I Believe In You

Chapter 16: True love isn't easy

When Killian saw Neal coming he looked at him automatically.

"Hey." Neal said nervously. This was awkward.

"Bealfire." He replied. He didn't know what else to say.

Everyone else was looking at them, waiting for their reactions. Emma realized that none of them had anything to say and decided to intervene.

"Ok. You'll have the time for this. There are more significant things right now."

"Yes. You have a point." Regina noticed. "I think we should continue our search."

"No." Emma protested. "I... I mean... We can rest for a while." She looked away to hide her stress.

"Emma?" Mary Margaret encouraged her. "Is everything alright?"

Emma let a breath leave her body and smiled. "It is, mom. I just... I want to have a word with Killian."

"Oh, of course." David reassured her. "Well, let's all go outside to organize our next movements. Shall we?"

Everyone agreed and headed to the backyard.

"Emma?" Neal hesitated but she turned her full attention to him making him continue. "Can I take Henry for a walk?"

She sighed relieved and smiled a little. "You don't need to ask. Just look after him. It's dangerous out there."

"Of course." He replied smiling and caught Henry from the shoulder.

Emma waited for them to close the door and then she sat down to the cough as before. Killian followed her.

"So... Are we looking for Hercules now?" He asked in order to start an issue and because he wanted to show her that he did wanted to help her.

She wasn't looking at him. She didn't know how to begin. "Yes." She said, still looking at the floor.

"Come on." He motivated her with a big smile. "What is it? Where's your powerful spirit and this stubborn woman?"

She shallowed and bit her down lip. She didn't notice his body stretching at the view as she was concentrated to her speech. "I think... I think we should stop this whole... operation for a while."

"You mean my saving?" He joked encouragingly. "What will happen to me?" He faked an offended look that made her smile. "Seriously, what's wrong?"

"I just... Killian..." She took a breath and looked up at him. "I'm afraid. It's not only me in danger, it's everyone. They all came here to help me and... and you. Even you are in danger." She stopped to gather her strength and touched his hand. "Your father is trapped in there because of me."

He saw a tear falling down her face and he was ready to spread his head but he hesitated. He wanted to comfort her somehow but she continued.

"I don't want to play with lives."

"Emma." He let his hand free of hers and cupped it. "I told you... It's not your fault. And... I get that you're afraid but that's not a reason to stop. Hades didn't punish him because of what you say. I still remember nothing of what you want me to, but if I'm sure about one thing, this is that you can do this!"

You believe I can do this?

Her breath caught in her throat at his phrase and she moved her hand in his to tighten her holding.

You can do this Swan.

I've yet to see you fail.