A/N: I got this amazing prompt on Tumblr to write an airplane AU, and I got super carried away. I'm thinking this might have up to 8 chapters, but it's looking more like 6 or 7, including the epilogue.

But, knowing me, that could change, haha.

Anyways, enjoy!

Listen to: 'Little Numbers' by Boy, 'She Lit a Fire' by Lord Huron, and 'Charms' by Abel Korzeniowsky.

Emma was glad that grumpy old lady gave up her seat to a soldier.

She still hadn't seen anyone in fatigues board yet, so she settled in, closing her eyes once before glancing out the window.

She couldn't wait to see her son. He was staying with his father for the time being (while she was away on a call), but his time in New York was up, so Emma was going to retrieve little Henry.

"Anyone sitting here, lass?" A thickly accented voice asked, causing Emma to glance up.

God, he was beautiful. Deep, blue eyes (like the sea), dark hair shaped perfectly, and just the right amount of scruff. He was thin, but it was clear that he was toned (Emma couldn't help but notice his arms). There was something peculiar, though-he was missing a hand.

"Uh, no, this is yours." Emma smiled, looking back down to her book in an attempt to clear the red from her cheeks.

It was quiet as he situated himself, until he finally sat down with a sigh.

"Lieutenant Killian Jones." He said, causing Emma to look up to him, catching his sweet smile.

"Emma Swan." Emma grinned, shaking his hand.

"Swan-that's a lovely name." Killian smiled, causing Emma to chuckle.

"Yeah, it's alright, I guess." Emma replied.

"What brings you to New York, love?" He asked casually, making Emma's heart flutter.

"I'm picking up my son from his dad's house." Emma sighed.

"You have a son?" Killian smiled.

"Yep." Emma nodded.

"I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you." Killian offered.

"I hope so." Emma spoke with a tight smile, "He wanted to spend a few more days in New York, so we're staying in a hotel for a few nights."

"Ah. New York is quite the city." Killian smiled.

"What about you? What brings you to New York?"

"I'm visiting my older brother." He replied quickly, "I haven't seen him in a long time."

"Oh."

"May I ask what you're reading?" Killian asked curiously, gesturing to her novel.

"It's called 'The Art of Fielding'." Emma smiled, handing it to him to let him see it, "It's really good-it's about college kids playing baseball."

"Ah." Killian replied, impressed, "I'll have to give it a shot."

He handed it back to Emma, making her grin and tuck some hair behind her ear.

"If you want to borrow it for the flight, you can." Emma offered, handing him the book back.

"Are you sure? I know you were reading it-"

"It's fine, really." Emma smiled, "I'll probably finish it on my flight back to Boston, anyways."

"Boston?" Killian asked, taking the book.

"Yep," Emma sighed, "That's where I'm living for the time being."

"Ah." Killian nodded.

"What about you?"

"I'm kind of floating right now... I'm hoping to stay with Liam, my brother, for a while." Killian said.

"Really? You're staying in New York?" Emma smiled.

"Aye," He chuckled, "Perhaps I could talk you into having dinner with me one night, while you're in town?"

"Perhaps." Emma grinned before turning to look out the window.

Sometime during the flight, Emma accidentally fell asleep. And, not just anywhere-she fell asleep on Killian's arm. She carefully opened one eye to see Killian clearly intently reading. His brow was slightly furrowed in concentration, his fingers drumming on the side of the book as he read. Emma shifted her focus to his stumped arm, taking a deep breath as she noticed the marred skin.

She assumed he'd suffered the injury during battle, but she didn't want to ask. It seemed too personal for someone she'd just met.

The lady over the intercom said they were about to land, so Emma sat up, rubbing the side of her head like she'd just woken up.

"Morning, sleeping beauty." Killian chuckled, closing the book.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep." Emma apologized.

"It's fine, lass." Killian smiled, "Did I make a good pillow?"

Emma blushed before answering.

"You actually did." Emma giggled, "Thank you."

"Of course, milady."

Emma couldn't keep that giggle in, diffusing it by glancing out at the night sky.

"Here's your book back, by the way." Killian offered, "It's pretty good so far."

"Yeah?" Emma smiled, glancing from the book, then back to him, "If you want to borrow it, you can. I've read it before."

"I can't do that, I-"

"We are meeting for dinner while we're in town, aren't we?" Emma grinned, meeting his eyes again, "You can just give it to me then."

She watched his lips curl into a smile before dropping his head with a chuckle.

"Of course." Killian replied, "Have you got a pen?"

"Okay, one condition-you cannot write in my book." Emma warned, causing him to laugh and roll his eyes.

"I was going to write my number down for you." Killian smiled, setting the book in his lap before pulling his phone out and handing it to her, "But, seeing that you ruined my romantic moment-"

"Oh, please," Emma giggled, handing him her own phone, "You were asking to borrow a pen to write your number on my hand."

Killian chuckled and typed his number into her phone, just as she typed hers into his.

"No midnight texts, okay?" Emma smiled, handing his phone back.

"What if the book ending totally sucks?" Killian asked with a smile before giving her phone back.

"You'll just have to wait until the morning." Emma smiled.

"I'll try, but I make no absolute promises, love." Killian replied with a cheeky grin, making Emma giggle.

"As long as you try." Emma grinned.

The plane landed, and the two walked together to the baggage claim. They waited for their bags, and once they got them, Killian hailed a cab for Emma before himself.

"Thank you, Killian." Emma smiled as he hauled her suitcase into the trunk.

"Of course, love." Killian chuckled, shutting the trunk.

"I'll let you know when I'm free this week." Emma offered as he opened the door.

"No rush, lass. I'll see you later." He smiled, leaning forward and pressing a kiss to her cheek. She closed her eyes as he did, her cheeks warming at the touch.

"Goodnight, Swan." He whispered.

"Goodnight, Jones."