…
Emma sighed and inhaled the scent of her hot cocoa. With cinnamon, of course. While Mary Margaret was out boxing day shopping, Emma decided that it would be a lot less stressful to stay at home. She had everything she needed anyway. A roof over her head, hot food, a family… A boyfriend. Where was he, anyway? He said he'd be over at 11. A knock sounded at the door.
Emma smiled and opened the door.
"Happy Boxing Day, love." Killian smiled endearingly, as presented Emma with a bouquet of roses.
"Happy Boxing Day to you too! But… Boxing Day isn't that kind of holiday."
Killian's smile faltered slightly before returning to its normal cheery self.
"Think of it as a late Christmas present. A woman such as you deserves to be showered with gifts." Emma accepted the flowers and gestured him to come in.
"Nice save. But thank you. I appreciate it."
Hook followed her into the kitchen, where Emma began to search for a vase.
"Sit down! Did you want something to drink? Mary Margaret doesn't like to keep around any strong rum, especially after the baby, but we do have hot cocoa." Hook raised his eyebrow.
"Well, it was pretty chilly outside. Normally, I'm hot enough on my own, but Storybrooke seems to have taken a liking to ice. So yes, may I have a cup of cocoa?"
Emma rolled her eyes as she set her flowers in the vase. Killian was lucky he was so charming. His ego was so big, it might manifest into a person and date itself. Admittedly, he wasn't exaggerating about his looks, but Emma could never tell him. His pride would practically explode.
" Alright, I will. If only you stop complimenting yourself for five minutes."
Killian smirked devilishly at her and winked. Emma turned away and started to mix together some hot chocolate. It was relaxing, making something that had always brought her solace, even when she had to resort to getting the crappy stuff from seedy gas stations. And now she got to drink her own with the man she loved. Wait a minute. Loved?
"Emma, love?" Killian questioned from behind her. Emma spun around quickly to face the pirate as he pointed to the mug on the counter.
"I think the cup is full." She quickly glanced at the piping hot beverage. Sure enough, the creamy liquid had spilled over the top. Hot cocoa dripped onto the floor as Emma hurriedly wiped the counter.
"Really?" she groaned, as Hook rushed to help her.
…..
Five minutes later, when the kitchen was once again clean, Emma and Killian relaxed on the sofa. She watched his eyes close in satisfaction as he took in the hot chocolate.
"I must say, Swan. Although I would never say it to her face, your hot cocoa
could triumph over Granny's lasagna any day. " Emma leaned closer to Killian and looked into his eyes.
"Thank you for helping me clean up." Hook tilted his head and replied,
"Well of course. I would never dream of doing otherwise." Emma grinned and leaned into him for a kiss. Her hand grabbed at the base of his neck to deepen the kiss, and she sighed in contentment. It felt so easy, so natural to be with him like this. Emma wanted it to go on forever.
As they both let go of the kiss, Hook held on to her and savored their moment together.
"I'd love to continue, but I think our drinks are getting cold." Emma sighed and dropped their embrace.
"Quite right, lass." The couple disentangled and returned to their former positions.
"You should come over more." Emma suggested, and Killian nodded his head.
"Of course. As long as it's something more than cleaning the kitchen."
As the two laughed, Emma realized just how much she appreciated him, clean kitchen or not. The laughter ceased as she pulled him in for another long kiss.
The hot chocolate, however, remained unappreciated.