pinched my cheeks and tousled my hair nervously.
"Come in!" I called out. My voice was higher pitched then I had meant it to be. Greg poked his head in the door and smiled at me. My heart fluttered a bit.
"Hey Emma." He said quickly. "I've just got a bit of paperwork to finish up and then I believe we have got a date." I grinned back, praying I didn't look like a dork, and nodded.
"Yeah," Thankfully my voice had returned to its normal tone. "Sounds perfect Greg, I've got some work that needs to get done, like yesterday." He grinned at me. Would I never get used to that perfect smile? "I'll be done in half an hour?" I offered weakly.
"Perfect!" Greg withdrew his head from my office and shut the door behind him. I spent the next thirty minutes fixing my hair and makeup and spritzing myself with a new perfume. Then, adjusting the papers to make it look as though I was extremely busy, I positioned myself in the perfect pose for when he opened the door.
"Who was that?" Henry asked me as I returned to our tiny kitchen.
"No idea." I knew I was panting. What the hell had just happened? "Someone must have left the door open downstairs." I reassured him. Looking at my son, a twinge of fear ran through me. If a creep like this one could get into their building what would stop someone with a penchant for children rather than blondes? I would keep a better eye on him from now on. After all, we lived in New York City! I was supposed to be careful! I glanced back at the door warily. "Come on, let's eat." I sat at the table and took a sip of the steaming hot chocolate. I could never remember where I had picked up this idea, but the first time Henry and I had added cinnamon to our morning treat had been a special day indeed. As Henry changed for school I dead bolted the door. Grabbing a quick shower, I made good time throwing on my dark washed skinny jeans and my favorite red leather jacket over a plain white V-neck. I finished up with minimal makeup and tied my mid-calf leather boots in place over thick woolen socks. It may not have been winter but the air in New York was getting a bit crisper each and every day. I emerged from my room and saw Henry sneaking a chocolate bar into his backpack. I grinned and pretended not to notice as I grabbed my own keys off the table.
"Ready to go, kid?" I asked. Henry nodded and I carefully peered out the peep hole in their door before unbolting it and opening it for Henry.
"You okay mom?" he asked cautiously. That kid had always been far too perceptive for my liking.
"It's New York, Henry," I said after a pause. "I guess you just can't be too careful right?"
"Right!" he responded cheerfully, moving on. We were running late so we had to run through the subway station to catch our usual ride. We just made it and Henry found a seat just as the doors closed. I held onto a pole and smiled as Henry's mittened hand found my own gloved fingers. The train began pulling away from the station and I stared blankly out the window. That's when I saw him. My heart stopped. That was the only way to describe it. I was alive but my heart was no longer beating and I certainly was no longer breathing. There he was, looking as perfect as the last time I had seen him. Dark hair ruffled, thick coat wrapped casually around his shoulders, eyes staring directly into my own. He had come here for me, it was so obvious. He didn't look shocked to see me but was staring directly into my eyes as if he had known I was going to be here. Had he been stalking me? My God, did he know about Henry? As I stared into his eyes, memories began pouring through my head. He disappeared from view as the darkness of the tunnel surrounded our car. Henry kicked his feet obliviously against the bench as I whispered his name, a name I hadn't thought of in years. "Neal." I had been 18, almost a child and he, at 21 had been this dazzling, all knowing adult who captivated me. But he had used me to take the fall for those watches, and would have used me as a fallout had any of our other cons not played out. Tallahassee my ass. He probably had a new girlfriend now, one who didn't realize the thief she was playing with was playing her.
"Mom?" I looked down at Henry who was now standing and trying to get to the door. Looking around myself, I realized that we had reached our stop.
"Oh! Sorry kid!" We ran out the doors just as they were closing and walked briskly down the sidewalk, three blocks to his school. I hugged him goodbye but instead of turning and walking away right after that, I stood on the sidewalk and watched him run up the steps and greet his friends. My eyes followed him until he was well within the school doors. I slowly turned and made my way back to the subway station. I descended the stairs slowly and made my way across town to the office building. Sitting in back I kept my eyes peeled for any signs of strange men. From the crazy guy with the guy liner whom I would have sworn was gay until he planted one on her (and to be honest after a kiss that good it was pretty obvious that he was NOT gay) to seeing Neal again, this was proving to be the start to an interesting day. How interesting it was about to become I had no idea. As I entered the office building I fiddled with the shoelace tied to my wrist. I had no idea why I wore it, but every day that I decided I should stop wearing that ridiculous thing, I had this powerful urge to put it back on. I figured it was just a habit I couldn't break.
"Hey Emma!" the overly cheery receptionist called out.
"Hi Beverly." I said, grinning in spite of myself. "Got anything new for me today?" I had just nailed my last case and the perp was sitting in prison waiting for his ever looming court date. This left my schedule horribly clear for doing paperwork. I desperately hoped for a new case.
"Not today, just some paperwork. But Greg called in as he was finishing a case this morning and told me to remind you that you promised him lunch today." Beverly winked suggestively at me. I rolled my eyes and continued walking into the closet that I called my office.
"Thanks Bev," I yelled out as I disappeared.
"Is that really what you're going to wear?" the brunette bombshell called in. "I can run out and get you something else if you want!" Without bothering to respond I kicked the office door shut. It wasn't like this was a date. Not that I'd mind if it was, of course. Greg was my business partner. And everyone knows you don't date coworkers. Almost exactly one year ago this week he had shown up at my door with the most incredible list of credentials ever offered for this sort of rough and tumble job. I mean, this job wasn't exactly the cream of the crop when it came to jobs. It was the sort of job you didn't tell your parents about. Not that I had to worry about that sort of thing, my parents had been MIA ever since I had been found on the side of the road as an infant. Really, mom and dad? Can't even drop me off at a proper hospital, the side of the highway is fine, I'm sure this infant won't get run over by a car or anything!Not that I couldn't take care of myself now of course. I didn't have to feel responsible for this sketchy line of work like Greg might. And sure, I had met bail bonds people that had started off training to be police men, but Greg had been a police man for 8 years or something like that. Somewhere off the coast of Maine, he said, but I never could remember the name of the town no matter how hard I tried. It just kept slipping from my mind. He was brilliant at tracking people down and we had a lot in common. It didn't hurt that he was incredibly gorgeous and had this adorable accent that could always make me smile. Okay who was I kidding, I'd had a crush on him since we had met. There was something about him that made me feel safe, something about him that was so undeniably familiar that I would have sworn I had known him in another life. If I believed in that sort of thing, which I didn't. But it wasn't a date, so none of this nonsense mattered anyway. I buried my head in my arms and groaned.
How did he do that anyway? How did Greg make me feel like there was a past between us, like I knew him so well? The weird thing was, the more I thought about it, the more I started thinking about the creep from this morning. He and Greg were nothing alike of course. He had been the dark and brooding to Greg's light and smiling nature. And of course he began by kissing me when Greg wouldn't go anywhere near me despite my multitude of pathetic hints. But that feeling I got. Like I knew them. That familiarity, it wouldn't go away. Of course there was always Neal. I felt that same familiarity when I had locked eyes with him this morning but that was different. We actually had a past. We had been together for nearly a year. Hell I had carried his child and was raising him! But that same sense of history came with Greg and even the strange nameless man who had shown up on my door step. I couldn't wait for lunch, I needed a drink.
