Her heart pounds from exertion, but they don't dare stop to rest until they're a safe, long distance away from the castle. She'd kicked off her heels long ago, the cool grass bringing relief to her aching toes even as she forces herself to push forward. As they finally collapse to the ground, neither can stop the laughter that bubbles out.

"I can't... I can't believe we just did that!" She finally gasps. He shakes his head as he wipes the beads of sweat from his forehead, a toothy grin still on his face.

"I'm telling you, Swan. I've never met someone with such an aptitude for adventure as you."

She shoves his arm playfully - he only laughs again as he turns to her.

"Not to mention, you handle a sword quite well for wearing a dress you can't breathe in. I'm fairly certain that I've never seen that done before." Honest admiration shines in his eyes as he looks into hers, deepening the blush that the exercise already formed on her cheeks.

"And your dancing is impressive - for a 300 year old pirate, that is."

"Is that a compliment I hear, love? That's quite rare. I must really be quite the charmer on the dance floor then."

They sit quietly after that. The night is peaceful, preferable to the suffocating atmosphere of the crowded castle.

"We never got a chance to finish that dance, you know." Her voice is quiet, breaking the dark silence.

His eyes dart back to her, attempting to read her face.

"Are you saying you'd like to?"

Something about fighting off a small army of well-trained king's guards brings a flood of confidence to her. She stands, extending a hand to help him up. He takes it, tugging her closer to him before wrapping his hand around her waist. She inhales sharply as she rests her hand on his shoulder. The sound of the crickets and the wind rustling the leaves above are their music as they sway slowly. The space between them is small, and she's acutely aware of the way his heart pounds - or is that her own heart? Their lips hover just above each other, neither daring to make the short leap forward.

"Emma?" He whispers softly, his breath tickling her cheek. A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips they brush softly against his. She rests her head lightly on his shoulder as they break apart, feeling pleasantly dizzy.

"We should probably get going." She comments reluctantly. "You know, to make sure I actually exist in the future and all."

Her hands feel cold without his fingers wrapped around hers. He must feel the same way, because he quickly slips his hand around hers as they continue making their path through the woods.

What this means, whatever the hell this means, there'll talk about it later. They'll have time.