I own nothing except my delusions.

Emma looked frantically around the harbor, panic beginning to claw at her chest when she couldn't find her father or any of the guards. She knew they were all probably looking for her, having slipped off from them to explore, but being in the unfamiliar area with various ships and people, she found herself disoriented, unable to find anyone or anything familiar to her.

Trying to keep herself calm, she walked along the docks, hoping to find her bearings.

People would easily be able to tell who she was, the fine fabrics of her dress giving her away as someone of status, even if the light green helped her blend in. She hoped that if at least she couldn't find her father immediately, someone would recognize her and take her to him.

Not finding anything, she stopped beside one of the ships to glance around, trying to figure out which way to go.

"You're lost, aren't you, lass?" a voice came from slightly above her.

She whiled around, spying a boy looking down at her from the gunwhale of the ship she had stopped by.

He was around her age, traces of dirt smeared on his pale skin. Wild dark hair fell over his eyes, which were a brilliant blue. His clothes that she could see were in very poor condition and dirty, clearly indicating he worked on the ship.

"Yeah," Emma answered, keeping her gaze locked with the boy, not wanting to seem weak in front of him. "I can't find my father."

He nodded, a flash of pain crossing his expression before he hid it away.

"He wanted to go to the inn after some business, but I have no idea where that is," she admitted. "I can't find anyone now, and I have no idea where I'm at."

Suddenly looking slightly nervous, he glanced around the ship before resolve took over. He looked back down at her, determined. "I can show you the way."

Emma nodded gratefully, prompting him to walk down the gangplank to meet her.

Up closer she could see he was just barely taller than her and his frame was too thin, even for a young boy. She wondered at how he was on that ship and what he did.

Tentatively, he offered his hand to her, letting her decide whether or not to take it.

Without hesitating, she placed her hand over his, surprised at the small spark she felt when her skin touched his. Glancing up, she saw his own surprise before he looked determinedly back at her.

"C'mon," he said, pulling her gently back the way she came.

"What's your name?" she asked curiously, wanting to know who was helping her.

"Killian Jones," he answered, his name just as foreign as his accent.

She nodded daintily. "I'm Emma."

He flashed her a bright smile. "Well, Emma, it's a pleasure to help you."

She smiled back. "Thank you."

Emma was amazed at the ease Killian was able to lead her through the maze that made up the harbor, cutting through various streets and alleys to get to her destination. Despite barely meeting him, she was comfortable with him, trusting him. She didn't know if it was because he was around her age, but she automatically knew he was someone she could connect with.

The inn came into sight as soon as he led them around a corner, making her gasp in relief at seeing her father there with the guards, clearly about to go searching for her.

She smiled gratefully at Killian. "Thank you."

Scratching behind his ear, he smiled back sheepishly. "You're welcome."

Releasing his hand, she raced toward her father, calling out to him, not seeing the strange look crossing Killian's face.

David's head snapped towards her, his eyes wide with worry as he immediately made to move towards her. "Emma!"

She jumped into his waiting arms, finally feeling the safety of being with her father.

"Where were you?" he asked as he kneeled in front of her, cradling her head. "No one could find you."

Shrinking slightly, she pulled back slightly, prepared to be scolded. "I wanted to explore, and I got lost. A boy at the docks helped bring me back here."

He merely nodded before looking around to see his daughter's savior. His brow pinched as he scanned the area.

"Where is he?" David asked.

Turning back, Emma felt her own brow furrow when she saw Killian was absent.

"He was here," she insisted. "I don't know where he went."

Releasing her completely, he stood up, motioning for one of the dwarves to follow. "He might have gone back to his ship. Why don't we go back to the docks so I can thank him myself?"

She nodded enthusiastically, wanting to see the boy again to thank him. Grasping her father's hand, she tugged him toward the way Killian had led her from.

Her father knew the area, easily leading her and Grumpy, who had stepped forward to accompany them, back to where the various ships were docked.

She looked around for the right ship as they neared, finally seeing it down the way.

"Down there," she pointed, pulling on David.

Letting her go slightly ahead, Emma led them down to the ship, seeing that instead of being deserted like earlier, there were a number of men on the deck, including a man who's clothes indicated he was the captain, holding an object that resembled a whip, but with multiple tails.

A smaller form that Emma recognized as Killian kneeled in front of the captain, sporting a fresh, deep cut on his right cheek.

Her chest clenched at the clear fear and anger in his eyes.

"That's him, there," she pointed to her father, scared for what was about to happen to the boy that had helped her.

She glanced up at her father just in time to see him take in the scene before his expression became furious. Beside him, she saw Grumpy with a similar expression.

Forgoing all etiquette, David walked up on the gangplank and onto the deck, drawing the attention of the men as Grumpy held Emma back slightly.

The captain quickly turned to face him, shocked. "Your Majesty."

"I'm here to express my gratitude to the boy who helped my daughter," David said coldly. "I'm curious as to why he's about to face punishment?"

Killian's eyes widened as he looked at David, not having realized exactly that Emma was a princess until he got to see her father.