The morning passed tediously, mostly thanks to the boring paperwork that cluttered my desk. As lunch time approached I heard footsteps in the hallway. The three rooms Greg and I rented out in the middle of this upscale office building were not only the smallest and most cramped but also the least sound proof. Three sharp taps rang through the door and I quickly pinched my cheeks and tousled my hair nervously.
"Come in!" I called out. My voice was higher pitched then I had meant it to be. Greg poked his head in the door and smiled at me. My heart fluttered a bit.
"Hey Emma." He said quickly. "I've just got a bit of paperwork to finish up and then I believe we have got a date." I grinned back, praying I didn't look like a dork, and nodded.
"Yeah," Thankfully my voice had returned to its normal tone. "Sounds perfect Greg, I've got some work that needs to get done, like yesterday." He grinned at me. Would I never get used to that perfect smile? "I'll be done in half an hour?" I offered weakly.
"Perfect!" Greg withdrew his head from my office and shut the door behind him. I spent the next thirty minutes fixing my hair and makeup and spritzing myself with a new perfume. Then, adjusting the papers to make it look as though I was extremely busy, I positioned myself in the perfect pose for when he opened the door.
Chapter 2: He's Back
Sheriff Graham
I withdrew my head from Emma's door. She had called me Greg again. I mean, that is what the desk name plate said and that was what I had introduced myself to her as a year ago, but still. It was all I craved, for her to say my name. I had been dead for almost two years now and I still had this need for her to want me. She was my one true love and I needed her to want me. I had sat alone in the afterlife, thinking about her, day in and day out, sketching her or telling anyone who'd listen about her. I'd been watching over her every day, watching Neal creep back into her life and hope that maybe she could find happiness with him, and watching when she had it all stolen from her when Neal had fallen away. I had seen her falling for the rogue pirate. I was wary of that one at first, but a beautiful young woman named Milah had promised me that Killian Jones was an impeccable and wonderful man and that Emma would be lucky to have him. Of course I had seen Greg and Tamara steal Henry away from her. This particular memory only added to my distress each time I heard her call me Greg. Each time she said Greg I remembered how that name had slipped out of my mouth the day we met. I had cursed myself mentally moments later. She had no memory of me at all, no memory of Storybrooke or anyone in it. It didn't matter if I had called myself Graham, she wouldn't see through the façade.
One year ago, a prayer had been said and the Fates had gotten involved. I didn't mean that in some cheesy, destiny sort of way, but the actual Fates, three women who sat around weaving the past present and future together in terrible, beautiful patterns. Rumpelstiltskin was there of course, the women seemed to know him, dote on him even. This all began that fateful day one year ago when Rumpelstiltskin appeared in the world of the dead. We had been watching, my friend Milah and I, watching as The Dark One gave everything to save his son and his love. We watched as Emma was torn away from her family and as the others were thrown back into the enchanted forest. Then I heard my name. I still felt a chill when I thought back to his voice, telling me of my fate, the thrill and excitement when I learned that my thread had not been snipped just yet. Almost immediately afterwards, I had been called back into the land of the living. I could remember the tingle as many of my new friends faded away around me, becoming ghosts, and as those living people we spied upon, the ones we watched over, became more material. I emerged in a small sitting room I had never been in before. Rumpelstiltskin was still with me, though a mere ghost now, what I had been only moments ago. Milah was there too, holding Gold's hand, having whispered her forgiveness into his ear. Three old women sat around a loom. They called themselves the Fates. Emma had forgotten, they said, and most importantly she had forgotten her true love rendering any kiss completely useless. But she had saved me from my amnesia and I had the power to save her in return. There was a price to be sure, for all magic comes with a price they had repeatedly warned me, but upon hearing the price, I swore I was willing to pay it. I had wanted to set off and save her immediately but they pulled me back, making swear to wait for the sign. I wasn't to save her until it was necessary. They told me what to look for, said that one true kiss would do it, but I wasn't to touch her lips until that day, until the moment arrived. This wasn't an easy task seeing as I'd just gone around for nearly a year simply longing for her.
Each day we worked together presented new challenges towards my patience, especially recently when she began not so subtly dropping hints. We were off to lunch today, her treat as she'd lost our friendly wager, and I sat in my office for the half hour she had asked me for, fidgeting and fixing my hair. I stared out the window. Down on the street people were milling around. New York was certainly nothing like Storybrooke and even less like the enchanted forest but it suited Emma. As I stared out the window listening to the clock on my desk tick out each slow second, two men on the sidewalk caught my attention. In juxtaposition with those hustling and running around them, their awkward stance, just staring at the skyscraper before them was strangely obvious. But it was more than that. They felt, oddly familiar, as if, like me, they didn't belong here. The darker of the two quite obviously did not belong, wearing all black leather and dark eye liner made me look like a piñata in a gay parade. Not that I was judging, but the guy looked weird. Actually, they both had this feel about them this mystery. I sighed. I couldn't place them. I was certain I'd never seen either of them, but these two oddities on the street were as close to the enchanted forest I had felt while walking on this earth. Perhaps they actually were from the enchanted forest. Perhaps the sign would soon come and I would be able to once again tell Emma how I felt about her. And then I would pay the price.
I glanced down at my watch and stood quickly, nearly knocking over the chair. I pulled my leather jacket around my shoulders and taking one final look at the mysterious street men I walked around the desk and towards the door.
"Graham." The name came out of the air behind me, sounding like a fresh spring of water would to a parched man. I turned to see her, sitting on the edge of my desk. She had come to visit me in New York a few times over the past year and we had grown close. Now that I had died, I could see all the ghosts that roamed the city, too attached to move on. But she wasn't opaque. She was solid. I smiled at her and she returned.
"Milah, is it time?" I asked.
"Soon. The circumstances must be identical. You must give her the potion. Slip it into her drink or something. After your return here I will arrange for her to get that cut, and then the magic will work." I nodded. The potion Rumpelstiltskin had given me was a memory trigger. It wouldn't make her remember without a splash of true love and a bit of déjà vu. I would tend to the cut and I would kiss her. I truly loved her and the circumstances of our kiss should give the proper amount of déjà vu to force her memory back into her head. Milah squeezed my hand and disappeared. I steadied my nerves, readying myself for the insanity of the afternoon ahead of me, and I left my office. I gave Bev a quick nod before opening Emma's office door. My breath caught in my throat. Her blonde hair fell gracefully over one shoulder, her legs were peeking out from behind her desk and I couldn't help but stare at them for a moment. My eyes followed the soft curve of her cheek down to those soft lips. I wanted so desperately to pull her into my arms and trail that jawbone with my lips before kissing as passionately as I hadn't had the chance to last time. Finally after pregnant pause I shook my head clearing away the thoughts and looked into her sparkling eyes.
"Are you ready to go, Emma?" She nodded and moved to put her own leather jacket on. Being the gentleman that I was, I rushed forward and helped her with the sleeves. I could feel her warmth through the jacket and I held back a sigh. Backing away reluctantly, I gestured to her and she left the office. We made small talk on the elevator, I told her about my last case and she filled me in on hers. When she talked about tackling the idiot to the ground I tried not to smile. I would never stop admiring how tough and rebellious she was. She got it from her mother of course, Snow White had been incredibly tough and I could see her in so many of the things Emma did. I missed my friend and prayed that Regina had continued to repent for Henry's sake and would care for Snow. As they exited the building I saw that the two mysterious gentlemen had disappeared. I kept my eyes open, looking for them the entire trip to the cafe, but I didn't see them. As we sat down and Emma flashed one of those rare smiles my way, I felt my heart thudding in my chest. It was a good feeling, here with Emma, I felt my heart beat more fully then it ever had when I was alive. Today was the day. I would be able to kiss her, to hear her say my name as she remembered our past. I recalled the price I would have to pay, but seeing Emma talk about her son and knowing that the rest of her family was waiting for her made it all worth it.
