I do not own Once Upon a Time.
I just want to start off with some background on how this story came to be. I started writing back in middle school and it was what I later learned was Star Wars fan fiction. I had redone the saga to make Leia a more powerful and complicated person, basically she was a Jedi apprentice and her father's guardian angel. That persona of Leia that I created crawled her way into everything I wrote since then. Quick shout out and Rest in Peace to Carrie Fisher, my idol who helped me find my voice. This story began as Killian Jones meets Princess Leia but I was able to morph the character to be more reflective of Emma, a princess and a Savior. I hope you enjoy my efforts.
This story is five unrelated one shots that will be published on the first Wednesday of the month.
The backdrop for this story is: Emma knows the Kingdom is seeking something important against the Resistance. They won't send the Jewel of the Realm out on a random mission. So she sets sail with the Jones brothers. She hopes her wanted poster doesn't catch up with her before she finds out what they are after.
Emma pulled the hood lower on her head. She could not risk being recognized, not when she was this close to getting on board. There she was, standing at the dock studying the ship in front of her. The Jewel of the Realm was the flagship for the Kingdom. If Emma hadn't been against everything the Kingdom stood for, she would have been impressed by the size.
According to the reports the spies brought back, the Jewel of the Realm was being sent off to disclosed location with no said purpose. Now it was her job to find out why. Was it for information? Was it for supplies? Maybe weapons of some sort. All Emma knew for sure was that it would be the downfall of the Resistance.
This war against the Evil Queen, had been raging for years, her entire life actually. Her own mother had been one of the founders and the war's first casualty. Her father died of grief, shortly afterwards. Emma had been raised by her godmother, the current leader of the Resistance. And of course, there was her uncle. But Emma didn't like to talk or even think about him.
Emma inhaled a few times to mentally prepare herself. This was her first mission, she was going through so many different emotions. She was excited, she had spent years at the ever moving headquarters, staring at maps or decoding messages. According to her godmother, she was ready. Of course she did not want to let anyone down. She had always feared failure. Emma pulled off her cloak and dropped it behind a barrel. She wore a simple travel outfit with an Kingdom insignia. Someone had found it for her, hoping it would help her blend in. It did its job, but it also made her skin crawl. The things she did for the Resistance.
No more time to waste, she stood up straighter, she needed to look like she was in control, walk like she owned the realm. Emma matched on to the deck of the Jewel of the Realm.
There were sailors everywhere, all busy at their assigned ports. Everything was in order, a sure sign of a well-oiled machine and a capable captain. Speaking of the captain, where was he?
"Can I help you with something, Miss?" A strong voice came from behind her.
Emma spun around to see a well-built man standing there. He wore the freshly pressed uniform of a ship captain, including the ridiculous hat.
Now for her story. "Captain, I'm Lady Zelena, from the Western village." She held her hand out to him. He only stared back confused. "Queen Regina personally sent me to oversee your mission." Those words tasted horrible in her mouth. And still no reaction from the captain. "And apparently, I arrived before my letter did."
"I wasn't informed of this new protocol. Do you have your own copy of the letter?" He sounded so responsible.
Emma did, thankfully. She dug into her bag and pulled out a very official, a very fake letter about her sudden presence on the Jewel.
The captain read over the letter and finally greeted her properly. "Welcome to the Jewel of the Realm, Lady Zelena. Captain Liam Jones at your service. I have a few things to see to before we set off. My little brother will see you to your cabin." He motioned across the deck to a younger version of himself.
The other man noticed he was being called over and headed towards them. He was about the same height but there was something almost special about his blue eyes. They were so hopeful and pure. And he was not hard on Emma's eyes at all.
Emma forced herself not to say anything out loud or react in anyway. She had seen men before, in the Resistance, those were fighters, they had scars to prove it. But none of them had this kind of effect on her.
"Lady Zelena, this is Lieutenant Killian Jones, my second in command. He will show you to your cabin. Little brother, this is Lady Zelena. She will be joining us on our mission."
"Younger brother." He said before realizing he shouldn't be arguing with Liam in front of the crew or their stunning guest. Killian looked at Emma and gave her a shy smile.