The captain's face hardened. "The brat defied orders. He was to stay on the ship, and not to speak to anyone. He knew the consequences for any infractions."

Emma wanted to cry, while not understanding the exact circumstances, knew that Killian was going to be hurt because he had decided to help her.

"What power do you have over him to demand that?" David challenged.

Emma could tell from his tone that he already knew, but wanted the other man to admit whatever it was.

"I own him," the captain replied simply. "His father turned him over to me, and now he has to pay off the debts."

Feeling her eyes widen, Emma looked from Killian to the captain, unable to comprehend how one person could own another.

"And that's outlawed here," David said furiously. "He's a child, and you're actually putting him through this abuse?"

"Got to break him somehow," the captain replied carelessly. "He's defiant and a troublemaker. And has a major attitude."

Emma had rarely seen her father angry before, usually only when he saw Regina, but even that was more irritation than anything else. She wanted to shrink back, never having seen him so furious.

"You're to release him, right now," David demanded.

"He hasn't payed off his debts," the other man countered.

"You release him now, or you will face arrest," David told him, setting up the ultimatum. "Either way, the boy will be freed."

The captain paused at the threat of arrest, glaring at the king before finally reaching down and grabbing Killian by the scruff of the neck and roughly tossing him in front of David.

"Take him," he said venomously. "He's nothing but trouble and a waste anyway."

Breaking free of her ward's hold, Emma hurried forward, helping Killian up off of the wood.

David kneeled in front of him, much the same as he did for Emma, his face marginally kinder as he took in the boy.

"Killian, is it?" he asked. He continued after the boy nodded. "You're gonna be okay now."

"I can't leave," Killian said quickly, frantically. "I can't leave Liam. I can't leave my brother."

David's face turned thunderous as he stood up to look back at the captain, his voice barely contained. "There's another child aboard? How many?"

"Just the boy and his brother," the captain responded.

"You're releasing him, too," David said.

When the captain hesitated, David glared at him. "My offer still stands."

Slowly, the other man raised his hand, motioning to a crewman. "Bring the other boy up."

"Do you have any possessions?" David asked Killian gently.

The boy shook his head as he clutched a chain around his neck. "No. All we had was sold or destroyed except for this."

"How long has it been since you've seen your father?" David inquired sadly.

Killian shrugged, unsure. "I'm not sure. A year, maybe?"

David turned his steely blue eyes back to the captain.

"I've had the whelps for a year," he confirmed.

His eyes softening as he turned back to Killian, David kneeled back down so he was eye level. "How old were you when you were put on this ship?"

"Seven," Killian answered, confirming Emma's suspicion that they were the same age.

David nodded sadly, coming to the same conclusion as his daughter. "So you're eight now."

Another boy, slightly older, appeared on the deck with a couple of men. His hair was lighter, curlier, but he had the same brilliant blue eyes Killian had. Emma knew he was Killian's brother.

"It's your lucky day, boys," the captain said mockingly. "His Majesty has taken pity on you and has decided to free you from my charge."

The older boy, Liam, looked at David in shock before his eyes landing on Killian, noting the way Emma stood protectively by him.

"I want you out of the kingdom when the tide comes," David ordered. "You're not to come into the kingdom again, or you will be charged."

He turned, ushering the children off the ship and onto the docks away from the ship before announcing to them that they were to go back to the inn Killian had originally led Emma to to complete his business before they were to head back to their castle where Snow and Emma's younger brother waited, being sure to indicate that the two boys were to come with them.

As they began to walk back to the inn, Emma slipped her hand in Killian's, gripping it firmly.

Nine Years Later

Hurrying along the docks, Emma sighed in relief as the Jewel of the Realm came into view. Her lessons with Blue had run late, leading her to fear that she was too late to see Killian off on his first mission since his promotion.

She turned as she reached the gangplank, lifting her skirts just enough to accommodate the incline, and stepped on the deck just as the crew began to disperse, Killian having finished his address.

"Hey there, Lieutenant," she teased, calling his attention as he had finished speaking with his captain.

She was met with a bright grin as he approached her. "Hello there, Princess."

His grin widened as she released a groan.

"I'm sorry I'm late," she apologized, abandoning all propriety and hugging him tightly. "My lesson went on longer than I thought, and I rode down here as fast as I could."

"You came," he said simply as they pulled away, ignoring the disapproving looks around them. "That's all that matters."

"I couldn't not see you off," she told him, affectionately tugging at the short ponytail he wore. "Killian, you're my best friend. You know I'm gonna miss you."

"I'll miss you, too, Swan," he responded, using his personally nickname for her.

Grinning, she remembered how she had received the moniker. Pinocchio, who was older than them and loved creating mischief, had teased Emma relentlessly when he had found her and Killian at a pond by the castle where a small group of ducklings were swimming. Because of her youth and slight clumsiness at the time, he had began calling Ugly Duckling, tormenting her until she lashed out, punching him in the mouth.

Killian had laughed, firmly saying Pinocchio had deserved it, before pointing out that the ducklings in the water were actually cygnets, their fuzzy gray down turning pure white as they grew to swans. He had taken to calling her after the bird, knowing that she would go through the same change and becoming just as elegant as the birds themselves.