I withdrew my head from Emma's door. She had called me Greg again. I mean, that is what the desk name plate said and that was what I had introduced myself to her as a year ago, but still. It was all I craved, for her to say my name. I had been dead for almost two years now and I still had this need for her to want me. She was my one true love and I needed her to want me. I had sat alone in the afterlife, thinking about her, day in and day out, sketching her or telling anyone who'd listen about her. I'd been watching over her every day, watching Neal creep back into her life and hope that maybe she could find happiness with him, and watching when she had it all stolen from her when Neal had fallen away. I had seen her falling for the rogue pirate. I was wary of that one at first, but a beautiful young woman named Milah had promised me that Killian Jones was an impeccable and wonderful man and that Emma would be lucky to have him. Of course I had seen Greg and Tamara steal Henry away from her. This particular memory only added to my distress each time I heard her call me Greg. Each time she said Greg I remembered how that name had slipped out of my mouth the day we met. I had cursed myself mentally moments later. She had no memory of me at all, no memory of Storybrooke or anyone in it. It didn't matter if I had called myself Graham, she wouldn't see through the façade.
One year ago, a prayer had been said and the Fates had gotten involved. I didn't mean that in some cheesy, destiny sort of way, but the actual Fates, three women who sat around weaving the past present and future together in terrible, beautiful patterns. Rumpelstiltskin was there of course, the women seemed to know him, dote on him even. This all began that fateful day one year ago when Rumpelstiltskin appeared in the world of the dead. We had been watching, my friend Milah and I, watching as The Dark One gave everything to save his son and his love. We watched as Emma was torn away from her family and as the others were thrown back into the enchanted forest. Then I heard my name. I still felt a chill when I thought back to his voice, telling me of my fate, the thrill and excitement when I learned that my thread had not been snipped just yet. Almost immediately afterwards, I had been called back into the land of the living. I could remember the tingle as many of my new friends faded away around me, becoming ghosts, and as those living people we spied upon, the ones we watched over, became more material. I emerged in a small sitting room I had never been in before. Rumpelstiltskin was still with me, though a mere ghost now, what I had been only moments ago. Milah was there too, holding Gold's hand, having whispered her forgiveness into his ear. Three old women sat around a loom. They called themselves the Fates. Emma had forgotten, they said, and most importantly she had forgotten her true love rendering any kiss completely useless. But she had saved me from my amnesia and I had the power to save her in return. There was a price to be sure, for all magic comes with a price they had repeatedly warned me, but upon hearing the price, I swore I was willing to pay it. I had wanted to set off and save her immediately but they pulled me back, making swear to wait for the sign. I wasn't to save her until it was necessary. They told me what to look for, said that one true kiss would do it, but I wasn't to touch her lips until that day, until the moment arrived. This wasn't an easy task seeing as I'd just gone around for nearly a year simply longing for her.
Each day we worked together presented new challenges towards my patience, especially recently when she began not so subtly dropping hints. We were off to lunch today, her treat as she'd lost our friendly wager, and I sat in my office for the half hour she had asked me for, fidgeting and fixing my hair. I stared out the window. Down on the street people were milling around. New York was certainly nothing like Storybrooke and even less like the enchanted forest but it suited Emma. As I stared out the window listening to the clock on my desk tick out each slow second, two men on the sidewalk caught my attention. In juxtaposition with those hustling and running around them, their awkward stance, just staring at the skyscraper before them was strangely obvious. But it was more than that. They felt, oddly familiar, as if, like me, they didn't belong here. The darker of the two quite obviously did not belong, wearing all black leather and dark eye liner made me look like a piñata in a gay parade. Not that I was judging, but the guy looked weird. Actually, they both had this feel about them this mystery. I sighed. I couldn't place them. I was certain I'd never seen either of them, but these two oddities on the street were as close to the enchanted forest I had felt while walking on this earth. Perhaps they actually were from the enchanted forest. Perhaps the sign would soon come and I would be able to once again tell Emma how I felt about her. And then I would pay the price.
I glanced down at my watch and stood quickly, nearly knocking over the chair. I pulled my leather jacket around my shoulders and taking one final look at the mysterious street men I walked around the desk and towards the door.
"Graham." The name came out of the air behind me, sounding like a fresh spring of water would to a parched man. I turned to see her, sitting on the edge of my desk. She had come to visit me in New York a few times over the past year and we had grown close. Now that I had died, I could see all the ghosts that roamed the city, too attached to move on. But she wasn't opaque. She was solid. I smiled at her and she returned.
"Milah, is it time?" I asked.
"Soon. The circumstances must be identical. You must give her the potion. Slip it into her drink or something. After your return here I will arrange for her to get that cut, and then the magic will work." I nodded. The potion Rumpelstiltskin had given me was a memory trigger. It wouldn't make her remember without a splash of true love and a bit of déjà vu. I would tend to the cut and I would kiss her. I truly loved her and the circumstances of our kiss should give the proper amount of déjà vu to force her memory back into her head. Milah squeezed my hand and disappeared. I steadied my nerves, readying myself for the insanity of the afternoon ahead of me, and I left my office. I gave Bev a quick nod before opening Emma's office door. My breath caught in my throat. Her blonde hair fell gracefully over one shoulder, her legs were peeking out from behind her desk and I couldn't help but stare at them for a moment. My eyes followed the soft curve of her cheek down to those soft lips. I wanted so desperately to pull her into my arms and trail that jawbone with my lips before kissing as passionately as I hadn't had the chance to last time. Finally after pregnant pause I shook my head clearing away the thoughts and looked into her sparkling eyes.
"Are you ready to go, Emma?" She nodded and moved to put her own leather jacket on. Being the gentleman that I was, I rushed forward and helped her with the sleeves. I could feel her warmth through the jacket and I held back a sigh. Backing away reluctantly, I gestured to her and she left the office. We made small talk on the elevator, I told her about my last case and she filled me in on hers. When she talked about tackling the idiot to the ground I tried not to smile. I would never stop admiring how tough and rebellious she was. She got it from her mother of course, Snow White had been incredibly tough and I could see her in so many of the things Emma did. I missed my friend and prayed that Regina had continued to repent for Henry's sake and would care for Snow. As they exited the building I saw that the two mysterious gentlemen had disappeared. I kept my eyes open, looking for them the entire trip to the cafe, but I didn't see them. As we sat down and Emma flashed one of those rare smiles my way, I felt my heart thudding in my chest. It was a good feeling, here with Emma, I felt my heart beat more fully then it ever had when I was alive. Today was the day. I would be able to kiss her, to hear her say my name as she remembered our past. I recalled the price I would have to pay, but seeing Emma talk about her son and knowing that the rest of her family was waiting for her made it all worth it.
Chapter 3 Jealousy
Neal Cassidy
Hook and I stood carefully behind a tall potted plant, trying not to be seen by Emma and her friend. Friend, ha. Of course Emma would be going out to lunch with that tall, muscular guy. And then I heard his accent, clear as day, as the man's eyes scanned the sidewalk. He was looking for someone, but who?
