Summary: It is Christmas time. Emma and Killian spend their first holiday together trying to find the perfect gift for the other.

A/N: I wrote this just in time to post on Christmas Day. This is part of a collection of one-shots of Captain Swan fics I am working on. This one is holiday-themed for you know today. It is slightly inspired by the short story "The Gift of The Magi" which is one of my favorite Christmas stories. Also I will be updating this collection two times a week (Wednesdays and Fridays), so look out for that! Enjoy!


To say that Emma was anxious about Christmas was an understatement.

But she had good reason to be. This was the first Christmas in the 28 years of her life she wasn't alone on the holidays. She was celebrating with friends and family that she had found in this small town of Storybrooke. And Emma wanted to make the most of her first Christmas surrounded by people who loved and cared for her.

That was why she was finishing up wrapping the last of the presents she had purchased. She had gotten everyone something and was quite literally cleaned out on her spending budget for the next year. Content, Emma stood, nodding to herself a bit as she put the gifts under the Christmas tree in her apartment. It was Christmas Eve already and she was glad she was done with all the shopping. She had everything ready for her party later tonight. Emma was happy everything was going her way for once.

Henry came down the stairs just as Emma was looking over her handiwork underneath the tree.

"Hey mom you finished putting the presents under the tree?"

Emma turned to her son with a proud smile, "Yep kid, I am officially done. It's Santa's job from here on out."

Henry gave a cheerful smile, eyes sparkling at his mom's response, "Great. Now we can give everyone their gift's at the party tonight. Archie, Granny, Leroy, Hook-" Henry said counting off his fingers at the number of their friends coming tonight.

At the mention of Hook's name, Emma froze. Realizing, as her stomach knotted. She forgot to get Hook a present.


As Killian walked outside in the town he was still trying to wrap his head around this holiday called Christmas.

He had been told by Emma about the holiday and thought he got a good idea of the concepts of gift-giving, which was what he was trying to do right now. He had forgotten about the holiday until December had came and noticed all the residents preparing. For the days leading up, Killian had been thinking of what to get Emma.

It had racked his mind for awhile. Even leading him to asking Henry for help, but all the lad was busy getting his own gifts too. He did provide some advice which was giving her a gift that showed how he felt for her would be enough.

Killian walked down the snow covered streets, not seeing any more of the town outside. Everyone was probably in their homes by now. According to Henry, it was Christmas Eve, the night before Christmas.

As Killian looked at all the closed stores, growing concerned he wouldn't find Emma a gift in time. Then he noticed that the Crocodile's store had a sign that said 'open'. Killian tried to keep the vile wanting to come up his throat. Even though he had ended his revenge, Killian was still not into the idea of being chummy with the him. Yet he was the only store open and he had no choice but to go inside and find something.

For Emma, he thought as he made his way over.

As he opened the door of the store, he saw Rumplestiltskin and Belle with their coats on about to walk outside.

"Sorry pirate, but we are closing. We were just leaving."

"Lady Belle." Killian nodded, acknowledging the woman who gave him a quick smile,"Listen Croc-I mean Rumplestiltskin. I need a moment in your store to find a gift."

Rumplestiltskin didn't even try to suppress a smile. He chuckled slightly, "For Ms. Swan if I'm not mistaken."

Killian looked down, feeling his own face grow hot. He wasn't ashamed of his feelings for Emma, but he didn't like them being pointed out all the time like this either.

"Can you help me or not?" Killian asked, raising his head, his eyes narrowed at the man in front of him.

"Rumple help him." Belle pleaded, her arm wrapped around his.

The man's expression softened at Belle's words, and he nodded, before looking back at Killian. "Fine. How will you be paying for this by the way?"

"I have gold, more on my ship if need be."

Rumplestiltskin shook his head, "Sorry no gold. I know it's currency, but not around here."

"I need to get a gift for Emma, " He put his hand on the glass, almost wanting to smash his fist through it in anger.

"I know that Hook. I didn't say I wouldn't take something else as compensation."

Killian glared at the man, "What do you want." He bit back the nickname 'Crocodile' if anything not to upset Belle.

"Maybe something of yours to trade?"

Killian thought about it. He didn't have anything on him that he could trade. Sure in his ship he might find something, but he wasn't sure if Rumplestiltskin would keep the store open for him - hell he was pretty sure about that. Plus he still didn't find a gift yet for Emma. While thinking his hands idly went into his vest pocket, brushing against the chain of the pocket watch.

He took it out, opening it up and looking at the time. It was a watch he had kept that belonged to his brother. It was one of the things of Liam's that he held on to, particularly on his person. But if Rumplestiltskin wouldn't take gold, then he thought he could trade this. He felt guilt at giving away something of his brother's, the thought of doing so as if pushing away his memory, but he had other things of Liam's, and memories of him to hold onto. He wanted to do this, to give Emma something she could cherish .

