The Truth of the Matter

You're Kidding, Right?

Author's Note:

Since I didn't post a chapter yesterday, I thought I'd post two today, especially since last chapter was really short. I hope I'll have more time to work on this story, but finals are next week and I have to get a bunch of things done this week. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

This is where we find ourselves now.

I freeze. That can't be right. He didn't just say Neal fucking Cassidy, did he? I look up from my desk, and sure enough, it was him. He'd found me. Memories begin to resurface and it's all I can do to not have a panic attack and run from the room. I can feel his eyes boring into me, as well as Killian's. Everyone else seems oblivious to anything, which is good. I can't afford to cause any problems. That would only serve to make matters worse.

"You will be working with Robin until your probation period is up."

Robin waves and Neal makes his way down to meet us.

"Welcome to the 22nd Precinct," Robin says, shaking his hand.

"Glad to be here."

"So, Neal," Killian starts, "what brought you to our lovely division?"

"Seemed like the best one there is. I just really want to put the bad guys where they belong."

That was the shittiest lie if I'd ever heard one. I grit my teeth and manage to smile as I introduce myself.

"Emma Swan," I say, shaking his hand. He grins right back and it sends shivers down my spine.

"Nice to meet you, Emma. I'm sure we will enjoy our time together on the force."

As soon as lunch break rolls around, I'm out the door. Killian's behind me, as usual, but I don't acknowledge him. I can't deal with anything else right now. I'm barely hanging on as it is.

"Swan, wait!" he shouts.

"Killian, don't," I respond.

"Emma, please, you're scaring me. Just let me in."

I stop and turn around. His eyes reveal his shock. I know I look awful and it's only going to get worse.

"Come on, love," he says as he wraps his arm around my shoulder. "Let's get you home."

I relax into his embrace, but hold everything in until the door shuts behind us. Once shut, I sink to the ground, head on my knees and cry. All the pain and heartbreak I went through rushes back and I can't stop it. The dam has broken and for now, there's no repairing it. Killian is a bit unsure of what to do, but he eventually sits beside me and pulls me into his arms. I hold onto him like he's the only thing keeping me afloat, and really, he is. He feels so right, but I can't take that chance again. He rubs circles on my back and I just cry harder. I feel him take out his phone, but I don't care what he's doing. About an hour later, when both of our asses are stiff and sore, I finally manage to pick myself up and head to the bathroom to clean up. I hear him rustling around in the kitchen, but I just focus on myself. God, I can't believe how weak I am. I look awful, but nothing makeup won't fix.

I walk out several minutes later to the smell of cinnamon. He holds out a cup of hot chocolate.

"I thought you could use it. I know it's your favorite."

I take it a bit skeptically. "Thank you."

"What happened Swan? I can tell you're hurting. Please, I can help you."