Chapter Text
Zelena pulls open the door to her apartment after a fist pounded on her door. “Hey, were we supposed to meet tonight? I thought you’d be busy.” Her eyes widened at the sight of a distraught Killian. His hair was roughed up as if he ran his hands through it all night. The jacket to his suit, although intact, hung open and the loop along his tie had been loosened a couple of inches. His eyes bloodshot on the brink of more tears. Mixed with his cologne was the scent of a strong drink. “Killian?” She frowned as she took in his alarming state one more time before stepping aside from her door to allow him entrance.
Killian stepped inside, hearing the door shut behind him, but continued to be silent.
“Hey,” Zelena reached for his arm. Her brows bunched together as she took in his alienated state for a third time. “What’s the matter?” She whispered. Her warm palm was welcomed along his scruffy cheek, being held there as tears sprung free. “What’s wrong?” She breathed, holding him as he flung himself onto her body. Desperately needing to be held.
Despite his battle to fight against more tears, Killian knew that was a war he would not win once Zelena welcomed him into that embrace that was the only thing that could center him. His arms held her so tight, he feared cracking her ribs. His nose buried deeply along her shoulder and hair, and his eyes closed as he took in his favorite scent. Hoping that this would be enough to erase what he obviously was destined to become.
“Darling, you’re really starting to scare me. What happened?” Zelena broke, but didn’t pull away from their embrace. Her hands didn’t waste time to cradle along his face as she searched his eyes for whatever he couldn’t say. “Hey. What happened?” She asked again with kindness. Almost as if she were speaking to a child who did something wrong and knew he would ultimately be in trouble for it.
“Zel…” Killian’s jaw worked as if he still wanted to fight against it, but it was at this moment that he knew. There wasn’t anything he would deny this woman. “Zel, I…” his words stumbled. Because how did you confess to the person you loved that you had to commit murder tonight for someone else’s expense?
So, it wasn’t his first time killing someone. Killian can recall the first time he spent some time in jail for beating up a man that dared to get fresh with his sister Antonia. It wasn’t his best time. But did he regret it? Hell no. And it wasn’t like he has killed people for Robin before or seen far worse done to a human. But this other person behind whatever plan they had to bring down Robin was supposed to help him. They were supposed to make him feel like a better man. Someone worthy of the love that he wasn’t even seeking when he met Zelena Mills.
A man worthy of redemption.
Ever so patient, Zelena ran her fingers along his hair, cradling his face in search of his eyes for the answer that was hard for him to give.
“I… I did something… terrible.” He murmured, avoiding her eyes at all cost. Instead, his focus remained on the birthmark of Zelena’s right cleavage, hidden underneath her silk green robe.
“What is it? Killian, what happened?” Zelena’s eyes widened, taking the urgent shape of her voice.
Blue and blue come together as Killian finally dares to look into her eyes. His head slightly shaking, “I tried so hard, Zel. So hard to be a good man, but I’m far from that.” His forehead pressed along Zelena’s as he allowed himself to breathe her in one more time. His nostrils flaring slowly. “I wanted to be a better man for you. But it’s just impossible, and I should have known better.”
“Whoa, hey,” Zelena, backed away, unable to part from their embrace as Killian’s arms only pulled her closer as if he wanted to morph her into becoming one. “You are a good man, Killian,” she nodded as soon as Killian shook his head. “Yes, you are-”
“No, I’m far from being a good man, Zel-” Killian’s head shook determinedly.
Zelena’s brows furrowed, “I don’t believe that.”
“Well, I do!” He didn’t shout, but he was adamant. “This was supposed to be different. This was supposed to be my way out, a way to finally have justice, not…” his jaw tenses as he fights more tears. “Not add to the pile of shit I have been standing on, and make you a part of it.”
“Pile of shit?” Zelena softly chuckles as her head shakes. “Honey, I don’t think you realize this, but the whole world is a pile of shit.” Her palm is left stationed at his cheek as their eyes meet for good. “It’s so shitty, our shoes will forever be soiled.”
Killian shakes his head, “Zelena, you don’t understand!”
“Well, then make me understand.” Zelena’s hands hold his head in place. Her voice firm. “Look, I know you’ve done bad things. I know first hand, remember?” Despite Killian’s flinch, she continued. “No one is perfect. I’m certainly not. You think I’ve done things I’m proud of?” She shakes her head. “But that doesn’t mean there is no such thing as a life for us, Killian. There is. We just have to fight a little harder to obtain it. And if that means your jacket gets dirty a couple of more times in the process, well…” She shrugged. “What can you do but dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
Killian dared to chuckle, even if he wasn’t open to humor. Not tonight. But with Zelena, you either danced to her toon, or you didn’t dance at all. And God, he loved that about her. “I was never a good dancer.” He ultimately said.
