Killian Jones tramped through the snowy streets of Storybrooke, heading towards Granny's diner. It was too bloody cold on his ship.

It had been a month since they'd returned from Neverland. He'd decided to stay in Storybrooke because Emma asked him to. "I don't want you to go, Killian," she'd said on the docks so many days ago. "I just need time."

He'd promised to give her all the time in the world. Emma Swan was it for him. He'd come to terms with his love for her in Neverland and there was no going back.

In the meantime, Emma was still working things out with Neal, now that he was back in her life. Henry needed his father.

So Killian had mostly kept his distance. He'd seen Emma, and the Charmings on several occasions. Some of the townsfolk were starting to warm up to him. He and Gold were no longer trying to kill each other, which, he had to admit, was quite a blessing in itself.

Neal had come to his ship once. It had been painful, and Killian tried to forget the spiteful words that Neal had thrown at him.

Killian shivered and buttoned the three top buttons on his long leather jacket.

The most surprising turn of events though, was the fact that Henry came and visited him every other day or so. Henry had surprised him by coming on deck a day or two after they'd arrived in Storybrooke.

"Hello Captain," he said, a grin splitting his face.

"What can I do for you, lad?"

"I was wondering if I could see more of your ship."

"Aye," said Killian, knowing that it would make the boy happy. In turn that would make Emma happy.

After that, Henry came and visited him frequently. Killian would tell him stories about his travels. Henry would tell him about the various histories of the residents of Storybrooke. Sometimes he'd mention his mother. Henry had asked him quite abruptly if he cared for his mother.

Killian had answered with the truth.

Killian couldn't help it. He smiled as he entered the diner, only to see Henry himself, with the Charmings having hot chocolate with cinnamon.

Henry looked up from the table and waved him over.

Killian hesitated, only moving when David nodded, and Mary Margaret smiled.

"How are you adjusting to the cold, Jones?" asked David with a grin.

"As well as a pirate could, I expect," said Killian.

Mary Margaret called Ruby over and ordered another steaming hot chocolate. "It's on us," she said, when Ruby brought it over.

"Much obliged m'lady," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Where is Emma today," he finally asked.

Mary Margaret grinned, knowing the question was coming. "She's at the station trying to get everything done before Christmas."

"Ah," said Killian, taking a sip of his hot chocolate.

"Which reminds me, David and I would love it if you joined us for Christmas. We'll be spending it with Emma and Henry. It won't be anything extravagant. Just a nice cozy holiday."

Killian was shocked at the invitation. He didn't say anything.

"Please come," said Henry. "We're going to surprise my mom. I think it would mean a lot to her."

Killian couldn't say no to the boy, whom he'd grown rather attached to. And of course, he'd bonded with the Charmings in Neverland.

"Aye, I'll come. Thank you."

"Excellent," said Mary Margaret. "You can come to the apartment around four. Emma will be so thrilled."

Killian wondered if the Charmings knew something about Emma's feelings that he didn't.

"Emma, sweetie, will you answer the door?" asked Mary Margaret. "I can't leave the kitchen."

Emma wondered who else they were expecting. Henry had spent the morning with Regina, and the previous evening with Neal, Gold and Belle. She thought it was just going to be the four of them for the holiday afternoon.

"Who are you expecting," called Emma, as she headed towards the door.

"It's a surprise," said her mother.

Emma sighed. She wasn't a huge fan of surprises. And this surprise definitely took the cake.

Killian Jones was standing in front of her, wearing black slacks, and a scarlet dress shirt. He looked quite dapper. Her heart skipped a beat. "Killian," she breathed. "I wasn't expecting you."

"So I gathered," he said with a smile, entering the apartment. "But your family certainly did."

Emma looked over at her son and her parents, all with conspiratorial smiles on their faces.

"Merry Christmas, love," said Killian.

It was the best Christmas of Emma's life. It was the first time he had a family for a major holiday. Not to mention, she had Killian Jones. Ever since they'd returned from Neverland she realized that she was well on her way to falling in love with him. The past month not seeing him as much, and working things out with Neal had been difficult. But she wasn't going to think about that tonight.

She was enjoying spending the holiday with her family. In turn, they all took delight in explaining the various Christmas traditions to Killian, who quite frankly was baffled by the Christmas cookies, carolers (Mother Superior and the Nuns) and the stockings.

"You hang enormous socks on your mantel? Why?"

Henry brought his stocking over. "Because, they are filled with candy and surprises," said Henry. "We even made one for you, right Mary Margaret."

Mary Margaret smiled and went to retrieve the stocking. She had made it herself and filled it with some chocolate, and small ornate bottle of rum.

Emma tried to contain her laughter. "Rum, Mary Margaret? Really? That's not something you usually see in a stocking."

Killian was touched. He'd not had a family since he lost his brother, and now maybe this could become his new one. It was too perfect to hope for, really, and he knew he didn't deserve it.

"I thought it was appropriate," said Mary Margaret. "You did so much for us, and we can never repay you. Killian, you're part of the family now."

Killian didn't know what to say. So instead he glanced over at Emma, who nodded and smiled warmly at him. Even though they hadn't defined what was between them, at least Emma was welcoming him into her life, and that was a start. Besides, a blessing from her family certainly didn't hurt.

David slapped Killian on the back. "Well, drink up, mate," he said.

Killian obliged. The Charmings were surprisingly adept at finding high quality rum.

Mary Margaret raised her wine glass. "To Killian," she said, "otherwise we wouldn't all be here tonight to share this wonderful holiday together."

Killian was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of love in this room. It really was the stuff of fairytales, and more than a pirate like himself deserved. But then he felt Emma's hand on his. He knew she wasn't the type to make sentimental declarations in front of everyone, but the contact was enough for him. His fingers tightened around hers.

David looked at his daughter and the pirate. Jones had definitely proved that he was worthy of his precious daughter. He glanced at the mistletoe that was handing above the sofa, where Killian and Emma were sitting.

He'd never been anyone's wingman before, but he felt that Jones deserved a little something else for the holiday. After all, that is why he, Mary Margaret, and Henry had come up with Operation Mistletoe.

"Jones, there is one more tradition that you should be aware of."

"And what is that, mate?"

Henry beat him to it. "Mistletoe," said the boy. "Care to explain, mom?"

Emma looked from her father to her son, her cheeks flaming. Were they really doing this?

"Well, um, if two people are underneath the mistletoe," Emma looked up. Killian followed her gaze and noticed the strange plant. "They are supposed to." Emma couldn't finish the sentence. She was too busy blushing.

Mary Margaret took David by the hand and led him underneath another sprig of mistletoe. "We'll show you," then she kissed her husband tenderly.

Killian's eyes widened. He looked over at Emma, with the same expression he'd worn in the Neverland jungle. "Perhaps following tradition is in order," he said, tapping his lower lip twice.

Emma rolled her eyes, but then she smiled. Then, despite the fact that her parents and her son were right there, she fisted her hands in his dress shirt, pulled him to her and kissed him passionately.

After an impossibly long and beautiful moment, David cleared his throat loudly. "Okay, mate, I don't think there is enough mistletoe to warrant that kind of kiss.

Killian and Emma pulled apart, looking bashful.

"Merry Christmas Killian," said Emma.

"Merry Christmas, love," he said, putting his arm around her and pulling her to him.

"Well, let's watch Elf!" said Henry. Another successful operation.

And the five of them settled in to end their night with a lighthearted movie. This would be the first year of a long-standing tradition.