First, I want to apologize for taking so long to post this. I added to it more and more during the hiatus but couldn't motivate my lazy butt to sit down and write even though I knew exactly where I wanted to go with it. I wanted to write the whole thing and make it two parts but I decided that it would be better to post what I have because the more I see how the actual story from the episodes are progressing it will be harder for me to write this! The last part will be shorter and I know where it is going so I plan to have it done by Sunday.
Second, I just want to thank you all for the favorites, reviews, and follows on this story as well as my others. It makes me so happy and I am so glad some people have found enjoyment from what I write. Thank you so much.
I hope you like this. There is a bit of other elements I love like Captain Cobra and my favorite BROTP3 but mostly the glorious Emma and Killian.
UPDATE 3/24/14: well as you might have noticed I failed in getting the last part up yesterday. I'm still in the process of writing it and had some issues with sitting down and doing it last week. I will get it done and posted ASAP but I want to make sure I don't rush. I want to write it the way I see the story so I want to do my best. Thank you so much for your patience, kind words, favorites, etc. It means so much. I'm already thinking of a couple of ideas because of all your positivity...
Part Two:
The moment Killian became aware that it was morning he instantly regretted consuming the copious amounts of alcohol. His eyes rebelled and shut tightly to protect from the offending light. He hadn't been this affected by drinking in a long time.
It was not a pleasant experience.
He was tempted to remain in the comfort of his bed and succumb to sleep in order to escape the morning light, but he knew that Henry expected him soon. He could not let the boy down. Henry had found a place in Killian's heart and not just because he was the son of Emma.
Emma.
With that thought his eyes snapped open. Could it have been a dream that she had asked him to escort her to the ball? That she finally was, as they say, "making a move"?
A feeling of warmth washed over him. It was real. He remembered clearly the determined yet unsure look on her face and him trying to conceal the degree of his delight at her question.
While recollecting his time spent with her the previous evening, as well as the outcome from it, he was filled with joy. He basked in the feeling the memory provided in the remaining time he allowed himself before he had to begin the day.
When his time had run out if he wanted to be punctual, he was able to tear himself from the warmth of the bed with more enthusiasm than he thought himself capable. The motivation came from the awareness of what the day could hold for him. He craved more time with Emma and was thrilled at the prospect of spending such a special event by her side.
After getting ready he felt slightly more refreshed and checked the results in the mirror. He was wearing clothes that were common to the people of this world, a place that he still was adjusting to.
David had introduced him to the stores and given him ideas on how to expand his wardrobe. What an experience that was.
His mate had taken advantage of the situation to tease Killian about his confusion and had found humor every time Killian made a faux pas. He particularly remembered David's reaction when Killian thought that the little, rectangular card that they used to purchase things was magic. He was flummoxed by the idea that the one card could be used to obtain so much.
Much in this world was still unfamiliar to him so it was nice to have a mate help navigate the unknown, even if he was the target of David's jests.
He was now wearing jeans with a black, short-sleeved shirt that was flattering in its simplicity. It was still odd to see his image in this style of attire, but he was starting to get used to the way the garments fit and the feel of fabrics that were foreign to him. He liked how the shirt displayed his muscles even though he was still attempting to get comfortable with having his attachment seen more prominently.
The shirt had a few buttons situated near the collar but he left them undone. After all, he used to wear clothes daily that showed off a good portion of his chest and he could not completely dispel his old habits even if this was a significantly reduced amount of skin on display.
On instinct he began to reach for his hook in anticipation for the sword fighting but pulled his hand back as he remembered who would be his partner. His hook was another weapon and had always let him avoid feeling at a disadvantage during a fight. But today was for pleasure. It was not a real brawl and the wooden swords would shatter any illusion of a true duel.
Instead, he secured his prosthetic hand to his arm and did one last inspection of the final product.
Satisfied with his reflection, he braced himself for the bright sun he would soon be in and left his quarters, making his way swiftly to the place where he was to meet the lad.
Ever since they came back to Storybrooke from New York, this became a frequent location for Killian and Henry to visit when they would find time. If they were not on the Jolly Roger learning about or working on the ship, they would go to this spot of land near the water.
Henry had divulged to Killian that he used to have a castle here, which was his sanctuary. It was a place that he and Emma had bonded over when they were getting to know one another. Killian could tell that the place was still important to the boy and was touched to be included in Henry's haven.
As he approached he saw the small outline of Henry with his wooden sword in hand fighting an imaginary opponent. He was so focused on his form that he did not become aware of Killian's presence until the latter broke his concentration, "Excellent work in your swing, lad. Remember to not neglect footwork."
Henry only smiled in response as his eyes found Killian.
"Now are you ready to fight a real opponent?"
A confident smirk overtook the boy's expression. "Born ready." His eyebrows rose, "You don't look ready though. You look awful. Did you get any sleep? "
Killian barked out a laugh, "Well don't feel the need to flatter me before our fight. It will get you no where." With that he lifted his weapon and soon they were enthusiastically clashing swords.
