In the aftermath of that doozy of a two hour midseason finale back in season four, I had all kinds of ideas rolling around in my head for numerous other ways that Killian’s heart being taken could have played out, along with how more of Emma fighting to get his heart back and the two of them rejoicing at his survival could have gotten more time. I still don’t own these two characters, or anything related to the show, but I enjoyed the little trip back to that time in the show I took this week in editing this and creating cover art. Hopefully some of you will enjoy it as well…
Also on AO3orff.net, if that is your reading preference…
This cannot be real, cannot be happening again. Another man she loves – yes, loves – falling to the cold, hard floor of the Sheriff’s station, clutching his chest, mouth gaping in a struggle for breath, eyes already going half-glassy from their usually crisp, brilliant blue.
“Killian!” Emma chokes, falling to his side and reaching for him, forcing herself not to scream. His body stretches out before her limply, looking too much like Graham’s had nearly three years ago, too much like the horrifying death pose seared into her mind’s eye, no matter how much time has passed. She wants to ask what is wrong, but is petrified that she doesn’t need to; she knows exactly what is happening to her pirate. There had been nothing she could do when she was in this position before, and this is so much worse, so much more desperately necessary.
As she reaches out to shake Killian, gripping his shoulders with frantic hands, begging him to stay with her - stay awake - her eyes fall on the bootlace wrapped around her wrist; her reminder of the gentle, kind man who had died in her arms in this same station, and tears well over her eyelids, spilling down her cheeks to fall on Killian’s paling face. Those lovely, kissable lips that have always been so soft and tenderly coaxing on hers are open, panting, as he struggles to form her name, his one good hand clasping hers to pull her closer where she can hear his desperately whispered words. “Em-Emma…Love, I’m sorry…I k-know I promised…you d-didn’t have to w-worry…I m-may not be as g-good at…surviving…as I p-promised. The Crocodile…has m-made sure of it…this time…”