She returned it with a smile of her own, but hers was anything but shy. Emma had always been a confident person.
"I'll show you to your cabin. Do you have any bags?" Killian asked.
"No, I carry very light, lead the way, lieutenant." She used his title and liked the way it rolled off her tongue.
Killian nodded and lead her below deck. They didn't go far before he stopped in front of a small door. "This is your cabin. I hope you find it to your liking. The mess hall is down there and the captain's cabin is at the far end." He pointed down the hall.
"And your cabin is where?" She ventured that question.
She saw his Adam's apple bob a little bit. "Just across the hall." Killian pointed to the room behind him. Then he pulled himself together. "We are going to be shoving off shorty, you are welcome on deck if you want."
"I would love that. Just let me freshen up and I'll meet you there." And she shot him her brightest smile.
He actually blushed and nodded to her before walking away.
Emma entered her cabin, it wasn't huge but it was bigger than her current room at headquarters. This room actually felt homey, not that Emma really knew what that was. But she imagined it felt like this.
Now which Jones brother would she get the most information out of?
When the ship pulled out of the port, Emma found herself on the deck. There had always been something very comforting about the ocean. She loved it and hated being away from it, even the sound of it relaxed her in ways nothing else could.
She spotted the Jones brothers at the helm discussing something in hushed voices.. Emma forced herself not to insert herself into that conversation. She couldn't make either of them suspect she was anything other than what she had told them.
So she surrounded herself with the crew. None of them looked evil, or even remotely bad. Did any of them know they were working for a power hungry uncaring woman? Did they agree with her orders? Were they even aware of anything? Were they only following orders? What had the queen promised them?
"A hero's journey."
That made Emma jump, and Emma never jumped. No one snuck up on her. Or read her mind. Her hand went to her belt where she usually had a weapon of some sort. Usually was not today.
Killian stood there, feeling out of place. "My apologies, my lady, I didn't mean to startle you."
My Lady? What? Oh right, he meant her. That was not normal when it came to her. "No worries, I'm still getting my sea legs. And what were you saying about a hero's journey?"
"That's what my brother and I are on, the queen sent us on a mission that will bring feasts to the kingdom and glory to the Jones brothers." He sounded so hopeful.
Emma's heart broke a little. That's what Regina promised for unquestioning loyalty, glory. Enough to make murder look like child's play. "That sounds amazing, I'm sure you deserve it." She smiled at him.
"Enemy ship sighted off the port quarter." Called a voice.
That worried Emma. What kind of enemy? Where they after her? She had just started the mission. Would either of the Jones brothers protect her?
Killian left her side and ran back to the helm. "A frigate and two corvettes gaining fast!" He began to give orders. "Master gunner, roll out the port cannons! Stand to bring her about!"
Emma watched and waited in fascination. This was her fate at stake, along with the crew.
"Belay that order!" Liam called out.
What was going on? Did Emma have to worry? A cannon fired but thankfully did not reach them.
Killian was clearly concerned about his brother's lack of response. "That was close, we will never out run them"
Liam grinned. "Have faith, lieutenant. Deploy the Pegasus!"
The Pegasus? Emma looked up and saw a few crew members up on the sail. They had a large sheet and untied it. It floated down, covering the entire sail. It was unlike any cloth Emma had ever seen, it was made of feathers.
Then the ship lifted up from the water, had the new sail enabled the ship to fly? Unable to be confused any longer, Emma marched up to the helm. "That was very impressive, Captain."
"Sail woven from the last remaining feather of the great creature Pegasus. Legend had it that horse could fly." He smiled at her.
"Turns out the legends are true."
"The queen didn't tell you about this?" Killian asked.
"No, the queen must keep even her most trusted advisors in the dark." Emma answered, hoping it wouldn't blow her cover.
"She is queen and makes the final call on everything." Liam told her.
"Of course. Could I see the maps? I want to compare it to the information I was given about this mission."
"Yes, there are in my cabin. I'll escort you down there. Killian, the helm is yours. You know the course?"
"Second star to the right and straight on til morning."
