A/N: I kept torturing myself with the 'what ifs' of the diner scene in 3x18 and I just had to share my pain with you.


Emma squeezed her eyes shut. The diner went silent with their shared anticipation. She focused on the cup and focused on where she wanted it to be. And just when she was about to sigh in defeat-

Pop.

Her eyes flashed open just to see a glimmer of light fading but sure enough the cup of coca was no longer on the counter. "Boom!" she exclaimed, euphoria rushing through her as she slammed her hand down before she turned and hopped off the seat to face Hook.

He was grinning, flashing his teeth in a breath steeling smile, turning the cup in his hand in wonderment before he looked up at her with a look so full of pride and of… well, love, that it was almost overwhelming. "You're amazing," he said, placing the cup down in front of her as she slid into the booth. Still grinning herself.

She leant forward, a smirk growing on her face, "Want to see something really impressive?" He raised an eyebrow as if to say 'Try me'. Emma, watching him carefully, flicked her wrist and she felt the magic rush through her just before she heard the clang of another successful magic trick. The bubble of giggles left her before he even realised what had happened.

That's when his eyes darted up to the coat rack behind her and for a moment he looked absolutely stunned. He raised his handless arm and when the hook wasn't there, a smile blossomed on his lips and he dropped his head and let out a warm chuckle. "Didn't anyone tell you it's bad form to mess with a man's hook?" he teased before getting up and retrieving his hook.

She turned in her seat to face him, "Well I have to be honest, you're the first man I've met with a hook for a hand."

"Good," he replied, "I have a reputation to maintain. Can't have other men running around claiming to be Captain Hook."

She laughed gently, sliding out of the booth to slowly walk up to him. "You're quite an act to live up to."

His expression melted into something far more touching. He graced her with a loving smile and ran his fingers through her long hair. "I could say the same about you. You're… something else, Swan. And now that you're embracing your magic and being completely you… I didn't think my feelings for you-" she inhaled quickly. "-could grow any stronger but seeing you like this… It's incredible, Emma, truly."

He watched her carefully, smiling softly as she found a similar one grow on her face. She observed him, with her heart pounding loudly in her ears. And suddenly, all the fear left her because he wasn't going to leave her, he truly did… care for her.

Her smile broadened and she raised a finger and with her magic drew him closer. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, not pushing her at all. It was completely her choice. And she was going to make it. It was like she had said, no more living in the past. She wanted her future and her future was him. She took hold of his collar (once again) and slowly brought his mouth to hers. She felt him gasp softly just before she-

The diner door clanged open a voice cried, "Emma!" The two leapt apart to see Belle there, looking slightly sheepish as she clutched a heavy book.

Emma glanced back at Hook (she should really start calling him Killian) and gave him a rueful smile, which he returned, before she turned to talk to Belle. They slipped into a booth together as Belle sat opposite. As she explained what she believed was Zelena's plan, under the table, Killian took her hand and she didn't let go.