“Hm,” Zelena toyed with the loose tie along Killian’s neck. “From experience. I know for a fact that if you move well in the sheets, you move well on the dance floor. And darling, let me tell you…” Her eyes lock onto his as a soft smirk stretches along her lips. “You are an excellent dancer. You just come with your own rhythm.”
He tilts his head as he feels Zelena’s hands tug along his tie until she slithers it off his neck. Dropping it to the floor. “You’ve given me that rhythm, you know.”
Zelena shakes her head, “You’ve always had that rhythm, Gilligan. You just needed someone to share it with.” She smiles.
Her smile is like a new light for Killian, that he sighs. “You shouldn’t have to.” He frowns with raw pain behind his eyes. “You know that you can end it, right? You know that… if you ask me to leave, I would, I-”
“Hey, hey,” Zelena’s palms are so inviting, Killian stills as they cradle his face again. “Don’t do that.” She shakes her head. “Don’t decide for me when I am perfectly capable. Okay? Believe it or not, I knew what I was getting into the moment I took you to my bed, Killian Jones. I’m not as stupid as Robin thinks I am. And there is no way I would ever dream of asking you to do such an atrocious thing as leave. Not without me riding in that passenger seat beside you.”
Killian’s lips pressed along Zelena’s. His nostrils breathing her in as he rested his forehead along hers again. Arms holding her impossibly tighter. “If I wasn’t in love with you already, Zelena Mills… I would be in this moment.” He whispered.
Hands shuffled Killian’s jacket off of his shoulders, both allowing it to pool along the floor. “We’ve both been through so much,” she whispers, feeling Killian’s fingers work to loosen the robe’s restraint. “But we found each other for a good reason. If you want out. Eventually, we’ll find a way. Together.”
Killian’s hands slide the robe off, allowing it to join his jacket and tie along the floor. His eyes watch as Zelena’s fingers begin to expertly undo each button of his button-up shirt. “I don’t deserve you,” his eyes lock before they close as their lips meet.
“And who says I deserve you?” Zelena’s arms hold onto Killian’s neck while her legs jump up, thighs firmly wrapping along his waist. Naked as the day she was born.
Lips meet in a tongue swirling kiss, that she can practically taste the liquor lingering within Killian’s mouth. Even the scent became intoxicating right now. “You deserve more than you know, Zel. Far more than I could ever give you.” His lips brush along Zelena’s.
“All I want is you.”
“Well, good. Because that’s what you’re going to get.” Killian feels Zelena’s lips stretch against his in a grin while he whisks her away in the direction of her bedroom.
____________________
A Few Days Later…
Mary Margaret busied herself pulling out a steaming pie from the oven, placing it along her kitchen table as she smiled proudly at it. “Perfect!” She said, giving herself an imaginary pat on the back. Her attention turned toward two knocks along her front door. “Coming!” She called, neglecting her oven mitts along the table at the same time she moved into the living room. “Emma!” A smile took over her lips. “I wasn’t expecting you this early. Did you call me?” Her hands search her apron for her phone.
“No,” Emma shook her head. “But I probably should have. I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were busy.” The scent of her mother’s apple pie never failed to travel. Her secret was she always used green apples to give that extra flavor. They are the best kind! She always said.
“Don’t be ridiculous! You don’t have to call,” Mary Margaret stepped aside, inviting her in. “You and Jack can stop by any time.” Her hands excitedly scooped little Jack from Emma’s arms. Her lips pressed along his furry head before releasing him along the living room for him to explore.
“I was wondering if you could watch him for me while I go to work.” Said Emma.
Mary Margaret had been so busy this morning, she neglected to notice Emma’s matching pants and vest. They were a combination between gray and beige, matching perfectly with her white dress shirt. Sleeves casually rolled along her forearms. “Do you think you should?”
“It’s time,” Emma nods. “Mal doesn’t want me spending another minute away from the company and frankly, I agree. Besides, I’m bored just sitting at home despite the pleasant company you’ve subjected me to.” She flashes an all-baring grin in the direction of Jack, who has happily hopped up along the couch. “What?” She asked, seeing her mother’s eyes narrow at her.
“What happened, Emma?” She asked, following her mother’s intuition.
“What do you mean?”
Mary Margaret circles her daughter, taking her in. “Your aura is brighter than it was before… your stance has changed into something more bold, positive. Your eyes are shining again, and not to mention that smile.” She points to Emma’s lips.