Hours later, Emma was still in the captain's cabin up to her elbows with maps. She was on a flying ship, this changed the rules and made the purpose of her mission even more essential. Why was Regina sending them to another realm? What did another realm have that the Enchanted Forest didn't? Emma shuttered, more possibilities for the defeat of the Resistance. Or, on the other hand, was Regina getting desperate? Had the Resistance become more than just a thorn in her side?
Keep thinking positive, Emma. That was the only way she was going to make it through this mission in one piece.
Then she heard the door open behind her and realized she was still bent over the table. She smiled to herself, would the captain fall for her charms?
"Enjoying the view?" Emma asked before standing up and turning around.
But it wasn't Captain Jones in the doorway, it was Lieutenant Jones. And he was clearly embarrassed about the situation he had suddenly found himself in. A blush creeped out of his collar.
"Oh, I assumed you were the Captain." She told him, only half meaning it.
"I can get him if it's him you need…" Killian started to say.
Emma stopped him. "No, it's fine. You can stay. Do you need something?"
"I wanted to make sure you were finding everything you need in the map. Are you comfortable? Did you need something more"
Answers would be nice, but she doubted Killian had any for her. She looked down at the mess of papers on the desk. "I am finding everything, your brother keeps very good notes, though I am afraid I messed up his system here. I'm perfect, especially now that you are here." She sent him a bright smile.
Killian must have felt confident, he returned her smile. And by the look in his eyes, he wanted to ask her something.
"Spit it out, I'll tell you whatever you want to know. I don't bite… hard." She found him fascinating and she liked to tease him.
"I was just curious on how you joined the Senate. It isn't common that Queen Regina to elected other woman to it. Why are you a part of the Kingdom?"
Oh, how was Emma supposed to answer that? There were so many falsehoods in his question. She was against the Kingdom with every fiber of her being, she stood with the Resistance. But there was one reason she stuck with him, one reason she kept fighting. "You really want to hear that story?" No one wanted that story.
"Is it half as interesting as I make you out to be in my head?" He asked in a tone that could only lead to other things.
What made her agree to tell him her life story, or at least part of it, was beyond her. She felt her guard slipping around Killian. She nodded. "Fine, but if I'm telling that story, I am going to need a drink." Emma went to the bag she had dropped near the door and pulled out a small flask. She took a drink then handed it out to Killian.
He stared, half impressed and half scared. "No thank you. I don't drink, it's bad form." He shook his head.
"Come on, Killian. I think you could use some bad form in your life." Emma didn't pull the flask back, instead she titled her head to the side and pouted at him. "You're going to let the lady drink alone? Even worse form if I ever saw."
His shoulders dropped and he gave in to her demands. Killian accepted the flask and took one careful sip. It was terrible and he had to forced himself not to spit it out.
"That's a good boy." She joked and touched his shoulder. Emma then moved the maps to the side and sat on the table. "So you want to know why and how I got involved with the Kingdom? It's very simple really: I don't have a choice. It's personal, family business I guess you could say." Emma took the flask back and drank, she could not believe she was getting into the past with a stranger. But she couldn't stop talking. "But more importantly, it's part of my job."
"What's your job?" Killian asked, sitting next to her. He was clearly taken with her. Emma got more interesting by the minute.
What was the right word to use? "I'm a guardian angel. I find someone who has fallen off the path of good and attempt to bring them back."
That was not what Killian had in his head, nowhere close actually. But this made Emma more amazing, she was a good person who wanted to help people. Angel did describe her well, now that he was really looking at her. "Is there a person like that inside the Kingdom?"
Emma forced herself not to scoff. That's what the Kingdom was made of. But she wasn't really to tell Killian that fact, yet. "More than you could imagine, sadly. But I am only interested in one. A man who is twisted and evil, but only because he has made one too many mistakes. And I hope I can help him and end it all."
"I don't understand. Evil is black and white." Killian knew he sounded so child-like, and that Emma was going to prove him wrong.
"Evil isn't born, it's made. And in most cases, it's the situation one is placed in. Like the loss of someone dear, taken too soon or in a violent way." Emma suddenly had to choke back a sob, she had gone through the same thing. How had she not fallen to darkness?
"Who are you looking to turn back? How high up are they?" Killian wanted to help her, not that she really looked like she needed it. But he had connections, he could help.
