"I didn't even say sorry," Emma slunk down in the booth her parents had just vacated at Granny's.

Killian barely heard her dejected mumble as he sat down across from her, placing a hot chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon on Emma's half of the table. "You can't blame yourself, love. Yes, you did have a hand in what happened, but your reasons were noble."

The diner had mostly cleared out after the potluck for young Prince Neil, leaving the two time travelers alone apart from a few tipsy dwarves at the counter and Red cleaning up. Henry had led a heartbroken Regina home while Charming and Snow took the baby to their loft to rest.

"Does it matter?" Emma shook her head, "I can't even imagine how that would feel. She was finally happy."

Kilians' trademark eyebrow raise took on an ironic edge, "Aye. A change made even more transparent after our recent 'adventures' with the Evil Queen." He reached out his bejeweled fingers, gently caressing the side of her hand which she was using to grip the hot chocolate mug like it was an anchor.

Emma tentatively raised her eyes to smile at the man she once considered beyond compassion. His dark eyebrows knotted together ever so slightly in concern, his striking blue eyes piercing her every thought. Somehow he had fallen in love with her, pirate and all. And no matter how hard she pushed him away, in the end, their two lost, skeptical hearts had found a new reason to beat each day.

Killian stopped moving his hand involuntarily when Emma's eyes, now so open and trusting, gazed back at him. Practically yesterday he had wondered when he would "stop following this woman" as they fell into Zelina's time portal, but somehow, the magic that was meant for evil ended up bringing his princess to him. He didn't want to say or do the wrong thing when she was feeling so vulnerable, so he reverted to more comfortable topic of discussion to try and put a smile back on her beautiful face.

"So, Swan," Killian abruptly swiveled in the booth, crossing his legs and brushing his thumb along the side of his lip, "who's the better kisser?"

Emma's eyes momentarily opened wider in confusion then crinkled in sudden amusement at the teasing rapscallion across from her, "What's wrong, Captain? Worried you've lost your edge after all this time with the 'good guys'?"

"Was it not you, darling, who mere minutes ago claimed I, too, was a hero? No matter," he leaned in with an intent gaze, "answer the question, princess."

Emma pretended to be deep in consideration before answering, "You."

The potential dual meaning of the simple response was not lost on the captain who merely chuckled and said "Well, he didn't yet deserve you."

This garnered a sweet smile from his beloved who couldn't help but mischievously add, "No but he certainly was a lot of fun, especially when he carried me aboard his 'Rolly Jodger'." Emma giggled like a much younger woman before realizing her mistake of bringing up the ship again, but Killian was already waving a hand telling her to pay it no matter.

"I did what had I had to do to save you. I've always been a man of the sea, looking for an honorable cause to fight for. Nothing has brought me more calm and certainty than being on the side of you and your family, Emma. I'll never forget who I was, but I don't need the Jolly Rodger any longer to tell me who I am."

The straightforward passion drew Emma in and she knew she could get used to this side of Killian as well as the cheeky scoundrel she'd fallen in love with. Love. They'd never gone as far as saying it to each other, but somehow Emma knew it would happen soon. Their eyes were already saying it.

"Where are you staying tonight, Emma?" Killian's voice turned husky in spite of trying to make it an innocent remark. He inwardly kicked himself for being so nervous around her in spite of his usual mask of bravado. He was a centuries-old-pirate for Royal Navy's-sake!

It was a simple enough question but the way he said her name so tenderly sent a sudden chill through her spine. It had certainly been a long time (and the last was with a man/flying monkey which was still disturbing), but Emma wanted to make sure it was the right time to let things progress. This… relationship was too important for some one night stand. She decided to trust him that whatever happened that night would be at a pace they could both live with. Plus, it was hardly enticing to return to a small loft with a newborn and Henry was with Regina.

"I don't know. Where are you sleeping now that… well, the Jolly's not here." Emma felt awful for bringing it up yet again, but Killian didn't seem to mind.

"I was thinking of garnering a room from the wolf before she orders us all out." His eyes, hopeful but cautious locked on Emma's. "You might stay with me tonight if you'd like."

It was all the invitation she needed. Emma nodded shyly and took a final swig of the hot chocolate before bravely sliding out of the booth. She was a mother and grown woman; this should be a piece of cake. Still, Emma felt a bit embarrassed in front of her mother's old friend so she asked Killian in a hushed tone if she could just meet him upstairs. Thankfully, Killian understood, not taking her hesitation as a sign of embarrassment of him directly. Ever the gentleman he brought her coat, helping her into it, and nodded toward the front door of the dinner. "See you upstairs, love," he gently whispered in her ear. She tenderly touched his arm and nodded, ringing the bell as she stepped outside, smiling at the little table and chairs they had so lovingly kissed at earlier in the evening.

If Red suspected anything she didn't let on and dreamily gave the pirate a room key. "It overlooks the square, no upcharge tonight." Killian smiled at the girl, clearly so happy for her best friend. "Cheers, lass."

Emma waited a few more minutes, looking up at the stars and thinking about so many things at once. The time travel conversations, her little brother, Regina's heart ache, and the fact that Storybrooke was truly her home filled her mind with hope and mixed emotion.

Killian.

Killian was waiting for her. When did she stop wanting to call him Hook? Emma supposed she'd always switch back and forth depending on the situation. It was a… what ancient word had he used? Ah yes, 'colorful moniker' after all. He certainly still had a massively pirate side to him with that "guyliner", bling, leather, scruffy face, and chest hair, but she loved all of those things about him just as much as the tenderhearted brother, sailor, and friend he'd shown himself to be. A sentimental, noble pirate, what an abnormality! Still, Emma knew it was the darker side of him that she needed just as much. Her ridiculously stubborn personality needed someone worthy of her respect if she was going to truly let her defenses down. Killian Jones was the one to do it. She pushed all other thoughts aside and snuck up the inn stairs behind the dinner.

Emma noticed one of the rooms' doors was cracked open which she gently pushed open. He was standing at the window, rum in hand, likely doing the same kind of thinking she had just been enveloped in. She took in his handsome form, shaking her head at the thought that not only was she the daughter of two fairytale characters, but also that she had been wooed by Captain Hook himself. But, her time in Storybrooke and beyond had taught her that the classic stories in her realm were far from the truth. The muddy past of the pirate standing before her was evidence enough.

Emma used her stealthy skills from her bail bonds days to sneak up behind her Killian. His battle-trained ears, however, were ready for her. Killian swung around, smiling brazenly before scooping a protesting Emma into his arms. "Let's see if we can make this nightcap a little more memorable."

It was hard to believe their unspoken "tug-a-war" was finally at an end, but the pair fully opened themselves to each other's emotions. Emma was done running. Killian was simply overjoyed.

The pirate and his princess laughed as though the weight of the world had finally left their shoulders. Killian set her down gently, tucking her blonde hair behind her ear and waiting for her to make a move. He wondered why he was hesitating since she had been the one to lean in for the kiss after he revealed how he made it to New York, but it just felt like the right choice.

Emma smiled, knowing he was once again waiting for her. She didn't want to make him wait any longer.

Emma was barely keeping her eyes open after their stunning, yet raw and imperfect escapades but she loved that Killian stayed close beside her, his warmth a pleasant reminder he wasn't leaving her. Ever.

Killian laid back on the pillows next to her, contentedly drawing her silky upper body on his chest. "What was it you said when you used your magic on the hot chocolate?" he murmured. "Boom?"

Emma smiled dreamily and nodded. "Boom."