Emma chuckled, flashing her teeth again. “What are you talking about, mom?”
“You know what I’m talking about,” said Mary Margaret. “You may not want to tell me what this is about, but I know you, Emma. And you are glowing.”
“Well, I’m happy to be going into work again, which I’m already late for, so,” on instinct, Emma looks down at her watch.
“Oh, no,” Mary Margaret wags a finger. “This new energy on you has nothing to do with work. Yes, you are dedicated to it, and you pride yourself on being prompt but this is something more.” She grins. “So, what is it? Is it Regina?” She whispers it as the walls themselves could hear.
There’s a tiny grin wanting to lift at the corner of Emma’s mouth. “Alright,” she says. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Of course,” Mary Margaret leans forward, following the beckoned motion of Emma’s finger.
“So can I.” Emma whispers through her grin, reaching for the front door.
“Oh, Emma!” Mary Margaret waves a hand dismissively. “Now, that’s not fair!”
“Life isn’t always fair, remember, mom? You’ve taught me that.” Emma winks. “I’ll come by later and we’ll talk. I promise.” She halts through the parted door. “Jack. Be good.” Lastly, she leans in to place a kiss along her mother’s cheek, giving one last goodbye before departing.
“Be careful, Emma!” Mary Margaret is left turning to Little Jack as he hops on his two back legs, aching to be picked up. “You’ll tell me what happened, won’t you?” She holds the dog near her ear as if he was willing to share the secret.
____________________
“Hold on!” Kathryn froze in the middle of Regina’s studio, her hands placed in front of her. “You kissed?!” Her eyes are as wide as the O shaping her open lips. “So… I’m confused. What does this mean? Are you guys-” she shakes her head. “What does this mean?”
“Nothing.” Regina frowns. “I don’t know, really. I just know that, maybe Emma is starting to come around.”
“And you were finally honest with her? You told her everything?” She smiles at Regina’s nods. “And how do you feel?”
Regina’s shoulders relax as she heaves a sigh. “How do I feel? I feel…” She smiles a little. “Lighter. Like, things will finally start making sense. You know? Like… after we kissed, and the world stopped, everything else just fell into place. Mary Margaret was right. I should have told Emma the truth sooner.”
“And you’re not worried about Robin finding out about this kiss between the two of you?” Kathryn gives Regina a pointed look. “You still have him to deal with Regina.”
“I know.” Regina frowns. “I know.”
“Not to mention. Robin is still pissed about Emma pressing charges on him.” Kathryn chuckles. “I still can’t believe she did that. You don’t think that will open up a whole new can of worms?”
Regina scoffs through her nose, “I’m counting on it. Robin isn’t one to take things lightly, especially coming from Emma.”
“It’s playing with fire, Regina.” Kathryn gives Regina a pointed look. “And it’s been proven that Emma is a hell of a flame for you.”
“I know.”
“Look, Gina,” Kathryn shifts in her seat. “I’m your best friend. And I know how hard it’s been for you since Emma’s come back, but as your best friend I have to advise you- you cannot let this kiss with Emma get to your head.”
Regina scoffed out a strained chuckle, “I think it’s a little too late for that, Kathryn.” She brushed a hand through her hair, shifting along the futon. “You know how much I’ve ached for Emma to come back into my life, and now that she finally no longer thinks I’m at fault you’re asking me to-”
“I’m simply asking you… to be careful.” Kathryn’s hand lands along Regina’s right wrist. Her blue eyes pinned. “You don’t want to dive in too deeply, especially when Robin is constantly on your heels. Besides, you don’t even know how Emma feels about it. Have you talked to her since the kiss happened?”
Regina shakes her head as she frowns. “No. We haven’t talked.” She sighs. “Truth be told, I’ve been terrified of talking to her after that day. Because you’re right. I’m scared that she might see me differently and will kiss me again or that she might see me the same, and absolutely nothing changes.” Her hands hide her face in frustration. “God, you’re so right! This is such a mess.”
Kathryn simply gives Regina a sympathetic look.
Regina’s shoulders sag as she looks up at Kathryn in defeat. “All I’ve ever wanted… is for Emma to forgive me. For us to finally talk, and settle things. For her to kiss me again,” her lips are caressed by her fingertips. “It finally happens and I feel more confused than ever. You’re right, things are beyond settled. If anything, my brain is a giant scrambled egg.”
“I hate to agree with you, Regina, but Emma does seem to bring out that effect in you.” She pauses, watching Regina with caution. “So… what are you going to do? Are you going to keep avoiding this?”