"Extremely high. Which just makes my job harder, and getting anywhere near the person is a challenge itself."
"I'm guessing not the Queen herself." Killian ventured.
"No, that evil just appeared." She saw slight confusion cross Killian's face. "I can make an exception for her. I meant Rumplestiltskin." Even saying his name made her uncomfortable. And she wasn't even saying that he was her uncle, that he had lost his wife in an attack and then his son, Emma's own cousin… that had been a terrible day, The entire village was just a pile of charred houses at the end of the day. For Emma, that was the last straw, she joined the Resistance. She had to do something.
"Rumplestiltskin, the Queen's right hand man? He's… a character." Killian did not see that one coming. He had only been in the same room as Rumplestiltskin once, it was not a pleasant experience that he wanted to repeat. He reminded Killian of the demons from the stories. "An odd character but not twisted and evil."
"Oh Killian, you don't know him well enough." Emma chuckled. It had been years since she had actually seen him, but they were still family.
"Believe me, there is a reason for that lack of knowledge." Killian told her. There was something she wasn't telling him, something wasn't right. And he ventured an observation. "Are you a Resistance sympathizer?"
Emma almost froze. She was a bit more than a sympathizer. But she knew that Killian was not ready for the truth about who she was. "Did I say that? Now you are jumping to conclusions. Don't put words into my mouth."
They locked eyes, something was between them. That much was clear.
But before either of them could move, the door flew open and Liam stepped into the room. He just stared, unsure what to make of the situation in front of him. There was his younger brother sitting close to their guest, there was an open flask. "Would either one of you like to explain to me what is going on here? Killian, are you drinking?"
Killian bolted up, he had to explain himself. "There is nothing going on here and Emma was the only one drinking."
Emma, on the other hand, remained sitting. Part of her knew exactly what was coming, now she had to figure out how to handle it.
Liam shook his head then focused on Emma. "Your letter finally made it here, in the form of a wanted poster." Liam slammed down a paper, her face stared up at her. "Princess Emma Swan, wanted for murder, treason, espionage, and attempted assassination."
Well, there was no way Emma was going to deny anything, she had more pride than that. "Liam, I…" She began.
"That's Captain to you, Emma." He growled.
Well, if he was going to going to play that card. "And according to that poster, it's Your Highness."
Killian looked at Emma, betrayal written on his face. "So everything you told me was a lie?"
For the first time in years, Emma felt guilty. "No, I told you the truth, I just left out a few things. I don't hide my hatred for the evil queen, she personally ruined my life. No one gets a title like that for no reason."
Liam stepped between Emma and Killian. He had to take control of the situation. "Don't speak of the queen like she is scum. She is a queen." He told her.
"But that's exactly what she is. Do you have any idea where you are going? Or the mission for this for? You know nothing. How can you work for a woman who keeps things from you? Her loyal crew? Emma knew she was just egging him on, but she had to get her point across.
"I would ask the same of a woman who lie."
"At least I don't put people's lives in danger."
"Are you sure about that? You endangered this entire crew by being here. Every bounty hunter is going to be searching for you. Especially at that price."
Emma looked closer at the price on her head and couldn't help but feel a bit special. "I didn't know she cared that much. I assumed she would want me far away from her precious lapdog. Cause less trouble that way."
"You are causing enough trouble here." Liam told her. Killian was still in the corner, silent.
"I guess it is true what they say about the Kingdom, Captain." She mused half to herself.
"And what might that be?" Liam was slightly interested in her response.
"That it's like a toxin waste pool, the scum always rise to the top…"
Suddenly Emma found herself thrown hard against the wall. Liam's arm was on her throat, not enough to cut off her breathing but enough to make his point. "If I were you, I watch my mouth when speaking to an honest officer of the Kingdom."
"Well, we all know I clearly am not you."
Killian stood there watching, not understanding why Emma wasn't fighting back. He was torn between having his brother's back and wanting to help the woman who he had thought told him everything.
"You really think this is good form? Harming an defenseless woman?" Emma asked.
"I really doubt you are defenseless."
