A/N: Surprise! I bet you though you'd seen the last of this fic. I think the nearly six month break from this story did me some good, and four of those months, no writing got done anyway. But I'm excited to get back into this fic, so hopefully you guys are too. As a warning, I do have four other WIPs, so I don't know how often I'll be able to update. As always, if you have any questions about this fic you can find me on tumblr at captainswanapproved. Thank you for reading!

Chapter 9

Killian woke up earlier than usual in hopes of catching Emma before she escaped to the Sheriff's station, but when he finished putting the futon back in place and dressed, he peered behind the curtain to find that her bed was already made. Her red leather jacket was no longer hanging on the hook.

Killian sighed. Emma's evasive skills were certainly impressive. She'd been at it ever since Graham had passed away. She was always at the station from sunrise to sunset, then came back to the apartment each night with a bag of something from Granny's, kissed Henry's forehead and smiled half heartedly at Killian before disappearing into her bedroom.

Killian knew she was hurting, and that she was spending endless hours trying to find proof that Regina was behind Graham's death, but he suspected it had come to nothing. He wished she would talk to him, but every time he tried, she brushed him off, and once again, she had left before him.

So as usual, Killian shook Henry awake just past seven thirty, brought out the cereal, and then after breakfast they walked to school together.

They were sitting in the empty classroom when Henry looked up from his book. "I'm worried about Emma," Henry said. "She hasn't been herself since the sheriff died."

"I know, lad, as am I. But we can't push her to talk about it before she's ready."

"What if she goes after my mom? It could be dangerous."

"What makes you think she'll go after Regina."

"My mom had the huntsman's heart in her vault," said Henry, holding up the book and showing Killian the page. "If Graham was starting to remember than he was a threat to the curse. So she killed him."

Killian set down the file he'd been flipping through and walked over to Henry, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Henry, what happened to Graham Humbert was horrible, but Dr. Whale said it was completely natural. Nothing will happen to Emma. She's just doing her job."

It wasn't a lie exactly, but the words felt dishonest. "You must be worried about her too. No one messes with the curse without getting hurt, and if Emma's still investigating Graham's death, then she could discover something."

"Henry, I won't let anything happen to your mother," Killian said. "I'll talk with her tonight."

"Promise?" Henry asked, with wide eyes.

"You have my word," Killian said.

-/-

Emma rested her head on the desk, breathing deeply. All of her investigations had only led to dead ends. Emma couldn't ignore the niggling feeling that told her Regina was somehow responsible for Graham's death. The mayor was very good at covering her tracks, though. It had been two weeks, and Emma suspected she would just have to let it go, and accept that she would never find proof to convict Regina of murder.

Emma was so lost in thought that she didn't notice the footsteps and the thump of a cane against the wood floors of the station. "Sheriff Swan?"

Emma looked up only to see Mr. Gold standing before her. "I'm not the sheriff," Emma said.

"Well, actually, that is what I wanted to talk to you about," Mr. Gold said. "I also have some things for you." Gold set the box he was carrying on the desk in front of Emma. "You see, Graham was renting an apartment of mine, and these are a few of his belongings. I thought you would like a keepsake."

Emma shook her head. "No thank you," she said.

"Very well. Then I'm sure Mayor Mills will appreciate them."

Emma frowned, and peered into the box, and removed a pair of walkie talkies. "I'll take these I guess. For Henry."

"Good," Mr. Gold said. "You can play together. You only get a few precious years with your children before they are all grown up."

Emma felt a twinge of guilt because of Gold's words. She had been avoiding her son for two weeks. Not to mention Killian. Perhaps she'd been wrong. "You said you came to discuss something else?" Emma asked, trying to change the subject.

"Ah yes." Gold eyed her deputy badge. "I see that you are still wearing the deputy badge. Well, according to our town bylaws, after two weeks of acting as the Sheriff, the job becomes yours."

Emma averted her eyes. "Yeah, I guess so. I'm just not in a hurry."

"The sheriff was a good man, but I do believe you'll be an equally good sheriff, Miss Swan. Perhaps even better given that Mayor Mills has no influence over you."

Emma's jaw dropped.

Gold smiled. "No love lost there, I see," he said. "Well, Sheriff Swan, I wish you a pleasant day. I'll just take the rest of these things."

Emma nodded. "Thank you," she said, before she could think better of it. There was something unsettling about Gold's behavior.

