Two Souls, One Fate | CS AU

Chapter 8 ~ We All Have Scars

(Emma's POV)
I waited until night had fallen to steal something to eat for dinner. There was a small deli that closed not 10 minutes ago that had become my target. Facing my right palm towards the lock on the door, I focus my magic upon it and feel the familiar energy surging through me. I remain my focused, eyes closed, until I hear a click, telling me it worked. I open my eyes and smile.

Like a shadow in the dark, I carefully creep into the store, grab what I need, and was gone, remembering to once again lock the door behind me. Only when I arrived at the park and had taken a seat on what has come to be my bench, did I dig into the sandwich I had stolen, along with a bottle of water. Nothing too big to be noticed.

My teeth dig into the sandwich and I nearly moan because it was so good. And because I hadn't eaten since early this morning. My bag sits beside me, which I emptied of my school stuff--unless I really wanted to keep it or thought it could come in handy--and had filled it with my other two outfits. Not much, but I wasn't too keen on carrying around the smelly, dirty and not to mention ripped blanket I had been using.

I sigh as I realize I'd have to steal a new one. Either that or freeze to death. Unless the new place I was going--wherever that may be--was warm but those were some high hopes.

As time passed, the night drew nearer and the cold along with it. I try to work my magic to warm my hands--knowing attempting to light a fire would draw too much attention--and surprisingly it works. It doesn't help with the rest of my body, but I am greatful for it either way.

I pick up my phone and checked for the time. 10:08. One more hour, I think. I knew I'd have to ditch the phone, otherwise I could be tracked if Killian changes his mind and decides to rat me out to the police, or someone. Stop thinking like that! But I can't. It has been my way of life for the past four years and it's hard to change. Maybe it'll change tonight, my mind told me. But I knew that it was just playing some cruel trick on me.

When it was nearly 11:00, I move locations to behind a big tree near the edge of the park. Beyond the park, in front of the tree, was just forest until it let out somewhere, but that's as far as my knowledge goes. I take a seat and turn my hands towards me, reheating my hands.

"Hey." I jump at the sound and let out a gasp, before I get ready to attack when I look up to see Killian. I let out a breath of relief and put my hand to my heart, pulling back when I realize I'm still working my magic. "Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you."

"Well you did!" I inform him, and manage to get my magic under control, extinguishing its heat.

"Sorry," he says with a cringe. I meet his gaze and realize he's sincere so I gesture for him to take a seat beside me.

Neither of us knowing what to say, how to start or who to start, we just awkwardly sit there. Killian takes a look around before breaking the silence by saying, "This is a lovely park. I don't think I've ever been here before. I've seen it but never walked through it or anything."

I can tell he's nervous which makes me have to hold back a smile. He's cute when he's nervous. I rid my head of that thought before replying with, "Yeah it is," while taking a look around myself. I redirect my gaze towards him and remember why we're here. "Okay, look, we're here because you have some questions for me and I have a few for you as well."

He looks at me, snapping out of his gaze and nods. "Alright, shall I ask first?" I nod my head. "First of all, I'd like to know more about your magic if that's alright with you..." I hesitate before nodding my head again. "When did you first get your...uh...powers?" He scratches behind his ear with his right hand as he said the last bit, which brought back the treacherous thought from moments ago. I can tell he's still adjusting to the idea that magic is real and all that. I understand that.