She managed to chuckle. "You're right, I'm not. But you seem like a waste of energy. Just wanted to let you know, I want to be there."
"Be where for what?"
"I want to be there when you realize how wrong you are when you realize the truth about your precious queen. I want to see the light and the hope in your eyes die. Then you will become a shell of your former self. Just like the rest of us. Then maybe you will understand and join us."
Liam released her, Emma brought her hands to rub her neck.
"You will be confined to your cabin for the duration of this journey. You are not to cause any trouble."
"You're not throwing me in the brig. How generous of you." She remarking mockingly.
"You are royalty." Liam went to the door and opened it, expecting Emma to follow. She did, after rolling her eyes.
"I can't promise I won't cause trouble."
Emma was escorted back to her small cabin, the door was slammed shut behind her and locked. Now what?
And to make matters worse, she hated the way Killian looked at her while she was being led out. Or rather, didn't look at her.
Emma did stay in the room for hours, she didn't say a word to the person who brought her food. That was until Killian came in.
He set the tray on the table, she didn't look at him from her seat. "Have you eaten anything?" He attempted conversation. She didn't answer. "Emma, I'm trying to help me. Trust me, please."
"By making sure I'm not a ghost of my former self when you turn me in? Yes, I trust you completely." She scoffed, avoiding his gaze.
He could tell she wasn't in the mood to talk. So he stopped trying and headed to the door.
"Killian." Finally she spoke. He turned around. "He's my uncle."
"Rumpelstiltskin?"
She nodded. Killian felt like he was slowly learning the truth about her. "We are going to be landing soon, Liam and I are taking a boat to that island." He wasn't sure why he wanted to tell her that.
"Be careful, I'm trying to help you." Emma told him.
Killian did appreciate her sudden caring nature. He nodded then left.
What was taking them so long? Where were they? Emma hated to admit she cared. Well, it was her mission to find out everything she could, to save the Resistance. But she also slightly cared about Killian. Did she expect them to come to her as soon as they returned? Liam would probably tell her nothing, didn't think she deserved to know a thing. He viewed her as a traitor. And maybe she was, who really knew what was right and wrong anymore?
Finally the door opened and both Jones brothers walked in. They looked guilty, something terrible had happened.
Liam started talking first. "I need to apologize to you. You were right about the Queen. Her intentions about this mission were not honorable at all. She sent us to gather a poison."
"Dreamshade." Killian piped in.
Emma didn't bother trying to hide her shock. "Dreamshade? That's the quickest and most painful death in the realms and can be snuck into anything."
"We were told it would save soldiers on the front lines. She lied to us." Liam said.
"That is low, even for her." Emma tried to wrap her mind around the new information. Regina wanted to be able to kill them from a distance, from the safety of her palace. It was a cowardly move.
"Can you accept my deepest apology for everything?" Liam asked.
Emma finally stood up and stared them both down. Then she looked at Liam's outstretched hand. He did seem genuine, he now knew the truth and it had shaken him. His whole world had changed.
She finally took his hand. "Apology accepted. What do you plan on doing with this new information?"
"Return to the palace, expose her in front of the court." Killian suggested.
"Basically storm the castle? You need to work on your approach." Emma was amused. She was used to being a part of a group working from the shadows.
"Will you help us with that?" Liam wanted to know. She clearly had more experience.
"No, I have to report back. The Resistance needs to know about Regina's latest attempt at mass murder. When you dock at the next port, just drop me off." Emma told them.
Killian wanted to argue with her, he wanted her to stay here to help them. He did not like the idea of Emma going off to do whatever alone. But if he had learned anything about her in their short time together, it was that she could take care of herself. And she had to go save the realm. She had a job and now so did he.
Emma was alone in her cabin, the Jones brothers were busy plotting their course of action for when they reached the palace. Emma was gathering the rest of her belongings, the first thing she had to do when she was back on land was meet up with her contacts.
Then she heard the screaming and she almost forgot where she really was. She knew that kind of scream. It was the sound she made when she lost Neal.
Emma ran into the hall and found herself in the captain's cabin. Her heart sank. Killian sat on the floor, Liam slumped over his brother. Something was horribly wrong. Emma acted quickly, touching Liam's neck.