-/-

Emma finished her coffee and picked up the sheriff badge, tracing her fingers along the edges. It was time to face facts and move on, and she knew that a new position was a part of that. She raised the badge to her jacket, only to be interrupted by a harsh voice.

"That does not belong to you," Regina said as she strutted into the station.

"It's been two weeks," Emma replied. "The promotion is automatic."

"Unless the mayor appoints someone else within the time period, which I am doing tomorrow."

Emma's eyes narrowed. "And who did you have in mind?"

"Sydney Glass," Regina said.

Emma canted her head to the side. "From the newspaper? How does that even make sense?"

"Well, he's covered the sheriff's office for as long as anyone can remember," Regina said with a smile.

"And he will do whatever you say," Emma shot back.

The smile faded.

"You just cannot stand the fact that things are getting better around here, can you?" Emma said.

"Are you referring to Graham's death as better?" Regina demanded, her temper flaring. "He was a good man, Miss Swan. He kept this town safe, and you have not earned the right to wear his badge."

"Graham picked me to be deputy," Emma said firmly.

"He was wrong."

"No, he knew what he was doing. He freed this office from you, and you're not getting it back."

"We'll just have to see about that, I'll be officially appointing Mr. Glass tomorrow," Regina said, taking the badge and leaving the station. Emma Swan wouldn't get away with this insolence. Regina, though, would need some time to review the town bylaws. If she left anything to chance, there was a possibility that Miss Swan would find a loophole. In the meantime, she had the perfect distraction in mind.

-/-

The bell rang and Killian sent his class home. "Henry, why don't you go to the loft. I have some things to finish up here, and I'm not sure how long I'll be. You remember where the spare key is, right?"

Henry nodded. "Okay, I'll see you at home." Then he grabbed his bag and left the room.

Killian smiled slightly, it was a nice sentiment, having Henry refer to his loft as a home. Killian began to rummage through on of his cabinets and took out a stack of reading assignments and his trusty red pen.

The classroom was quiet, and Killian soon became absorbed in his grading. He was shaken out of concentration by a loud knock on his door.

"Come in," Killian called, wondering who it could be.

The half-smile faded away when he looked up to see Regina, who looked extremely pleased with herself.

"What can I do for you, Mayor Mills," Killian asked, forcing a polite tone.

"You can empty your desk," Regina said.

"What?"

"It's quite simple, Mr. Jones. You no longer work at this school. You're fired."

"On what grounds?"

"It was brought to my attention that you left your classroom abruptly in the middle of the morning two weeks ago, and you didn't even have a proper substitute."

Killian's eyes widened. That was the day that Emma had called him. "It was an emergency,"

"Actually, Mr. Jones, attending to the needs of Emma Swan doesn't qualify as an excusable emergency," Regina said with a sneer.

Killian scowled. "You can't do this."

"I just did," Regina said. "Now clear out your things. Your replacement will be starting in the morning."

-/-

Killian tossed his box of belongings on the sofa, glad to see that Henry was up in his room. Killian was in desperate need of hard liquor. He went to the liquor cabinet, pulled out a bottle of rum, and poured himself a glass. He downed it in one gulp. How dare Regina Mills pull a stunt like this, and over something so petty. He couldn't help but think that it was some sort of vengeance.

Killian huffed as he poured another glass. He glanced around the kitchen, looking for something to hit. The toaster was sitting on the counter, looking perfectly unassuming, and before Killian knew it, he had a butter knife and a screw driver in his hands.

Emma returned to the loft about half an hour later, to find that Killian had completely destroyed the toaster. "Was the toaster broken," she asked, as she hung up her jacket.

"It wasn't when I started," Killian said, "but it bloody is now." He set it down and walked over to stand in front of her. He looked nervous, but also relieved.

Emma felt that hint of guilt return. She'd only been thinking of herself by avoiding Killian and Henry, and it was unfair to them.

"I've missed you," said Killian softly. "You've been avoiding us."

There was no accusation in his tone, and for that Emma was grateful. "I know, I'm sorry. That ends now."

"What changed?"

"I'm going to be the new Sheriff."

Killian grinned. "You'll be brilliant, Emma. Rum to celebrate?"

Emma glanced at the already opened bottle. "I see it's already out. Care to explain? And maybe tell me about the toaster while you're at it?"