"Of course," I heard Hook mumble, "he has an accent. I'm not the unique one anymore." The corners of my mouth twisted up. Hook and I would battle for Emma's affections until she made a choice but we both hated this guy. I had seen him with Emma before and when I told Hook, we had a moment of almost, friendship. We could fight for her but who was this new guy? Did he think he could just step up and claim her now that she lost her memories? He didn't even know about her past or how special she was. Our hate for this one man bonded us just as much as our need to get Emma and Henry safely home. Of course that bond was tested when I found out that Hook had KISSED Emma this morning. Charming had told us that when one had forgotten their true love, true loves kiss didn't work. But here Hook thinks that he needs to try anything possible even a long shot, especially if it meant that he could both kiss her and get the chance to prove that he was her true love over me. I had almost taken a swing at him when he told me. We followed Emma and her friend to a cute little cafe not far from my apartment. We snuck in the back and watched from a booth as the idiot pulled out Emma's chair. We had a plan. It was going to be horrible and Emma would hate us for as long as she remained oblivious of Storybrooke and her true past and probably longer knowing how well she held a grudge, but the Enchanted Forest needed a savior. Regina had gotten the key for us. I almost laughed, having seen the movie version of this, but the thought of how close I was to Emma and to Henry sobered me up pretty quickly. She had seen me this morning and instead of pretending not to notice her as was the plan, I hadn't been able tear my eyes away from her. And there was Henry, completely oblivious to his father's presence. It killed me, but it also gave me hope. My son had that effect on people, hope. A waitress walked over to our booth and loudly announced her arrival.
"Hey! I'm Melanie and I will be taking care of you boys today." Neither Hook nor I took our eyes off Emma but instead flapped our hands at the waitress in an attempt to quiet her down.
"Shhhhhhhhh!" We both hissed murderously. "We'll just get coffee." I added in an attempt to be slightly civil.
"Mhm." The woman said sweetly. "You boys have fun spying. I'll be right back."
"Yup." I said, without looking at her.
"Sure thing, love." Hook added, also training his eyes on Emma. We could just make out bits of their conversation.
"And then this guy kisses me, right?" Emma says. I turned and glared at Hook who has the gall to grin back sheepishly. "But that's not even the worst part about today! I saw Henry's father! Staring right at me on the subway! I mean, what if he knows? I can't let Henry get hurt the same way her hurt me! I'm not letting that bastard near my son." My face fell, and I stared at my shoes, my heart dropping a thousand stories and smashing into the cold hard ground. Hook has the good sense to keep his mouth shut about this one. The man reaches out and takes Emma's hand in his. I felt Hook tense up beside me and I know that he has balled his hands into fists, just as I did at that motion. The man says something reassuring to Emma and she smiles, relaxing visibly. "Thanks Greg, you always know what to say." Hook begins to mumble behind him, and I smile, realizing that I am saying the same thing in my own head as Hook is verbalizing. The waitress returns with our coffee and I look up at her face. She looks familiar but I cannot place her. Mind you, I have come into this cafe before so I've probably actually seen her, but no! Hook is looking at her strangely, too.
"Excuse me, lass," Hook says quietly, "Have we met before?" the woman smiles and nods. "Where?"
"If you cannot see now, then my telling you will not help you remember. But I have the strangest feeling we will see each other soon." She says airily before drifting off. She isn't three yards away when she turns and looks into Hook's eyes. "Nice tattoo, by the way." Hook and I share a look over this new and strange development. Before I can say anything Hook's face lights up and he points to his right. I follows the path his finger points out and I see Emma's friend (Greg she called him) making his way to the bathroom. A quick glance tells us that Emma is too enthralled with her menu to notice us, so we both stand up and nonchalantly follow this Greg character. I feel a bit like a secret agent as we step into the urinals next to 'Greg'. I open my mouth to speak but someone beat me to it.
Hook and I stood carefully behind a tall potted plant, trying not to be seen by Emma and her friend. Friend, ha. Of course Emma would be going out to lunch with that tall, muscular guy. And then I heard his accent, clear as day, as the man's eyes scanned the sidewalk. He was looking for someone, but who?
"Of course," I heard Hook mumble, "he has an accent. I'm not the unique one anymore." The corners of my mouth twisted up. Hook and I would battle for Emma's affections until she made a choice but we both hated this guy. I had seen him with Emma before and when I told Hook, we had a moment of almost, friendship. We could fight for her but who was this new guy? Did he think he could just step up and claim her now that she lost her memories? He didn't even know about her past or how special she was. Our hate for this one man bonded us just as much as our need to get Emma and Henry safely home. Of course that bond was tested when I found out that Hook had KISSED Emma this morning. Charming had told us that when one had forgotten their true love, true loves kiss didn't work. But here Hook thinks that he needs to try anything possible even a long shot, especially if it meant that he could both kiss her and get the chance to prove that he was her true love over me. I had almost taken a swing at him when he told me. We followed Emma and her friend to a cute little cafe not far from my apartment. We snuck in the back and watched from a booth as the idiot pulled out Emma's chair. We had a plan. It was going to be horrible and Emma would hate us for as long as she remained oblivious of Storybrooke and her true past and probably longer knowing how well she held a grudge, but the Enchanted Forest needed a savior. Regina had gotten the key for us. I almost laughed, having seen the movie version of this, but the thought of how close I was to Emma and to Henry sobered me up pretty quickly. She had seen me this morning and instead of pretending not to notice her as was the plan, I hadn't been able tear my eyes away from her. And there was Henry, completely oblivious to his father's presence. It killed me, but it also gave me hope. My son had that effect on people, hope. A waitress walked over to our booth and loudly announced her arrival.
"Hey! I'm Melanie and I will be taking care of you boys today." Neither Hook nor I took our eyes off Emma but instead flapped our hands at the waitress in an attempt to quiet her down.
"Shhhhhhhhh!" We both hissed murderously. "We'll just get coffee." I added in an attempt to be slightly civil.
"Mhm." The woman said sweetly. "You boys have fun spying. I'll be right back."
"Yup." I said, without looking at her.
"Sure thing, love." Hook added, also training his eyes on Emma. We could just make out bits of their conversation.
"And then this guy kisses me, right?" Emma says. I turned and glared at Hook who has the gall to grin back sheepishly. "But that's not even the worst part about today! I saw Henry's father! Staring right at me on the subway! I mean, what if he knows? I can't let Henry get hurt the same way her hurt me! I'm not letting that bastard near my son." My face fell, and I stared at my shoes, my heart dropping a thousand stories and smashing into the cold hard ground. Hook has the good sense to keep his mouth shut about this one. The man reaches out and takes Emma's hand in his. I felt Hook tense up beside me and I know that he has balled his hands into fists, just as I did at that motion. The man says something reassuring to Emma and she smiles, relaxing visibly. "Thanks Greg, you always know what to say." Hook begins to mumble behind him, and I smile, realizing that I am saying the same thing in my own head as Hook is verbalizing. The waitress returns with our coffee and I look up at her face. She looks familiar but I cannot place her. Mind you, I have come into this cafe before so I've probably actually seen her, but no! Hook is looking at her strangely, too.
"Excuse me, lass," Hook says quietly, "Have we met before?" the woman smiles and nods. "Where?"