No pulse.
He was gone.
What had happened?
"Killian, he's gone, I'm sorry." Emma wasn't sure what to say.
"No, he'll wake up! Liam, stop it!" Killian wouldn't listen to her. Tears were pouring down his face.
Emma knew what he was feeling and had to say the words he didn't want to hear. But he had to hear them. "Killian, you can't do anything, he's dead."
He locked eyes with her then he let his head rest on the wall behind him.
With him calmed down, Emma got two crew members inside the cabin to take the body. That riled Killian up again. He got to his feet. "Don't touch him!"
Emma grabbing him around the waist, pulling him back. "I have him. Take care of the captain." She told the men.
With Liam's body out of sight, Emma felt Killian's knees give way. She placed him in a chair.
"Tell me what happened." She knew he wasn't going to want to talk about, but she had to understand it.
"Dreamshade. That's what killed Liam." Killian answered softly.
Emma was confused. "Start at the beginning."
Killian took a deep breath. "We landed on the island and met only one person, a lad who called himself king of Neverland. He informed us the plant we were seeking was a poison. Liam didn't believe him, and we went to search for it. We found a small patch of the plant and I told Liam my concerns seemed to make more sense. Between what the lad said and your account of the queen. To prove me wrong, Liam stabbed himself with the plant. He died."
"But he came back with you." Emma pointed out.
"Aye, the lad returned, saying that there were healing waters that would save Liam. They came with a price but I didn't listen. I just had to have Liam back. They worked."
Emma put the pieces together in her head. "Killian, I think the price was the healing waters only work on Neverland. Liam left."
He looked at her, his clear blue eyes were now dark. "And he paid it. This is what you wanted, isn't it?" He asked harshly.
"What?"
"For us to learn the truth and become a shell of our former selves."
That was low even in his state. Emma stood up, ready to leave the room. "No Killian, this is the last thing I ever wanted for you. I don't want you to be like me."
The service was simple, in the middle of the sea. Liam's body had been prepared and was wrapped in a white cloth. Emma didn't pay attention to anything that was being said, she couldn't even look at Killian. She wanted nothing more than to be anywhere else.
Her hand instinctively went to her necklace, the swan charm Neal had given her years ago.
Then Killian began to address the crew. "We were sworn to serve the Queen and the realm. They sent us to retrieve an unthinkable poison, one the killed our dear Captain. Never again shall anyone sail to that cursed island." He grabbed a torch and lit the feathered sail on fire. "And never again shall we take such orders…"
He had a way with words, the crew members were getting fired up. They were ready to go down with him.
"Serving a queen, fighting her wars! That is the way of dishonor. And all you who disagree, flee now or walk the bloody plank! For those who stay will be free men and I will be your Captain!"
The crew members cheered, they were fed up and wanted a different course of living. And Kilian was offering that. Emma couldn't help but think this was going too in the other direction, that joining the Resistance was better. But what could she say, Killian was very set in his decision.
"We'll sail under the crimson flag and we'll give our enemies no quarter! We'll take what we please! And we'll live by our own rules! For that is the best form of all! Our kingdom is corrupt and immoral. They took my brother and now I'm going to take everything they've got starting with this ship. It's time we rename this vessel. We no longer sail as the Jewel of the Realm. We now sail as the Jolly Roger. And when they come for us, I want them to know exactly what we are…pirates! For at least among thieves, there is honor."
That was finally the end of Killian's speech. The crew members were still cheering at the top of their lungs. "Captain Jones!"
It was inspiring, Emma couldn't deny that. She felt the honesty and power of his words down in her soul. This was what rebellions were built on.
Emma gave him distance, she knew first hand that's what he needed. But she was going to be leaving soon, she wanted to wanted a proper farewell.
So she softly knocked on the door of the captain's cabin. Emma still half expected Liam to be standing inside. But she had to accept the truth: Liam was dead and Killian was now captain of the Jewel of the Realm. Or rather the Jolly Roger now that Killian and the crew were pirates.
No one answered so she opened it slowly and peered in. Killian sat at the table with his head in his hands. At least he wasn't trembling anymore.
