Funny How Fast Life Changes

Finale Part 1

The next day Emma and Killian were in charge of cleaning out old files and folders in the storage room to make room for newer files. Mr. Jones had been so proud of them for solving one of the most difficult cases so he had decided to let them take on this easy task and taking a break from solving cases. Little did he know that Emma would have preferred to be out there fighting crime. This was too boring for her. She felt as she was doing nothing productive. They say on the floor, looked through files checking what to keep and deciding what to throw away. Nothing exciting.

"Hey look at this!" Killian chimed.

Emma looked up from her current folder and saw Killian with the goofiest smile on his face. He had been stacking colored 2- pocket folders and had made a high tower out of them, but it was slightly leaning to one side.

Emma scoffed. "What are you? A child?"

She took some of the folders she had not yet checked and started stacking them.

"You're supposed to put the thicker files first. It gives you a stronger foundation." She showed him her tower as it stood perfectly straight.

Killian scoffed back. "I bet I could still make it taller than yours."

Surprisingly Killian was in fact getting his stack a lot taller but then without warning it fell to the side.

Emma laughed at him and his disappointed face. He leaned over to take out a middle folder in Emma's perfect tower. It flipped over.

"Cheater!" Emma yelled playfully then went back to organizing the folders.

A few minutes into the boring labor Killian couldn't help himself. He had to ask her what he had been wanting to ask her ever since that day.

"I-uh wanted to ask you something."

Emma looked up. She didn't really think it was going to be a big deal. "Sure. What?"

"At the house...when you thought that...barbarian had shot me...afterwards you kissed me."

Emma pressed her lips together and looked away. She would have preferred if he hadn't asked. She had tried to push that moment away several times since it happened.

"Yeah. Sorry. But don't worry about it. Just a one time thing."

Killian wasn't go to let it go. "But why did you kiss me?" He wasn't sure what he was expecting. He knew what he wanted to hear. Perhaps an answer that would reveal feelings. He was just getting tired of ignoring it.

"I don't know. I wasn't thinking. I was just so relieved you weren't you know dead." She paused. "It sure did save me the paperwork." She added with a smile.

Killian managed to force out a small laugh. His face felt hot and flushed. "So it didn't mean-"

Emma interrupted him before he could say anything else. "It meant nothing, really."

Killian nodded. Well that was the end to that conversation.

"Another thing I wanted to tell you. You know the article you helped make about my drawings."

Emma nodded. "Yeah? What about them." She was curious as to where this was going.

"I got a call from a Mr. Reynolds. He's a man searching for new undiscovered artists. He's planning on opening a museum dedicated to elected new artists and exhibit their work for critics and the general public to see. He said he'd love to display my work"

"Killian that's amazing! Your dream is becoming true! You're gonna do it right?"

He looked down at the folder in his hands. "I'd have to go to New York for 2 weeks. I'm not really sure I want to go." He smiled slightly and glanced at her. "I already got used to the idea of working here at the company."

Emma stood up. She couldn't believe this. "Killian! This is your dream we're talking about. You are out of your mind if you want to let this opportunity pass."

Killian shrugged. He wasn't sure this could lead to anything and he didn't want to get his hopes up.

Emma noticed the expression on his face. "Oh come on. You have talent! This is a chance to be able to show your work to be people who will be able to recognize that talent."

"I suppose you're right. An opportunity is an opportunity." He smiled. "So you really think I should do it?"

"Yes! Of course. Who knows when you'll be able to get another like this."

He nudged her on her side. "You sure you can handle solving cases all by yourself?" He winked.

"Course I can handle it. I've managed by myself."

"Well if you're sure.... I'll give Mr. Reynolds a call then and tell him I've decided."

"Good for you." Emma was proud of him.

Departure Day

"Don't you have a plane to catch?" Emma said as she saw Killian walk in. He was wearing his usual dark clothes. Keys and a thin box in one hand and suitcase in the other.

"Just came to give Ryan back the DVD he lent me."

"You just missed him."

They were alone in the office. Emma was always one of the last people to leave. Meanwhile Killian had a night flight to catch but something pulled him to come into the office. But he needed an excuse so he grabbed Ryan's DVD.

"Ah. So you're the last one here."

"As always." She smirked and put down her pen.

"It seems like this gives me time to bid you farewell." Killian began walking closer to her desk. She stood up unsure if she should hug him or give him a handshake. Killian was really close to her. Why was he so close to her?

"My plane leaves in an hour." Emma felt his warm breath on her face as his cerulean eyes locked with her green eyes.

"Then you should probably get going." She said. Their faces were too close. Emma wanted to back away but then again she didn't.

"I'm really going to miss you." He said softly looking deeper in her eyes.

"It's only two weeks." Did his eyes always sparkle like that?

"Seems like a long time to me." He noticed Emma's eyes kept shifting away from his stare.

"I'll be here when you get back." Emma was starting to feel a flutter in her stomach.

"Promise me you won't find another partner?" He raised his eyebrow.

This made Emma laugh. "Promise."

"I should go then." He leaned closer and wrapped his arms around her. "Goodbye, Emma."

She hugged him back. "Goodbye. See you in two weeks."

Killian turned to grab his suitcase and was ready to head out the door.

"Hey Killian"

Emma's voice stopped him from walking. He turned his head. "Yeah?"

"I'll miss you too."

Killian smiled and waved as the door behind him closed.

Emma sighed and slowly slid back in her chair.

I was so busy so I didn't update sooner. So I decided to split the final chapters into two. Stayed tuned for the last part :)