"If you cannot see now, then my telling you will not help you remember. But I have the strangest feeling we will see each other soon." She says airily before drifting off. She isn't three yards away when she turns and looks into Hook's eyes. "Nice tattoo, by the way." Hook and I share a look over this new and strange development. Before I can say anything Hook's face lights up and he points to his right. I follows the path his finger points out and I see Emma's friend (Greg she called him) making his way to the bathroom. A quick glance tells us that Emma is too enthralled with her menu to notice us, so we both stand up and nonchalantly follow this Greg character. I feel a bit like a secret agent as we step into the urinals next to 'Greg'. I open my mouth to speak but someone beat me to it.
Chapter 4: Intuition
Killian Jones
Baelfire and I step into these ridiculous stall things on either side of this fair haired idiot and I tilted my head, looking at Baelfire. Baelfire opened his mouth to speak but I know I'd be damned if I let the young one beat me too it. I will have the first word. Sentences enter my mouth but before I get the chance to articulate them, someone else starts talking.
"I saw you this morning." Greg said calmly. "Both of you, outside the office building. It looked like you were staring at my window but I realize now it was Emma's, wasn't it. I closed his mouth awkwardly and saw Baelfire do the same. "Then she told me about her morning." Greg turned to me. "You must be the man who kissed her this morning, which makes you," he looked at Baelfire, "Henry's father." We both nodded slowly, a little to shocked to speak. This was a waste of time. The Enchanted Forest and all its occupants was in danger! The reptilian woman was advancing on the innocents ever moment they delayed. Emma needed to remember now!
"Look, lad, I'm sure you really like Emma, I mean look at her, who wouldn't fall for someone as marvelous as her, but there are quite a few people who are far ahead of you in line, to put it bluntly, and you don't know who she truly is. You don't know her past or her destiny." Instead of retorting angrily as I expected him too, the man just chuckled softly.
"I expect I know her past and her destiny much better than either of you. But I will give you a chance, why do you need Emma to remember?" He asked. Baelfire answered quickly.
"Her family is in danger. I know it seems like she resents them now but she just doesn't remember. People will die if we don't get her back."
"So you need a savior?" Greg asked. My eyes narrowed at the word. Baelfire immediately told Greg that they did and that he needed to stay in the bathroom for a bit, while we talked to Emma. This was the plan. We would go and take her now. It was all in motion. Soon everything would be alright, but something wasn't sitting well with me.
"Wait a moment lad," I motioned Baelfire to stop. Incredulity filled Bae's eyes as I slowed our carefully laid plan. "You, Greg, we never said anything about Emma forgetting or needing to remember, how did you know?" Greg smiled pleasantly but said nothing. "And you called her a savior, why would you do that?"
"Am I wrong?" He asked. We were silent and he continued. "You want the savior? I can give you your savior. Now is as good a time as any I suppose. Meet me back at our office." Greg zipped up, washed his hands and left the bathroom silently.
"What the hell is going on here?" Bae asked after a moment.
"I'm not sure, but I think that we should give him a chance. He knows something, I'm not sure what. And did you see his boot?"
"His boot?" Baelfire asked, bewildered. "What does his boot have to do with anything?"
"Be a bit more perceptive lad. You remember how Emma was always wearing that key chain around her neck and that bootlace on her wrist?" Baelfire nodded smiling.
"I gave her that key chain."
"Yes, yes that's all very touching but where did she get that bootlace?"
"I-I don't know. She wasn't wearing it when I first knew her, she must have picked it up sometime after that. But what does he have to do with something Emma's had since Storybrooke?"
"Maybe nothing, but his right boot was lace-less, and the lace holding his left boot together was a perfect match for the one around Emma's wrist. Why wouldn't a man just buy a new pair of laces? Or wear different shoes? He knows something, I'm sure of it."
Baelfire and I step into these ridiculous stall things on either side of this fair haired idiot and I tilted my head, looking at Baelfire. Baelfire opened his mouth to speak but I know I'd be damned if I let the young one beat me too it. I will have the first word. Sentences enter my mouth but before I get the chance to articulate them, someone else starts talking.
"I saw you this morning." Greg said calmly. "Both of you, outside the office building. It looked like you were staring at my window but I realize now it was Emma's, wasn't it. I closed his mouth awkwardly and saw Baelfire do the same. "Then she told me about her morning." Greg turned to me. "You must be the man who kissed her this morning, which makes you," he looked at Baelfire, "Henry's father." We both nodded slowly, a little to shocked to speak. This was a waste of time. The Enchanted Forest and all its occupants was in danger! The reptilian woman was advancing on the innocents ever moment they delayed. Emma needed to remember now!
"Look, lad, I'm sure you really like Emma, I mean look at her, who wouldn't fall for someone as marvelous as her, but there are quite a few people who are far ahead of you in line, to put it bluntly, and you don't know who she truly is. You don't know her past or her destiny." Instead of retorting angrily as I expected him too, the man just chuckled softly.
"I expect I know her past and her destiny much better than either of you. But I will give you a chance, why do you need Emma to remember?" He asked. Baelfire answered quickly.
"Her family is in danger. I know it seems like she resents them now but she just doesn't remember. People will die if we don't get her back."
"So you need a savior?" Greg asked. My eyes narrowed at the word. Baelfire immediately told Greg that they did and that he needed to stay in the bathroom for a bit, while we talked to Emma. This was the plan. We would go and take her now. It was all in motion. Soon everything would be alright, but something wasn't sitting well with me.
"Wait a moment lad," I motioned Baelfire to stop. Incredulity filled Bae's eyes as I slowed our carefully laid plan. "You, Greg, we never said anything about Emma forgetting or needing to remember, how did you know?" Greg smiled pleasantly but said nothing. "And you called her a savior, why would you do that?"
"Am I wrong?" He asked. We were silent and he continued. "You want the savior? I can give you your savior. Now is as good a time as any I suppose. Meet me back at our office." Greg zipped up, washed his hands and left the bathroom silently.
"What the hell is going on here?" Bae asked after a moment.
"I'm not sure, but I think that we should give him a chance. He knows something, I'm not sure what. And did you see his boot?"
"His boot?" Baelfire asked, bewildered. "What does his boot have to do with anything?"
"Be a bit more perceptive lad. You remember how Emma was always wearing that key chain around her neck and that bootlace on her wrist?" Baelfire nodded smiling.
"I gave her that key chain."
"Yes, yes that's all very touching but where did she get that bootlace?"
"I-I don't know. She wasn't wearing it when I first knew her, she must have picked it up sometime after that. But what does he have to do with something Emma's had since Storybrooke?"
"Maybe nothing, but his right boot was lace-less, and the lace holding his left boot together was a perfect match for the one around Emma's wrist. Why wouldn't a man just buy a new pair of laces? Or wear different shoes? He knows something, I'm sure of it."
Chapter 5: As Usual, Neal and Killian are Confused
Neal Cassidy
Emma and Greg returned to the office building just after Hook and I got back. We watched from behind the potted plants as they walked side by side back into the building. I was steaming inside. If Hook hasn't been so insistent on letting things with this Greg guy play out-if he weren't so convinced that Greg knew something, we would have Emma safely aboard the Jolly Roger and Henry would nearly be in my arms. We would be halfway done with returning. But Hook was both insistent, convinced, and happened to be one of the most stubborn people I had ever met. And now here we were in the bushes as Emma walked away with that man. After they were long gone, Hook and I casually entered the building and waited for an elevator. They got on and I pressed the button Greg had indicated. I glanced over at Hook. As soon as the elevator had begun moving he had grabbed the railing looking around nervously.