"Killian?" She called softly.
He bolted to his feet, spun around, sword in hand. For a second, Emma honestly thought he was going to use it on her. She held her hands up in front of her.
They stared at each other for a few more breaths before he dropped the blade. "I am so sorry about that, princess." His voice sounded just as broken as he looked.
Princess? Had her gone back to titles? Did she have to call him captain now? Was she ever comfortable with that? "You are forgiven. We are going to be docking soon. I'm leaving. Would you see me off?" She hoped he would.
"Yes, I'll escort you to the dock." He nodded. Thankfully, he didn't ask her to stay. He must have understood she had responsibilities elsewhere.
"Killian, I'm so sorry. If there's anything I could do for you…" Her hand touched his and he stared at it. Emma really did mean anything.
Then he took her hand and brought it to his lips. Ever the gentleman he was. But she saw something else behind his ice blue eyes.
Before she could properly react, his arm snaked around her, pulling her close. And his lips crashed into hers. Desperate and needy, maybe he just wanted human contact. That was the only way Emma could describe it. She responded by kissing him back, her hands caught in the folds of his shirt
No, this was wrong. And she had to be the one with a clear head. "Killian, stop…" She said quietly, pulling away from him. He did listen to her, his forehead resting against hers, his breathing was ragged. "You aren't thinking straight. You aren't ready." Emma told him.
He sighed heavily. "You're right." Killian's arms fell back his side. They stared at each other.
"I'll see myself off." Emma told him, that had to be the best idea. She had wanted him to get off the ship, even if it was only for a little while, but he wasn't ready for that.
Killian was silent as she walked to the door. "Killian…" He met her eyes. "Come find me when you are ready."
A year later.
They were loud and jovial, they did not want anyone to think they were stiff naval officers. Of course, naval officers would not be heading to the establishment the loud men were going to spend most of the night and coin in.
They were pirates in need of a good time, nothing more and nothing else.
The hooded figure saw them from a mile away. A plan was instantly made, it was needed for the both of them.
Captain Killian Jones was at the lead, taking his crew to the nearest tavern. He had a few ideas on how he was going to spend his night and nothing could dampen his mood.
Most people moved out of their way as the small group walked down the street. Expect for this one person. It was a deliberate shove. If Killian had been drinking, he would have been on the ground and when he got up, the rude shover would be begging for mercy.
But Killian was of clear mind and grabbed the person's arm. "Sewer rats have better manners than you."
The hood fell from the persona's head. Green eyes stared back. "Hello, Killian."
Emma.
She looked so different, she sounded so different. There was only a faint twinkle in her eyes, like she was barely able to keep it there. She sounded so broken.
Killian released her and took a step back. He still had manners and good form when it came to royalty. "Your Highness." His head slightly bowed.
"It's been too long." There was a tiny smile on her face.
So many emotions were swirling around them. They needed to talk, to catch up. But where to go? His ship… no he wasn't sure he was ready. "We are going to the local pub, care to join?"
"I'd love to."
He offered his arm to her and after a moment of consideration, she took it.
They entered the noisy tavern and miraculously found a quiet corner. Their drinks came quickly and then they sat in silence. They wanted to say so many things but neither of them knew where to start.
"You're looking well." Emma said politely. Well wasn't the right word. Last time she saw him, he was dressed in a naval uniform, hair long enough for a ponytail and he was hopeful. Now, all the color was gone as he was dressed in head to toe black leather. His eyes were lined with black, maybe it was to hide the fact that he had seen horrors.
"You are still a vision, Your Highness." He responded. Emma had been wearing a stolen kingdom uniform, which did nothing but hide her stunning figure. Now, she was appropriately dressed as a spy, tastefully showing some skin.
"Emma, call me Emma. No one respects authority out in these parts."
"Alright, Emma." It tasted honey on his lips. Now for the big question. "Have you spoken to him?"
She knew who he meant. She chuckled and touched her mug to his. "The war is still going on, isn't it?" Emma took a long drink then placed the mug back down on the table. "No, I'm still avoiding him and anyone who reports to him like the plague. I'm not ready to face him. And something tells me he isn't ready either."