"This." Killian said, trying to keep his voice steady as he set the watch down on the counter.

Rumplestiltskin picked it up, inspecting it. He flicked his eyes up to Hook's after a moment, "This'll do." Then he nodded his head behind him, "Go take a look around."

Killian didn't waste anytime. He glanced at everything he could, but not seeing something Emma might like. Killian wasn't even too sure about what her tastes were in most things. He just knew her personality - determined, strong, beautiful inside and out. All good things, but nothing here did her justice.

"I don't see anything that she might like."

Rumplestiltskin glanced at him, briefly his eyes flickered over Killian's shoulder, but the pirate didn't think much of it as his eyes focused back on him. "Maybe something in the back will catch your attention. Take a look."

Killian walked in the back hoping that he would be able to find something.


Emma had all but run out the apartment, sliding her thick parka on, rushing over to the stores.

How could she forget to get Hook something?

She got everyone a gift - Henry, her parents, even Regina! How could she forget that one-handed, walking sexual innuendo of a pirate?

Emma didn't have time to wonder why her mind wasn't at its best, because she was trying to find a store that was open. All the stores had closed up early as most people headed home to celebrate the holiday with their families.

Emma's snow boots crunched on the icy white ground as she kept walking, looking frantically for some place to go. Her eyes fell on Gold's shop with the open sign. Emma ran even faster if that was possible, almost slipping in the snow, but catching herself at the last second.

"Hey Gold" She walked inside the shop, feeling a blast of warmth. She walked up to the counter, "I need to get something."

Mr. Gold slowly turned around from conversing with Belle, looking not at all surprised by Emma being there, "Ms. Swan I see you are out and about. Don't you have a party later on?"

She looked around, seeing the shop littered with so much stuff. Gold had collected a lot - especially of the Storybrooke residents kept glancing, but not seeing a thing for the pirate.

And another downer was everything was likely expensive. She would have to make some deal with Gold to get it. Whether money or a price with magic, she wasn't sure, all she knew is she hardly any money left to spend. But Emma wanted to get Hook something. If not for the fact it was rude to get everyone but one person a gift, to exclude someone like that, a feeling she knew all too well, it was because Hook had helped her constantly ever since he decided to turn his ship back and help save Henry in Neverland. Ever since than, he has always been there to help Emma. To come find her in New York City and restore her memories. She owed him so much, the least she could do was get him a gift.

But than right at the counter, in the glass case up front near the register, her eyes caught sight of something. She looked and she almost gasped. It was a gold pocket watch. It gleamed perfectly in the light. It had old etchings and looked like something Hook would own.

"The pocket watch," Emma pointed through the glass, "How much?"

"Well Dearie more then you probably have for it."

Emma wanted to glare, but Gold was right, she couldn't afford something like that. But it was perfect for Hook.

Before she realized what she was doing, the words slipped out, "I'll trade you for it."

"What exactly?" Gold's eyebrow quirked up.

"Rumple," Belle interrupted, "It's Christmas. Can't you just give it to her?"

Emma saw Gold contemplate it. She had to admit Belle really brought out a change in the man.

"No Belle it's okay. A trade is fair. I don't have enough and I'd rather pay for it." Emma thought it was the least she could do, a punishment for not getting a gift when she first went shopping.

"What can you give me for it Ms. Swan?" Gold continued.

Emma furrowed her eyebrows, thinking hard. Did she even have anything on her?

Her eyebrows then shot up, raising to her hairline at the realization. She did have something. "Yeah."

Emma unzipped her coat and reached up to unclasp the necklace around her neck. It was something she bought herself. After Snow had showed her the mobile of the unicorns that was suppose to be in her nursery, surrounding her crib, she liked them. So much that a few months ago when she found the necklace, a silver chair with a unicorn charm, it reminded her of the mobile. It had small purple stones as its eyes. When she saw it, she saved up and bought it only two weeks ago as an early present to herself. She even splurged a little and got it engraved with an 'E' for her name on it. She was going to wear it tonight to show it to Snow, but now she was giving it away it.

"Will this do?" Emma held the necklace up, the stones gleaming.

"Lovely." Gold took it gently from her and stared at it, "Not as much as the watch, but I'll take it. 'Tis the season for generosity."

And after wrapping it up for her, Gold gave her the watch. Emma said good-bye to Belle and Gold, missing the look they sent each other, she hurried off home to finish getting ready for the party.