"It's supposed to move, pirate." I said. My words had come out less harshly then I had intended but Hook still looked mildly offended. I couldn't help but think about how complicated my relationship with this man had been over the past few hundred years. I lost my mother because of him, but before I had known it was his fault I had looked up to him, thought of him as a second father, we'd fought and I had hated him for nearly a hundred years for the way he had torn my family apart. I'd just forgiven him in Neverland when I discovered his feelings and actions toward Emma. And now, though we were this odd sort of alliance, we were both in love with Emma, both hoping she would choose us. The ding of the elevator sounded and we emerged in a small room with a busty blonde at a desk. Just the Greg emerged from a set of doors and smiled at us.
"These men are friends of mine Bev, would you get us some coffee?" The woman smiled at us and turned to fix a few cups.
"How's Emma?" I asked. "Did your trick work? Does she remember?"
"Oh, I don't know." He responded nonchalantly.
"You don't know?" Hook snarled in return. "How is it that you don't know?"
"Well I haven't tried it yet." He said taking a sip of his beverage. "She's with a, er, client at the moment." A low growl escaped Hooks lips. "She's a lovely lady, I think you'd like her Killian, perhaps I will introduce you as soon as they are finished." Killian would have taken a swing at him then if Emma's door hadn't opened at that moment. A tall woman with a hood over her head exited quickly. I couldn't see her face. She nodded at Greg and disappeared into what I could only assume was his office.
"Who was that?" I asked him.
"A friend, look it's very important to the return of Emma's memory that you both pretend she's gone. Left the building. You don't have to lie just don't mention her." He spoke rapidly, removing his jacket and running his hands through his hair.
"What the hell is going on?" I asked.
"Emma is about to get back her memory." Greg turned to face the receptionist. "Bev wet this for me with some cold water." He handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. She ran off just as Emma burst through the door. My throat caught in my chest. She was beautiful. And bleeding. A small cut above her left eye caught my attention.
Emma and Greg returned to the office building just after Hook and I got back. We watched from behind the potted plants as they walked side by side back into the building. I was steaming inside. If Hook hasn't been so insistent on letting things with this Greg guy play out-if he weren't so convinced that Greg knew something, we would have Emma safely aboard the Jolly Roger and Henry would nearly be in my arms. We would be halfway done with returning. But Hook was both insistent, convinced, and happened to be one of the most stubborn people I had ever met. And now here we were in the bushes as Emma walked away with that man. After they were long gone, Hook and I casually entered the building and waited for an elevator. They got on and I pressed the button Greg had indicated. I glanced over at Hook. As soon as the elevator had begun moving he had grabbed the railing looking around nervously.
"It's supposed to move, pirate." I said. My words had come out less harshly then I had intended but Hook still looked mildly offended. I couldn't help but think about how complicated my relationship with this man had been over the past few hundred years. I lost my mother because of him, but before I had known it was his fault I had looked up to him, thought of him as a second father, we'd fought and I had hated him for nearly a hundred years for the way he had torn my family apart. I'd just forgiven him in Neverland when I discovered his feelings and actions toward Emma. And now, though we were this odd sort of alliance, we were both in love with Emma, both hoping she would choose us. The ding of the elevator sounded and we emerged in a small room with a busty blonde at a desk. Just the Greg emerged from a set of doors and smiled at us.
"These men are friends of mine Bev, would you get us some coffee?" The woman smiled at us and turned to fix a few cups.
"How's Emma?" I asked. "Did your trick work? Does she remember?"
"Oh, I don't know." He responded nonchalantly.
"You don't know?" Hook snarled in return. "How is it that you don't know?"
"Well I haven't tried it yet." He said taking a sip of his beverage. "She's with a, er, client at the moment." A low growl escaped Hooks lips. "She's a lovely lady, I think you'd like her Killian, perhaps I will introduce you as soon as they are finished." Killian would have taken a swing at him then if Emma's door hadn't opened at that moment. A tall woman with a hood over her head exited quickly. I couldn't see her face. She nodded at Greg and disappeared into what I could only assume was his office.
"Who was that?" I asked him.
"A friend, look it's very important to the return of Emma's memory that you both pretend she's gone. Left the building. You don't have to lie just don't mention her." He spoke rapidly, removing his jacket and running his hands through his hair.
"What the hell is going on?" I asked.
"Emma is about to get back her memory." Greg turned to face the receptionist. "Bev wet this for me with some cold water." He handed her a handkerchief from his pocket. She ran off just as Emma burst through the door. My throat caught in my chest. She was beautiful. And bleeding. A small cut above her left eye caught my attention.
Chapter 6: Memory
Killian Jones
She was bloody gorgeous. And also bloody, she had been cut, just above her left eye. Whoever had laid a finger on Emma Swan was a fool. If she hadn't decked them, it was certain both I and Baelfire would deal with them later.
"She hit me!" Emma grumbled. "I mean I know she's-" she broke off noticing hook and I "You. And you! Of course you two know each other, I should have guessed."
"Emma, ignore them. I need to take care of that cut." Greg cut in. Had Emma known who I was I would have rushed forward in that moment and tended to her wound myself, but as it was, I didn't think Swan would have taken too kindly to my interference.
"No Greg, these are the guys I was telling you about-they need to go." Emma shot a glare our way that reminded me so much of the girl I had come to know on that beanstalk I nearly retaliated. But she wasn't that girl, she didn't remember the beanstalk, or the hospital, or my ship, or Neverland. Or me. She knew Baelfire, or Neal as she called him, but when she looked at me, her eyes were vacant.
"Emma, try something new won't you? Trust me." Greg put his arm on her, stopping her from rushing at us. He looked directly at me with a hint of a smile on his lips. I wanted to punch him. How could he know that? Who was this man? He continued speaking to her in a calming voice. "They are here as my clients and they won't pose a threat to you. They leave today and you won't see them in this office ever again." Emma visibly relaxed but still held tension in her shoulders. How I wished just the sound of my voice would affect her like that. Her eyes narrowed slightly like they did every time she was about to be stubborn or bossy.
"We'll then I think I will be leaving until they're gone." She turned on her heal and Neal and I both started nervously-she couldn't leave! We needed her now! Before either of us could do a thing Greg grabbed Emma's arm and pulled her back.
"Do you trust me?" He asked pulling her close to him. Emma's breathing visibly stuttered and my hands curled into fists. If this idiot couldn't deliver what he promised he would be dead by the end of the day. Dead. And that witch who had hit her? She would pay too. Watching as the blonde wearing next to nothing returned with Greg's handkerchief, I was shaking in anger. Not only did she not know who I was, not remember a thing, but the way she was staring up at Greg, she had never looked at me like that. Not in Neverland, not when we said goodbye. She loved him and my heart was shattered. I would have ran out, leaving her to be happy if we hadn't needed a savior so badly. If Prince Charming wasn't waiting for Emma so intently back home I would have given up, let her be happy. I would never stop loving her, but she was happier with this man then I'd ever seen her. Swan was sitting on the blonde's desk with her legs touching Greg's. She was looking up into his eyes, trusting and happy. I so desperately wanted to be in his place. He dabbed at her eye and after a few moments of tortuous silence Emma's brow wrinkled in confusion.
"What is it?" Greg asked gently.