"Things like that shouldn't be rushed, something could go wrong, wrong things could be said, tempers out of control." Killian commented. He could see that Emma was holding herself together by a thread. She had seen so much, he wanted to do something for her. And he knew exactly what he wanted to do, but it was just as much her call as his.
"Maybe you can help me with something." Suddenly there was a lightness in her voice.
Killian looked at her hopeful. "I would help you with anything, love." He had been a pirate for less than a year and already terms of endearment were normal.
She only grinned. "I have been hearing stories of your…" She paused, searching for the right word. "Conquests. They can't all be true."
"Conquests? What kind of conquests?" Was there a glimmer of… dare he say it desire in her green eyes? Could he get his hopes up?
"You and all the notches on your headboard. That and you are quite good in bed. Not sure if any of it is true." There was a challenge in her voice.
Was this where he took the leap?
But before he could respond, Emma leaned in close. "How are you doing?"
"I am fine, lass."
"Killian."
He then knew what she meant. Never mind asking for her approval, she was asking for his. He had dealt with Liam's death as well as he could. Drowning his sorrow in the wrong thing, being with someone who truly understood his pain would be a welcome change. He locked eyes with her. "Better now that you are here." She actually blushed. "How about we go back to the Jolly Roger?"
Emma leaned in, her breath was on his neck. "I thought you would never ask, Captain."
Killian quickly paid for their drinks and they made their way to the ship. He didn't realize his arm found her waist and she made no move to change its position. Maybe they both needed the contact.
The Jolly Roger still looked so royal, nothing could change the very bones of the ship.
It was right to the captain's cabin for them. Even there, nothing had changed in it since Emma had walked out of it almost a year ago.
Killian went right to grab a bottle and two small cups.
"You need liquid courage?" Emma half joked.
"No, not with you."
"I feel special."
"You should, you should always feel special."
Now there was more than a grin on her face, it almost reached her eyes. Emma pulled off her short jacket and sat on the table.
Killian was able to take in the whole outfit now. Brown pants tucked into high boots, a cream top under a long sleeveless trench coat. She finally freed her hair from its band and shook it. How Killian was able to control himself was a miracle.
"This room hasn't changed since…" Emma started then stopped. "Sorry, we didn't come here to talk about the past."
"We can talk if you want to." Killian was never this caring when it came to visitors in his cabin.
Instantly, Emma was on her feet. "No, I need… this." Her voice dropped.
"Just this?" He touched her chin and lifted it to meet her eyes.
"You. I need you." She said quietly. Then she looked at him. "I want you."
That was all he needed to hear. His lips found hers and the spark was undeniable.
Suddenly she pulled back. "Killian, go…"
"Slow." He finished for her. That was a good idea for the both of them. Rushing would be a mistake.
He played with her bottom lip, asking for permission.
She almost didn't give it. In the back of her mind, she still thought that Liam would come through the door at any moment. But she had to remind herself that Liam was gone and the only person who could ruin this moment was herself.
Emma threw her thoughts out the windows and let Killian in. Her arms snaked over his shoulders. It just felt right. His arm wrapped around her waist, picking her up and sitting her back on the table.
She giggled. "You aren't taking me to bed?"
"We'll get there." He promised. That made her heart beat faster.
The kisses were exploratory and different each time. Short and quick, long and drawn out, deep. Their hands had the same idea, they were mapping out each other.
Suddenly, Killian's lips left hers and began to pepper her face with kisses. Forehead, eyes, cheeks, chin. Her neck was where he got the moan he wanted.
Her hands threaded through his hair, she had to get him back to where she wanted him, at the moment. Before she could make a clear thought, his kisses moved further down her body and his hand was on her inner thigh. When she finally peeled her eyes open, he was on his knees in front of her.
"Killian, what are you doing?" Why bother asking? She knew. He certainly had learned a lot since becoming a pirate.
"Giving you the attention you deserve." He answered in a low voice.
"But, what about you?" This nightcap was just as much about him as her.
"I can wait, you can't." Then his tongue did something sinful. Emma nodded, letting him take over and plotted her own comeback.
So yeah, I hope the characters worked for you. Stay tune for the next adventure.
Reviews?