Killian walked from the back room, still not seeing anything for Emma. He was so consumed in his thoughts about what she would want, he almost thought he heard her voice while in the back, but once walking to the front, he knew he must've imagined it. He walked back to the counter. Rumplestiltskin had not moved from the spot, but Belle was smiling, as finding something amusing.

"I did not find anything in the back." Killian said dejectedly. He was upset he could not find a gift. Nothing here might hold Emma's interest, but this was the only store left.

"Well keep looking you might find something for ." Rumplestiltskin said.

Killian was still weary of the Crocodile, but he did need his store to get his Swan a present. That was the only reason he was chatting with him right now.

Killian was growing frantic. He had no idea what he could get Emma, and after trading his pocket watch, he was still confused. He had known her for a while and he already knows he is in love with her. And even after their journey in New York City to restore her memories, she did open up more to him, and they were developing some sort of relationship. He wanted to make this gift worth it and show how much he cared for her. That's when looking at the counter his eyes fell on something almost as beautiful as his Swan. It was a small silver necklace that had a unicorn as a charm.

"That right there," Killian pointed with his good hand.

Killian missed the quick knowing smirk Belle and Rumplestiltskin shared as he handed the necklace to the pirate.

Killian held it in his hand, staring at the jewelry. The little unicorn even had little purple stones where it's eyes should be that gleamed. An 'E' engraved on the charm.

E for Emma, he thought.

"I'll take this."

"Rumple you sure you can't just give him the necklace and let him keep his watch?" Belle asked.

Killian interrupted, "It is fine Lady Belle. It is a fair trade. But if the Croc-Er Rumplestiltskin would just take my gold for the necklace-"

Rumplestiltskin interrupted him, "Well pirate, even though that is currency in our world, I am more into using currency in this realm. And that gold won't really cut it here. I think a trade will work better in this instance."

Killian didn't have time to figure out the Crocodile's nonsense. He quickly took the necklace, having it wrapped for him by Belle generously since he doubt he could wrap it himself with his hook. He exited, not hearing the chuckle shared between Rumplestiltskin and Belle as he hurried off toward Emma's apartment.


Emma managed to wrap up Hook's gift before the quests started arriving for the party. Henry asked what she got Hook, but she told him he would have to wait until he opened it.

Emma was smiling as she saw some of Storybrooke's residents gathered in her home. They were laughing, sharing gifts and enjoying the snacks she bought, much to Mary Margaret's displeasure of store bought cookies. They were all together and happy.

As Emma got some more eggnog, she saw the person she had been anticipating coming for awhile. It was Hook.

She watched as his eyes searched the room, before landing on her. He stared for a moment with a look she couldn't figure out. He took a breathe, making his chest heave. He walked over toward her, with his face brightening up as he reached her.

"Swan, your Christmas festivities seem to be going rather well."

"Yeah everyone seems to be enjoying themselves." She said, taking a sip of eggnog. She licked her upper lip to get the cream residue off, which made Hook flick his eyes down and follow the movements of her mouth.

"Are you enjoying yourself love?" Killian's voice holding a hint of humor, but mostly Emma could hear the seriousness in his voice, almost as if bracing himself for her answer.

"Yeah I am," Emma stared up, her eyes looking into the pirate's to try and read him like he always does her.

Killian gave her a heart-warming smile and Emma's stomach was fluttering like there were actual butterflies in there. Before she lost her nerve she decided to give him his gift.

"Oh before I forget," She bit down the urge to say again, she took his hand and lead him over to the tree, reaching down to grab a present. "I got this for you. Merry Christmas Hook."

Killian's eyes widened at that. Unable to believe what he was hearing. Emma, his Swan, got him a present for this holiday. His blue eyes just stared into her green ones, searching to find if this was some trickery, but he didn't see anything but an honest response. She thought of him. She got him a gift. After confessing in Neverland that he loved her, after searching for her in New York City to help restore her memories, he started to believe she had feelings for him, but her caring enough to get him something, made Killian believe she cared even more.

He could feel his voice on the verge of breaking, "You got me a gift lass?"

"Well yeah. I mean Hook you are someone who came into my life and since you started helping, you haven't once let me down. How could I not give you something? To you know...a-appreciate you?"

Killian throat started to close up and his heart was swelling inside, letting him know he was alive. He was alive because Emma, his love, made him feel that way all the time. Her words etched into his mind. It was hard to doubt that she didn't feel something for him, even if it wasn't the deep love he had for her yet, it was something for her to admit what she just did.

Emma held out the gift to him, waiting for him to take it. He looked down, his mouth opened slightly, as if still in shock. He gently took it with his good hand. It was wrapped in light blue paper with a dark blue bow on top. It wasn't that large. It was in a square shape. He wondered what it was?