"I have the strangest sense of déjà vu." She responded, her voice, now calm and almost, happy, sounding like water on my parched ears. Emma was happy. I was so torn. I wanted nothing more than her happiness, and if that meant my death by her father's hand when we returned Savior-less so be it, but what if there was the slightest chance that with her memories, I could make her feel that way, then I wouldn't be able to walk away from her. I was selfish, but there it was. I just wanted her.
"That's because this happened before." Greg responded. That caught my attention. What was going on? Did she remember something?
"It has?" She asked still calmly. He nodded. I felt Baelfire's hand grip my shoulder tightly. I knew he was hoping this somehow was forcing her to remember.
"Do you remember what happens next?" Greg whispered. My heart felt ready to burst, something was about to happen, but what? Emma's beautiful blonde hair slipped over her shoulder as she leaned forward and smiled.
"I think so." She whispered back. I felt as though I were standing behind a one way window. Baelfire and I could see them but they were in their own little world, completely oblivious. Emma stood up and stepped towards to him so that the entire length of their bodies were touching. Then, in one moment that tore my heart entirely to shreds, she kissed him. His arms wrapped gently around her waist as they came together, happily. I felt a tear dripping down my cheek. This idiot had a sick mind, getting us here only to force us to watch this heart wrenching sight. Suddenly Emma's eyes flew open and she stumbled backwards, a single tear tripping down her cheek.
"Did you see that?" She asked, almost angrily. He smiled and pulled her back in for another kiss. Emma's eyes stayed wide open zooming back and forth, looking at things the rest of us were not privy to. I couldn't watch this. If Baelfire's hand weren't gripping my shoulder so tightly I would be running away. Running away from the pain and taking care of myself like the coward I was. Swan had been right-I'd always operated that way. Take care of myself and I would never get hurt. It was when I cared about my brother when his death ripped me apart and changed who I was to the worst possible version of myself, a pirate with a drinking problem. Then I cared for Milah, and when she was torn from me I became a vindictive fool who thought of nothing but revenge. So I closed my emotions off, I was more of a coward then the crocodile could have been on his worst day, and I remained that way until I let Swan in. And when I fell for Emma Swan, I changed again. I stopped fighting for revenge, stopped running away like a coward, and began fighting for her. I changed who I was for her and when she was gone, the only thing that kept me from returning to my dark hell-hole was the idea that I could find her. She was still alive and I could go rescue her. But she made her choice. And it turned out that Baelfire wasn't the one I needed to watch out for, it was this unknown entity who knew things that were impossible for him to know, and who apparently meant more to her than anyone else ever had. But she didn't remember. Mayhap once she recalled every fiery moment we spent together, ever look between us, every touch and kiss and word, she would choose me. Finally after what seemed an eternity they pulled apart, Emma gasping for air. The room was silent, as three men who loved this girl with every fiber of their beings waited with baited breath. Finally this beautiful creature spoke.
"I remember." Baelfire and I let out sighs of relief but Greg looked at her nervously. Emma looked at our grinning faces, returning the smile, all tears disappearing from sight. My heart seemed to pull itself back together, slowly repairing as I saw recognition in Swan's eyes. Her smile was beautiful. Shining, emanating light around her, until suddenly it fell from her face. She took a step towards me and I held my arms open, waiting for her to step in them. My desolation from only a moment ago had disappeared the moment she smiled at me. Suddenly she stopped in her tracks and slowly turned to look at Greg. Terror and confusion filled her eyes as she stared up at him.
"No." She shook her head, backing away from him. He smiled down gently.
"Hello savior." He said softly. My brow furrowed. Who was this man? How did Emma know him and more importantly, why did he terrify her? I put my hand on my sword ready to defend her at a moment's notice. Her hand reached out, trembling as she touched his face.
"That's impossible," she whispered, trembling "Graham?" He grinned cheekily, twisting my stomach into a ball. She knew him all right, and his name wasn't Greg.
"I had a debt to pay." The mysterious man said in response. "You made me remember once, it was my turn."
"But how?" Emma's inquisitive mind demanded to know and I was glad-what was going on? "Graham, Regina crushed your heart, I was there, you died in my arms, how are you here?" Her eyes were wide and questioning. Graham snorted.
"Rumpelstiltskin." He said. I felt my skin itch at the sound of the crocodile's name and I heard a small noise come out of the back of Baelfire's throat. When he died he brought us to the Fates and they told us of a prayer. That you would remember and return home. We were to wait until the sign and then bring you back. Then I could pay the price for our magic and you and Henry would be able to return to the enchanted forest to save them from the wicked witch."
"Who are the Fates?" Emma asked. I could tell by the way her nose was crinkled that she was still adjusting and wrapping her mind around everything. I wanted to put my hand on her arm, offer her some comfort, but I still felt like an outsider in this exchange.
"Three old women who raised my father." Baelfire's added to the conversation awkwardly. Emma nodded accepting this without argument. She seemed to be accepting the details if only to get out the important questions.
"What price?"
"All magic comes with a price, Emma." He returned, almost sadly, "and we are happy to pay this one for you." Emma shifted uncomfortably, As Graham clutched his chest. "Once we save you, our fates remain the same."
"What? So you still," She drifted off as that fiery stubbornness came over her. "No! No I won't let you die." Graham nearly collapsed and Emma caught him in her arms. She covered his lips with hers. After pulling away from the kiss she called out, sobbing. "Graham please!" I had never seen Swan cry before, and here she was, sobbing like a child. "I can't lose you again." It was him. All along, I thought the man she had once loved was Neal, and maybe she thought so too, but she had loved this man. And now that he was back, for however brief of a time in her life, there would be no room for me. Could one die of a broken heart? The crocodile's hand may not have been plunging into my chest, but I could feel my heart being ripped out and crushed to dust before my eyes. It was not me. It would never be me. And I hated that. I hated him. I hated Neal. I hated Milah for leaving me, I hated the Crocodile for taking her, I hated Graham for being Emma's true love, and most of all I hated myself, for opening back up only to be hurt more than I had ever been hurt before. I always said Emma Swan would be the death of me and now I knew it would be true. Because without her, what would the point of living be?
She was bloody gorgeous. And also bloody, she had been cut, just above her left eye. Whoever had laid a finger on Emma Swan was a fool. If she hadn't decked them, it was certain both I and Baelfire would deal with them later.
"She hit me!" Emma grumbled. "I mean I know she's-" she broke off noticing hook and I "You. And you! Of course you two know each other, I should have guessed."
"Emma, ignore them. I need to take care of that cut." Greg cut in. Had Emma known who I was I would have rushed forward in that moment and tended to her wound myself, but as it was, I didn't think Swan would have taken too kindly to my interference.
"No Greg, these are the guys I was telling you about-they need to go." Emma shot a glare our way that reminded me so much of the girl I had come to know on that beanstalk I nearly retaliated. But she wasn't that girl, she didn't remember the beanstalk, or the hospital, or my ship, or Neverland. Or me. She knew Baelfire, or Neal as she called him, but when she looked at me, her eyes were vacant.
"Emma, try something new won't you? Trust me." Greg put his arm on her, stopping her from rushing at us. He looked directly at me with a hint of a smile on his lips. I wanted to punch him. How could he know that? Who was this man? He continued speaking to her in a calming voice. "They are here as my clients and they won't pose a threat to you. They leave today and you won't see them in this office ever again." Emma visibly relaxed but still held tension in her shoulders. How I wished just the sound of my voice would affect her like that. Her eyes narrowed slightly like they did every time she was about to be stubborn or bossy.