She grew into the woman he predicted she would be, tall and slim, her blonde hair complimenting her fair skin. Her eyes remained the same, a shining jade green that matched her mother's.

He had grown into a very attractive young man, often catching the attention of women where ever he went. He was taller than her, his frame filled out so that he was trim yet strong. He had taken to growing out his facial hair, proudly displaying the slightly red scruff that decorated his jaw, enhancing his fine features.

"Not looking forward to serving under Silver?" she asked in a low voice, not wishing to be heard by the crew.

Killian's expression turned grim. "The man's an ass. I've heard some of the men talking already, exchanging stories of what he's done to the crew before."

Her expression softening, she nodded. "You can handle it. You've worked your way through the ranks faster than anyone. Besides, both my parents trust you."

Giving her a slightly sheepish smile at her flattery, he nodded, knowing what she said was true. While Liam himself had managed to work himself up to rank of Captain before Killian, Killian was the youngest lieutenant they ever had, having obtained the rank at the age of seventeen. Both of the brothers had flourished since David and Snow had taken them in.

"Besides, while you're off going to other kingdoms, I'm stuck here with lessons and my mother trying to introduce me to suitors," she told him.

As soon as she had turned fifteen, Snow White had deemed Emma at the appropriate age to be introduced to potential suitors, hoping she would find one she would want for a husband. Emma had found the whole thing daunting, hating dealing with stuffy princes and men of status. Her mother had always been irked when it came to any balls at her lack of interest in them, especially when it came to dances. If Emma ever did dance, she always sought out Killian to be her partner, not wanting to dance with anyone else.

In the past year, Snow had stopped trying to push the idea of suitors so much, but insisted that she at least meet the eligible men, understanding that Emma didn't want to be pushed into a marriage because of duty or what was expected, but to do it out of love.

Killian snorted in amusement before his face turned serious. She knew what he was about to say.

"I don't like him, Emma," he said lowly. "I don't trust him. He's not good enough for you."

She shook her head, conflicted.

She had met Baelfire a couple months back when she had been out in the town while Killian was stuck in training, and had found the man charming. She knew it wasn't fair to him, that in a way she was using Baelfire as a distraction, but she wanted to move on from her first love she had kept a complete secret from everyone. Deciding to begin a courtship with him, she had kept the relationship secret, only telling Killian about him.

Killian hadn't taken a liking to the man, having met him once when she had brought him along with her to a tavern, but still supported Emma.

While she knew her parents wouldn't have issue with his lack status, their own origins well known throughout their kingdom, Emma was nervous to introduce him, knowing that while their age difference wasn't unheard of, it would be a deterrent to her parents. She was only comfortable enough to confide in Killian, knowing that no matter her decisions, he would be there for her, just as she was for him.

"I know," she said quietly.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt, love," he sighed.

"I know," she repeated. "I know you're worried, Killian, but please, trust me on this."

"I do trust you," he replied honestly. "It's him I don't trust."

Watching as her face fell slightly, he reached under her chin, gently nudging her so she looked up at him.

"I do actually have something I wish to give you before I go," he told her lightly, giving her a slightly nervous smile.

Reaching within his coat, he withdrew a small pale blue silk bag. Reaching in, he pulled a silver chain, a silver swan hanging from it.

Giving a small gasp of surprise, she studied the pennant, admiring the elegant curve of its wings. A small amount of guilt bubbled within her, knowing he must have spent a good amount of his salary on the trinket.

"May I?" he asked.

Turning so her back was to him, she pulled her hair away, letting him draw the necklace around her neck. As the pendant fell comfortingly agains her collar bones, his calloused fingers brushed her skin, leaving a small trail of warmth.

"I just wanted to give you something to remember me by when I'm gone," he told her softly.

She let her hair fall back into place as she turned around to face him again.

"Like I could ever forget," she responded, smiling. Gently, she touched the pendant before reaching up and lightly kissing his cheek. "Thank you, Killian."

A slight blush crept up into his face, making her smile wider.

Silver called out to the crew to prepare to set off, making the men scramble to their positions.

Knowing she had to let him go, Emma threw her arms around Killain, hugging him tightly. He immediately returned her hug.

"Come home safe," she whispered fiercely. "I'll miss you, Killian."

"I'll miss you, too, Swan," he responded, his voice matching hers. "And don't worry, I will."

Pulling back slightly, she forced a smile, hating it whenever he had to leave.

He smiled in return. "I'll see you as soon as I get back."

Her smile turning more genuine, she nodded, pulling away completely to decend the gangplank. She turned back once she was on the docks, watching Killian giving orders and moving to push the ship out onto the open ocean, knowing she would miss him fiercely.

He turned back once, giving her a mournful smile before going back to his duties, leaving Emma to return to the slightly more empty castle.

I'm back! Here's the first chapter of Safe Harbor, and the weekly updates will be returning every Thursday. I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and I'll be seeing you all next week!

Teaser: He nodded slowly, a strange glint in his eyes before it disappeared . "I can accept those terms."

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