Before Regina could provide Kathryn with an answer, her phone let out a text message alert. “Sorry, one moment,” she murmured, reaching for her phone inside of her purse. Her finger swiped up across the screen, unlocking a message from no other than Emma. It was enough to take Regina’s breath away.
“What? What is it?” Kathryn’s eyes widened in alarm. She looks down to the text lighting up Regina’s phone as its held before her to read.
Emma: We need to talk. Meet me at Grove’s Pond Park in an hour?
____________________
Emma’s eyes pinned on Killian as he walked past her along her way to her office at Locksley Inc. But instead of saying anything to him, she nodded curtly in response to his own nod, followed by a very low greeting ending in Ms. Swan. She froze as soon as she pushed her way through her office door. Her chair was turned, facing the window, and a figure occupied her spot that made her jaw tense. “How can I help you, Mr. Locksley?” She shut the door behind her.
Robin rotated the chair with ease, his feet casually resting along the desk, legs stretched out. “I simply wanted to welcome you back into your office.” His eyes looked around the room. “It’s not really my style, but I suppose it’s a nice little office.”
Emma smiled a little, “I highly doubt you and I will ever have similar styles.”
Robin nods, “Normally I would agree with you. But there is something you and I will always have in common.”
“What’s that?”
Robin grinned, never reaching his eyes. “I think you know.”
Of course she knew but Emma wasn’t in the mood for games this morning. Especially not Robin’s. “If you’re done extending your welcome, Mr. Locksley,” she moved along her desk, picking up Robin’s feet from her desk and letting them drop to the floor with a thud. “I have a busy morning that I’d like to get done before my lunch hour.”
Robin chuckled silently to himself as he stood up. He waited to reach the door to Emma’s office before rotating on the balls of his feet. “Oh, by the way… how is that charming mother of yours? You know, you really shouldn’t leave her alone too often. After all, accidents do happen to women her age.”
Emma’s entire features darkened in an instant. Her eyes glaring directly at Robin, “Unless you want to end up in a place worse than a small room locked behind steel bars, Mr. Locksley, I suggest you steer clear of my mother.”
Robin’s brow slightly lifts in satisfaction. “She makes threats. You have yet to see mine. Don’t think I’ve forgotten that little stunt of yours.”
“Do your worst.” Emma challenged.
“Oh, I will. Don’t you worry.” Robin grinned before exiting the office for good.
“Asshole,” Emma murmured, her body hunching over along her desk, palms placed firmly along the top.
Robin walked over to his office, nodding at Killian for him to follow him inside. He walked over to his desk, hearing the door close behind him.
“So, it’s true. Ms. Swan’s back.” Said Killian, standing before Robin’s desk.
“You don’t miss much, do you?” Robin chuckled darkly, “Yes, she’s back.” He flips mindlessly over a few pages in front of them, simply to keep his hands occupied.
“Which means?” Killian waits.
“Which means…” Robin’s fingers drop the corner of one of the pages as his blue eyes lock into Killian’s. “That it’s time for the next part of my plan. We are going to hurt Ms. Swan in every direction, but I’m starting slow.”
Killian’s frown deepens, knowing the extent of that plan. “Sir, I know my opinion doesn’t matter, but isn’t there another way?”
Robin’s head slightly tilted. “Don’t tell me you’re going soft on me, Jones. After everything you’ve done? The deaths you wear under your belt like another added notch?” He grinned but frowned instantly, leaning into his desk with his palms spread out. “I knew that having you watch Zelena was a bad idea. This is why you never fall in love with your targets. Because when push comes to shove, you’ll linger.” His brows bunched together deeply at Killian’s surprised expression. “What? You think I wouldn’t figure it out?”
He watched Robin make his way along his desk, until he’s standing before him.
“Get in contact with Karen as soon as you can. This needs to be done.” Robin’s eyes darkened. “Or do I need to start worrying about you, too?”
Killian’s jaw tensed, but instead of answering he simply walked toward the door of Robin’s office.
“Killian,” Robin called, his head turning in the direction where Killian stood frozen. His hand along the doorknob. “It could be worse. The victim could be Zelena. Would you want that?”
“She’s already a victim. Sir.” Killian fought against tears as he exited out of the office for good.
____________________
“Hello,” Regina smiled at a dog that walked up to her, laying its snout along her lap for a little bit of attention. She caved by allowing her fingers to stroke the top of his head and behind that favorite spot behind the ears. “I’m sorry I don’t have food.” Her attention looked away from the stay to fall up on Emma as she approached.