"It doesn't matter," said Killian, trying to detract attention away from himself. He'd been worried about her for weeks, and he'd made a promise to Henry. His troubles could wait, but Emma's couldn't.

"Killian," Emma said, moving a bit closer. "Tell me."

"I was fired today," Killian admitted.

Emma's brow furrowed. "Why?"

"Remember when you called me?"

Emma realized what he was saying. "Unbelievable," Emma declared. "Regina can't just do that."

"But she can and she did," Killian said. "Emma, that doesn't matter right now though. You matter. We've been worried about you."

Emma took her glass of rum and sank into a chair at the table. "I guess it was just easier for me to hide than face the facts."

Killian moved to sit beside her. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Emma took a drink before saying, "My eyes were opened today when Gold dropped by and told me about the town bylaws. It's time to move forward, and that also means no more hiding."

"I know it's hard for you, Emma," Killian said. "But I'll be here for you for whatever you need."

Emma smiled. "Regina is going to try and appoint a new sheriff, despite the fact that it is supposed to be my job. I'll need a research assistant to help me dig through the town charter."

"Then I suppose it's fortunate that I have nothing to occupy my time tomorrow. Perhaps Regina shot herself in the foot in that regard."

"I hope so. Maybe I just want to beat her."

"Well, Emma, we do make quite the team," Killian said, "and I've always been decent at research."

There was a knock on the door a moment later. "I'll get it, Emma."

Killian opened the door and frowned when he saw who it was.

"Is Miss Swan here?" Mr. Gold asked, barely sparing Killian a glance.

"Yes," Killian said, dismayed when Gold walked in without invitation.

"Miss Swan, there is a certain matter I would like to discuss with you. In private." Mr. Gold glared at Killian.

"I'll go check on Henry," Killian said, giving Emma a reassuring glance before going upstairs.

"What do you want?" Emma asked.

"I heard about Regina's decision. It's an injustice. The job should be yours."

"Well, it still is, technically, and if I have anything to say about it, I'm not going to lose it."

Gold smiled. "I like your attitude Miss Swan. I brought the town charter with me. It's quite extensive. Perhaps Mayor Mills isn't as powerful as she'd like you to believe. I can help you beat her."

"What's in it for you?"

"Let's just say that two people with a common enemy can accomplish many things. Regina cannot actually appoint someone to sheriff, but she can select a candidate. The town charter calls for an election, and you, Miss Swan, will be the winner, and I shall be your benefactor."

"What's the catch?" Emma asked.

"You'll be more useful to the town as sheriff, Miss Swan. I'll leave it at that. I will leave you to business, Miss Swan. Mayor Mills will be having a press conference tomorrow, that is when you will break the news about the election. These sort of things are always better if done with a bit of flair. Do we have a deal?"

"Yes," Emma said.

"Grand." Then he left without another word.

Emma just stared at the closed door. It was impossible to know what Gold's true motives were, but if he got her the job, then they couldn't be all bad. She heard fumbling at the top of the stairs.

Emma bit back a smile. "You two can come down, he's gone."

A minute later Killian and Henry both came down the stairs, not even looking the least bit ashamed.

"It's not very polite to eavesdrop," Emma said with a teasing smile.

Henry's ears went a little red, but the he went over and hugged Emma. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too, kid," said Emma softly.

"Well, it looks like we've got work to do," said Henry.

"What do you mean?"

"We're going to help with the election. I can design some campaign posters. I can get started tonight. I finished my homework. Killian and I can hang up a couple of posters at the school for the parents to see."

Henry didn't miss the look that Emma and Killian shared when he said that. "What's wrong?"

"Actually, Henry, I've got a bit of bad news. Regina dropped by the classroom after you left. I will no longer be your teacher."

"She fired you?" Henry asked.

"Yes, for leaving the classroom unattended," Killian said.

Henry didn't speak for a moment, but he eventually seemed to come to a decision. "Well that makes Emma winning the election even more important."

"Too right, lad. Why don't you get started."

Henry glanced at Emma, who nodded. Then he disappeared back upstairs, leaving Emma and Killian alone once again.

"Emma, are you sure it is the best idea to ally yourself with Gold?"

Emma blinked. Of course that would be the first thing Killian asked. "I'm not exactly sure of anything right now. All I know is that we can't let Regina win twice in one week. She already took your job, I'm not going to let her take mine. Are you with me, Killian?"

"Of course, Swan."

"Good, we've got an election to win."