She had missed the last train and there was only one person she could call. Emma hadn't seen him in 3 years since she ghosted Nathan that night. Emma was protecting him, or so she told herself.
But that was the past, and this was the now.
Scrolling for Nathan's number would take too long, so Emma dialed his number. Of course, she could still remember it. It connected on the second ring. Perked up in his work voice, he answered, "Nathan Curie speaking. Who's this?"
Guess Nathan deleted her number. Emma didn't blame him.
"It's me, " Emma breathed. There was a slight inhale of air from Nathan's side. He was obviously in shock. Nathan's voice reminded her of the conversations, laughs, and promises--now broken they shared. The only man she ever truly loved.
"You dialed the wrong number, Emma." He informed gruffly, contrasting his animated voice from a moment ago. Nathan was drawing a line. He probably couldn't believe that Emma, his ex, would have the guts to reconnect.
A period of silence ensued. Emma considered hanging up, but Nathan didn't hang up, which meant that Emma had a chance. Was their relationship salvageable at this point. But then again, what could she possibly say? Oh, hi, boyfriend--I mean, exboyfriend! How's life? Oh right, I haven't even been in your life for quite a while. My life is out of control and my existence can put you in danger, so how about welcoming me with open arms, even though I lied and hurt you? No, that wouldn't work at all.
"You still live in Seattle, right?" Emma asked tentatively. She needed to get away from the authorities after her. They were in Portland, her last location. The longer she waited the sooner they'd come get her. And once they did, they'd lock her up again, using her abilities for their benefit. A shiver ran down her back. She couldn't let that happen. Not again. Nathan hummed in acknowledgement. "Could I crash at your place tonight?"
"A hotel works too, you know. You've been gone for so long. Why not make it forever?" Emma felt like she was stabbed in the gut. Turns out that Nathan didn't just not want to see her, he wanted Emma out of her life. How could she explain it to him? That her powers were out of control? That she doesn't know what's going on? That she was a menace to society? Of course not.
"Please, just one night?" She pleaded. "I won't bother you. I promise. After tonight, you'll never have to see me again."
Nathan sighed. He was probably going to reject her, leaving her to the streets. And Emma couldn't even complain because if someone she cared about suddenly disappeared without a trace, she'd do the same. "One night. I live downtown, if you still remember. Take the guest room."
Nathan hung up. Emma bought some time, but how long would it take for them to find her? A hide-out is nice and everything, but at what cost? Nathan's voice made her remember how they used to be. If only I wasn't dangerous Emma thought. Life on the run was one thing, but seeing Nathan again was on a totally different level. How could Emma dare face him?