"Thank you love," Killian thought it was a good time as any to give Emma her gift. He reached into the pocket of his leather coat and pulled out the small box. "And here is your gift."

Emma's eyes widened, parting her mouth in surprise, "You got me a gift?"

"Does that surprise you?" He asked, using a phrase the savior was all too familiar with.

Emma put on a smile, only to keep the fresh tears that threatened to fall. "No, because I am such a lovely host, how could you not get me something?" She joked, but really she was very much overwhelmed. Not just from the party and all the people inside. But because Hook thought of her again.

"Aye, lovely indeed," He said, staring at her with a softened gaze that made Emma slightly uncomfortable, not because it wasn't nice, but because it was. Because it made her feel loved and cared for.

"Well just don't stand there pirate. Let's open these."

Emma walked to sit in a nearby chair and Killian sat on the edge of the couch's armrest. Emma stared at the small package. It was wrapped in a green wrapping paper, with a bright red bow on top. It was so nicely done, she felt bad opening it up. Once removing the paper, she held a brown box in her hand. She lifted the lid and her heart almost stopped right there. It was her necklace. The one she sold to get Hook his gift.

Killian didn't see Emma's reaction to her gift as he was opening his present, using his hook to remove the bow and helping to tear the paper. Once it was just the black box, he slowly uncovered the lid and gasped softly. It was his brother's pocket watch. The one he sold to get Emma's gift.

As if hearing the others thoughts, they both looked up at one another at the same time, shock evident on their faces.

Emma was blinking back tears, as she held up her necklace in her hands, "You got me my necklace back."

Hook's brows shot up at that, "Your necklace? I didn't know that was yours love. And what about my pocket watch?"

"Pocket watch?" Emma stared at the gift, "It was yours?"

"Aye, that it was love."

"So we sold our stuff for each other only to have us buy them back as gifts?"

"Seems like it."

At this bit of news Emma's tears she had been pushing back came forward, streaking her cheeks softly. She felt her heart thump against her chest and grow at the gesture. She had gave up something, even this simple necklace, only to have Hook get it for her. That man, even without his knowledge, continued to help her in so many ways. It was too much.

"Swan are you alright?" He asked, afraid she didn't like the gift. He was worried as he saw her crying.

Emma thought it was best to tell him the truth. "I got everyone a gift, and then at the last minute, I realized I forgot you," Emma watched as Hook visibly tensed, his eyes trained on nothing but her, "And it scared me. I forgot you. I didn't want to forget you ever again. Not after that second curse. So I ran around town, so desperate. I went to Gold and looked for something that you might like. And I sold a necklace, something I bought for myself, yeah, but still I gave it up, so I could get you something that might make you happy."

Killian listened to her words, feeling himself close to tears at her kindess, her care for him, and if he dug deeper at her words, he could feel the love in them, "Emma" He breathed her name. He inched closer, careful not to fall off the couch, but close to get rid of the distance between them, the need to be closer was very strong. He let his breathe blow gently on her cheek, as he looked her in the eyes. She stared back at him, trying to show her appreciation and if he was correct, the blossoming of something close to love surfacing even more.

"I am happy because you gave me a gift. And I just wanted to get you something. I walked around town, eventually ending up at Rumplestiltskin's shop. I put down my pocket watch, to get your gift. And I would gladly do it again. I would give anything to make you happy."

"Killian." Emma breathed his name, ignoring the small gasp he gave at her using his actual name, "Merry Christmas."

He gave her a bright smile just for her, "Merry Christmas to you too my love."

Emma leaned forward slightly to give him a kiss on the lips. Unlike their first kiss in Neverland which was passionate and released to let out the attraction they were feeling for the other or the second kiss in New York City, after she lost her memories, which was more urgent, filled with longing on Killian's part and how he missed her for that year, this was slower. It had so much feelings of unsaid things that became clear, and even if it wasn't deep, it was sweet, soft and was just as powerful as their other kisses.

Emma and Hook spent the rest of the time wrapped up in talking and holding their gifts for the other proudly they didn't notice the look Emma's parents sent them, smiling to each other over how happy their daughter looked. How Henry smiled over the fact that his mom and Hook were honest on how they felt for the other. And how Gold and Belle arrived to the party, giving each other a look as they saw the gifts Emma and Hook had traded earlier in the store for each other, and how they just knew to get those gifts.


A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this. I decided to do a twist making the gifts Emma and Killian got for each other things they sacrificed to give to the other, but got it returned in the end, but it still has the message about giving and sacrificing for others. I also thought it would be cute how they'd miss each other in Gold's shop was my first CS/ OUAT fic, so I hope you guys liked it! If you have any suggestions of one-shots I can do for this collection, feel free to message me on here or my tumblr (the link is on my profile). Please read and review!