"We'll then I think I will be leaving until they're gone." She turned on her heal and Neal and I both started nervously-she couldn't leave! We needed her now! Before either of us could do a thing Greg grabbed Emma's arm and pulled her back.
"Do you trust me?" He asked pulling her close to him. Emma's breathing visibly stuttered and my hands curled into fists. If this idiot couldn't deliver what he promised he would be dead by the end of the day. Dead. And that witch who had hit her? She would pay too. Watching as the blonde wearing next to nothing returned with Greg's handkerchief, I was shaking in anger. Not only did she not know who I was, not remember a thing, but the way she was staring up at Greg, she had never looked at me like that. Not in Neverland, not when we said goodbye. She loved him and my heart was shattered. I would have ran out, leaving her to be happy if we hadn't needed a savior so badly. If Prince Charming wasn't waiting for Emma so intently back home I would have given up, let her be happy. I would never stop loving her, but she was happier with this man then I'd ever seen her. Swan was sitting on the blonde's desk with her legs touching Greg's. She was looking up into his eyes, trusting and happy. I so desperately wanted to be in his place. He dabbed at her eye and after a few moments of tortuous silence Emma's brow wrinkled in confusion.
"What is it?" Greg asked gently.
"I have the strangest sense of déjà vu." She responded, her voice, now calm and almost, happy, sounding like water on my parched ears. Emma was happy. I was so torn. I wanted nothing more than her happiness, and if that meant my death by her father's hand when we returned Savior-less so be it, but what if there was the slightest chance that with her memories, I could make her feel that way, then I wouldn't be able to walk away from her. I was selfish, but there it was. I just wanted her.
"That's because this happened before." Greg responded. That caught my attention. What was going on? Did she remember something?
"It has?" She asked still calmly. He nodded. I felt Baelfire's hand grip my shoulder tightly. I knew he was hoping this somehow was forcing her to remember.
"Do you remember what happens next?" Greg whispered. My heart felt ready to burst, something was about to happen, but what? Emma's beautiful blonde hair slipped over her shoulder as she leaned forward and smiled.
"I think so." She whispered back. I felt as though I were standing behind a one way window. Baelfire and I could see them but they were in their own little world, completely oblivious. Emma stood up and stepped towards to him so that the entire length of their bodies were touching. Then, in one moment that tore my heart entirely to shreds, she kissed him. His arms wrapped gently around her waist as they came together, happily. I felt a tear dripping down my cheek. This idiot had a sick mind, getting us here only to force us to watch this heart wrenching sight. Suddenly Emma's eyes flew open and she stumbled backwards, a single tear tripping down her cheek.
"Did you see that?" She asked, almost angrily. He smiled and pulled her back in for another kiss. Emma's eyes stayed wide open zooming back and forth, looking at things the rest of us were not privy to. I couldn't watch this. If Baelfire's hand weren't gripping my shoulder so tightly I would be running away. Running away from the pain and taking care of myself like the coward I was. Swan had been right-I'd always operated that way. Take care of myself and I would never get hurt. It was when I cared about my brother when his death ripped me apart and changed who I was to the worst possible version of myself, a pirate with a drinking problem. Then I cared for Milah, and when she was torn from me I became a vindictive fool who thought of nothing but revenge. So I closed my emotions off, I was more of a coward then the crocodile could have been on his worst day, and I remained that way until I let Swan in. And when I fell for Emma Swan, I changed again. I stopped fighting for revenge, stopped running away like a coward, and began fighting for her. I changed who I was for her and when she was gone, the only thing that kept me from returning to my dark hell-hole was the idea that I could find her. She was still alive and I could go rescue her. But she made her choice. And it turned out that Baelfire wasn't the one I needed to watch out for, it was this unknown entity who knew things that were impossible for him to know, and who apparently meant more to her than anyone else ever had. But she didn't remember. Mayhap once she recalled every fiery moment we spent together, ever look between us, every touch and kiss and word, she would choose me. Finally after what seemed an eternity they pulled apart, Emma gasping for air. The room was silent, as three men who loved this girl with every fiber of their beings waited with baited breath. Finally this beautiful creature spoke.
"I remember." Baelfire and I let out sighs of relief but Greg looked at her nervously. Emma looked at our grinning faces, returning the smile, all tears disappearing from sight. My heart seemed to pull itself back together, slowly repairing as I saw recognition in Swan's eyes. Her smile was beautiful. Shining, emanating light around her, until suddenly it fell from her face. She took a step towards me and I held my arms open, waiting for her to step in them. My desolation from only a moment ago had disappeared the moment she smiled at me. Suddenly she stopped in her tracks and slowly turned to look at Greg. Terror and confusion filled her eyes as she stared up at him.
"No." She shook her head, backing away from him. He smiled down gently.
"Hello savior." He said softly. My brow furrowed. Who was this man? How did Emma know him and more importantly, why did he terrify her? I put my hand on my sword ready to defend her at a moment's notice. Her hand reached out, trembling as she touched his face.
"That's impossible," she whispered, trembling "Graham?" He grinned cheekily, twisting my stomach into a ball. She knew him all right, and his name wasn't Greg.
"I had a debt to pay." The mysterious man said in response. "You made me remember once, it was my turn."
"But how?" Emma's inquisitive mind demanded to know and I was glad-what was going on? "Graham, Regina crushed your heart, I was there, you died in my arms, how are you here?" Her eyes were wide and questioning. Graham snorted.
"Rumpelstiltskin." He said. I felt my skin itch at the sound of the crocodile's name and I heard a small noise come out of the back of Baelfire's throat. When he died he brought us to the Fates and they told us of a prayer. That you would remember and return home. We were to wait until the sign and then bring you back. Then I could pay the price for our magic and you and Henry would be able to return to the enchanted forest to save them from the wicked witch."
"Who are the Fates?" Emma asked. I could tell by the way her nose was crinkled that she was still adjusting and wrapping her mind around everything. I wanted to put my hand on her arm, offer her some comfort, but I still felt like an outsider in this exchange.
"Three old women who raised my father." Baelfire's added to the conversation awkwardly. Emma nodded accepting this without argument. She seemed to be accepting the details if only to get out the important questions.
"What price?"
"All magic comes with a price, Emma." He returned, almost sadly, "and we are happy to pay this one for you." Emma shifted uncomfortably, As Graham clutched his chest. "Once we save you, our fates remain the same."
"What? So you still," She drifted off as that fiery stubbornness came over her. "No! No I won't let you die." Graham nearly collapsed and Emma caught him in her arms. She covered his lips with hers. After pulling away from the kiss she called out, sobbing. "Graham please!" I had never seen Swan cry before, and here she was, sobbing like a child. "I can't lose you again." It was him. All along, I thought the man she had once loved was Neal, and maybe she thought so too, but she had loved this man. And now that he was back, for however brief of a time in her life, there would be no room for me. Could one die of a broken heart? The crocodile's hand may not have been plunging into my chest, but I could feel my heart being ripped out and crushed to dust before my eyes. It was not me. It would never be me. And I hated that. I hated him. I hated Neal. I hated Milah for leaving me, I hated the Crocodile for taking her, I hated Graham for being Emma's true love, and most of all I hated myself, for opening back up only to be hurt more than I had ever been hurt before. I always said Emma Swan would be the death of me and now I knew it would be true. Because without her, what would the point of living be?