“New friend?” Emma nods toward the stray, joining Regina along the park bench while reaching out to stroke the animal’s fur.
“It would appear so.” Regina smiled a little, giving her attention back to the dog before it continued on its way. “Look, Emma, before you say anything-”
“Listen, Regin-”
Both stopped, exchanging a quick glance with a tiny smile as they sat side to side along the bench. There were people here, and they preferred it that way. Emma preferred it that way. Because if she was being honest with herself, if she had been alone with Regina again, she wouldn’t be able to hold back from going in for another kiss. And a move like that would be dangerous enough.
“You go first,” Regina nodded.
“No,” Emma shook her head and ended in a nod. “Please. You first.”
Regina could feel that weight lift off her back just by seeing the gentle look that took over Emma’s eyes. They no longer glared. They no longer looked at her in anger, but understanding. More understanding than anything. But there was now another added weight on both of them, that she knew they mutually shared. “I’m glad you wanted to meet. I honestly thought after what happened… the kiss… you didn’t want to see me again.”
“The kiss…” Emma murmured. She looked down at her joined hands as they rested in between her lap. “Regina, I don’t think I could avoid seeing you, even if I tried.”
And there was that tug along the strings in Regina’s heart. That was the effect Emma’s words had on her. A dangerous effect. “Well, good because I don’t want to avoid seeing you either.” Regina said honestly.
“But I think we both know we can’t…” Emma pauses to shake her head briefly. She couldn’t even bring herself to say things anymore.
“Emma.” Regina’s eyes locked onto Emma’s. “I know. You want to do the right thing. Go about things the right way.”
“Yeah.” Emma nods, looking down at her hands again. She hadn’t noticed how or even when they began to slightly tremble.
“But, Emma, you realize that there might not be any other way, right?” Regina’s eyes find Emma’s again. “I finally told you the truth after so much hesitation on my part,” she lands her hand along her chest. “You kissed me. Robin is never going to let me go, no matter how many times I ask him for a divorce. Not to mention, I can count beyond the fingers on my hands, how many times he’s cheated on me.”
Emma’s frown deepens. “That still doesn’t make it right, Regina. If he’s cheated on you, that’s on him.”
“I know. I’m not saying it’s right on any level.” Regina sighs, looking up at the sky and the dry leaves falling from the trees above them as she throws her head back in frustration. “I guess… I just want to know where we stand.”
Emma looked up from her boots back into Regina’s glossed over eyes. “We stand where we stand.”
“What does that even mean?” Her shoulders sag.
“It means I’m not going to allow any harm to come to you anymore. It means that I am going to do everything in my power to free you from Robin Locksley.” To Regina’s surprise, Emma reached out but instead of going for Regina’s hand, she placed hers along the edge of the bench at close proximity to Regina’s. “It means that now more than ever I’m not going anywhere.”
Regina looked down at Emma’s hand and dared to scoot hers just an inch closer. Enough to where the tips of their fingers brushed with one another. And even with that small flame of contact, that familiar feeling that only Emma could ignite burned inside of her.
“It was a risk asking you to meet me, I know,” Emma’s eyes lock onto Regina’s intently. “But after everything that’s happened, I can’t risk you getting hurt. Not again, not ever. So I ask that you’re careful. Especially around Robin.”
The corner of Regina’s lip slowly lifts into the faintest of smiles. But her eyes shine like they always do at Emma’s words. The tips of her fingers danced along Emma’s in a gentle caress. “I’ll be careful.” She promised.
“Good.” There’s a tiny smile along the corner of Emma’s lip, mirroring Regina’s.
“If I asked you… not to get involved in this anymore. For me. Would you listen?” Regina locked eyes with Emma’s, seeing the immediate answer behind them with the way they darkened. “Of course not.” She removed all contact from their brushing fingers by removing her hand.
“I can’t stop, Regina. I won’t.” Emma said determinedly.
“You aren’t super human, Emma.” Regina said firmly. “Look at what Robin already did to you, or try to do to you. Do you really want it to get worse?” She leaned in, her eyes locking more intently. “You can’t beat Robin, Emma.”
“So you rather continue to sacrifice yourself?” Emma shakes her head.
“I’ve endured it for four years. Maybe it’s time I accept it.” A sadness takes over Regina’s eyes.
“Well, I can’t.” Emma leans in. “I won’t accept it. I won’t leave you again, Regina. I made that mistake once, but never again. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but I’ll be damned if I give you up again.”
This just proved to be more challenging than Regina thought. Kathryn was right. Emma was a dangerous flame for Regina. This was not going to be easy.