It was late when she arrived back at The Jolly Rodger, the author, SOB had ran away, he certainly seemed to be a piece of work. Then again this was Storybrooke everyone was a piece of work. Thankfully August was alright, albeit tired and a little shocked. It felt good to have a friend back, ironically Pinochio, seemed to be one of the only people she knew that had been telling the truth.
She climbed aboard the Jolly Rodger, unable to face her parents. Killian was waiting for her. "Swan, you've been a long time, how's the wooden lad""He's fine and if I didn't know any better, i'd say you were jealous""Me jealous, never. " (Emma poofed them below deck, and he had to say he was impressed) Despite the flirtacious smiles and her undeniable beauty he knew Emma just wanted to forget everything and as much as he wanted to show Emma the delights of pilagering and plundering, this was not the right moment. "Swan I think you need some rest, we can deal with your parents and the author tomorrow. " Emma awoke the next morning and took a moment to familiarise herself with the surroundings, ever the gentleman he had left her alone and tucked her in bed. There was no denying she'd wanted him last night but it wouldn't have been special. She walked above deck and saw him gazing over the ocean, it was only by watching him she realised how much he'd given up for her. He turned around, beckoning her to join him, she did and rested her head on his shoulder, and thanked him for being a gentleman.
As much as she didn't want to break the moment she had something to say: "Killian I want to apologise for snapping at you yesterday, I'm just not used to someone putting me first and i'm scared because if my parents who have helped instilled hope in so many people only did it to try and earn redemption then maybe I really can become dark. If that happens, I don't say it will do, I just say it may I want you to take Henry at leave Storybrooke" He opened his mouth to protest but she placed a finger on his lips."You're always better at saying how you feel but I need to tell you that my happy ending is with you, it has been since I climbed that beanstalk, I was just, I still am afraid to admit it, so if I go dark, don't try and save me, you've already done that so many times, just leave because I can't hurt you or Henry I just can't. "
He hugged her tighter, "Emma you said it yourself not Rumplestitskin or some author or your parents gets to decide who you are. Who you are is the Saviour not of this crazy town but of me, so if darkness does become part of you, I will ensure your lad is kept safe, but I can not promise we will leave. I will fight the darkness, I will become the darkness but I can not leave you my love."
There we no words to say so she reached up and kissed him briefly on the lips. In that moment they shared more than any words could: it was a kiss not of passion but of loss, betrayal, revenge, deceit, hope, love and longing.
She smiled, as a final single tear escaped down her cheek, she wanted this more than anything but the darkness was creeping ever closer.