Captain Swan - Tangled Up In Blue

Water Under the Bridge

Notes: I have been at war with this chapter, even long before I started writing it. But thanks to Lydia, the part at the end made the chapter better than it would've been if not for her.

The main warning here is that it's definitely a tearjerker. I was balling my eyes out writing this, so please grab your tissues!

There will be one more chapter and an epilogue, and though I will be very sad when I have to wrap this story up, I am very excited to finally bring you the end of this universe very soon after working on this story for over a year. Thank yo so much for all of your support and for sticking with this story through everything I've thrown at you! You are all truly amazing!

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"I'm going to need you to work a double shift."

Panic washed over James, hearing his brother's words through the phone before he threw a quick retort. "I'm sorry, I can't stay. I have plans tonight." He promised Killian he would watch over Emma and Ian to make sure they stayed safe while Killian was gone... or rather, to make sure she wasn't getting herself into any trouble. He wanted to stop by their house unexpectedly just in case she had something up her sleeve.

"Can't you cancel your plans? Mary Margaret and I have to take care of Ian for the night."

James furrowed his brows in confusion. "Why both of you?"

"Why does it matter? Emma told us she was leaving town with Killian for a medical conference and she was not at all keen on leaving Ian behind, so Mary Margaret and I both convinced her not to worry about a thing and that we'll both be watching the little duckling. So please, can you just do me this one favor and stay tonight?"

His stomach dropped, his mouth becoming dry as it hung open. Killian had left for the conference yesterday, and he'd left alone. If Emma lied to his brother and sister-in-law, then something was definitely going on. And seeing as he was stuck at work, there was nothing he could do about it.

"James? You there?"

"Yeah... yeah, I'm here," he murmured, his mind clouded with worry. "I'll stay," he agreed reluctantly, "but do me one favor?"

David sighed. "We already discussed this; I'm not giving you a raise just for pulling extra shifts-"

"No, not that," James cut him off. "Keep little duckling safe." His voice was wrecked as he tried to mask the concern enshrouding him.

"Of course we will," David assured, a bit offended that his brother would need to remind him to do so.

Ending the call, James withdrew a few shaky breaths. He had to find a way to escape the B&B so he could get to Emma. But how? He couldn't exactly kick all of the guests out of their rooms.

Walking to the exit, he went outside, seeing the snow starting to fall as it landed softly on the ground. His stomach was tight with nerves, his eyes wandering around as he tried to decide what to do. Perhaps he should just call Emma and talk her out of this? He peered down at his phone, pulling up her contact information, his thumb hovering over her number.

Swallowing thickly, he pressed the button and brought the phone to his ear, listening as it rang. As he looked up, it proceeded to ring and ring until he heard her voicemail. James was cursing under his breath when he disconnected the line and began turning around as his gaze drifted down the road. He suddenly froze in his spot, but his reason had nothing to do with the brisk chill of the winter air.

The streets of Storybrooke were embellished with cheerful Christmas decorations; big red bows were tied around the streetlamps, brilliant blue bulbs helping to light up the town and wreaths hanging on the shop doors. The residents were bundled up in their winter coats, roaming the sidewalks with oversized Christmas gift bags, and the evening air was growing dim, so when his eyes fell upon the bright yellow bug parked in front of the pawnshop, the color stuck out like a sore thumb.