When the fight came to a close, Killian may have pretended to not be quick enough to allow Henry a chance to triumph, they dropped to the ground in exhaustion. Henry animatedly spoke to Killian about what he wanted to work on so he could become the best swordsman in all the worlds. Killian liked hearing the boy's enthusiasm and responded positively to the requests for things they would improve.
When it seemed he had run out of things to say they shared a silence for a few moments before Henry contemplated, "Did your dad teach you how to fight with a sword?"
Killian did not speak much of his past since it was filled with so much pain except for with a select few. Henry was one of the exceptions.
His reply was filled with tension despite trying to mask any emotions. "I barely knew my father. And what I did know of him was not good. I was actually taught by my brother." Killian's voice warmed as he thought of all the things his brother had done for him growing up. "He was more of a father to me than my real father ever could be."
"Liam?"
"Aye. You would have liked him. In fact, your family would have too. He was a good man. Much like your grandfather David." Killian smiled thinking of when he first noticed the similarities between his brother and his comrade.
"I wish I could have met him. But I'm glad you're here to teach me. You are a good man too, you know. In a story, you would be a hero. Just like in real life."
Henry's words surprised Killian. He was still adjusting to the idea that others saw him as a hero, when before he was nothing but a pirate. He was touched that Henry viewed him that way. "You know I will always be here for you and I am happy to be able to teach you anything you want to know. "
This statement brought on another stream of excitement from Henry as he told the Captain of all he still wanted to learn. Among the list he spurted was navigation by stars, using maps for buried treasure, and surprisingly the application of the kohl around his eyes. This last one was apparently for a costume Henry was planning for an event this world calls Halloween.
Killian was trying to understand the holiday when Henry cut his explanation short and jumped up, "Oh, we gotta go! They won't be happy if we're late."
"Apologies lad, but where are we suppose to be?"
Henry smacked his hand to his face and let out a loud sigh. "Shoot! I was supposed to tell you but I forgot. We are meeting everyone for a quick lunch before we all have to get ready. Mary-Margaret set this up kinda last minute but we are supposed to be at Granny's like now." With that he dragged the pirate to his feet and pushed him in the direction of the diner.
They arrived to find everyone already seated at a large table made up of the smaller tables in the place. Snow had transformed the diner with white tablecloths and single red roses placed around the room. It was simple, but elegant.
Henry directed them to the only available seats left with the boy taking the seat by Emma and Killian sitting between him and David. Emma looked over Henry at Killian. She mouthed "hi" and gave him a smile.
He replied in kind with a "hello" and the moment was only broken when Henry claimed Emma's attention to tell her all about the sword fight. Throughout the lad's story he would find Emma's eyes rise to meet his for a few moments before returning to her son.
Already he could tell this was going to be a spectacular day.
Everyone was deep in a happy conversation when Snow stood to gain the attention of those around the table. She had a mischievous look on her face, which was mimicked by Emma when their eyes met. They were definitely up to something. However, the look quickly disappeared and was replaced with a beaming smile.
"Everyone, we are here to celebrate the love of the soon to be married couple and we couldn't be happier for them. I am so grateful that we have found a day to set aside our fears and focus on spending time with those we love." At Snow's words Killian couldn't help but steal a glance at the woman he loves and was surprised to see her green eyes were on him. Emma swiftly turned her attention on her mother so Killian had to wonder if it was intentional. "It is important to remember what we are fighting for and make good memories to fuel our determination."
"Hear, hear." Belle raised a glass and the rest of the table followed suit in agreement.
"With that being said," Snow continued, "Emma and I have prepared a gift for the group as a memento of the good times."
On cue, Emma got up to retrieve a box from behind the counter and began to pass out the gifts.
The reaction from those around Killian as they saw what the present was varied from laughter to embarrassment. It wasn't until Emma handed him his that he understood.
She leaned down closer to his ear and put the frame in his hands, "It was a night we all need to remember."
He stared down at the picture that he had forgotten was taken the previous night and the performance came rushing back. It was absolutely ludicrous.
But he was glad to receive the gift no matter how silly they all looked. It had been an amusing night and it showed him that he was part of something. Plus, it was the first photograph that he had from this realm.
Killian overheard David remarking to his wife about the pictures and how she was obsessed with printing lately. After Emma and Henry returned to the Charmings, they had gone into overdrive documenting with photos. David had told Killian that they had realized that they had none and felt the need to take advantage of the technology of this world. The new baby also did nothing to help them from constantly having a camera on them. Then Emma had given Snow a photo printer which fueled the scrapbooking and framing of the pictures so her passion with pictures was still going strong.
His attention turned to the others and he heard a lot of teasing coming from the women who now had the absurdity of their intoxicated men immortalized.
Belle was cooing over her embarrassed man, "Well I think you did amazing, Rumple."
"I must have been under some powerful enchantment." However after he detected the adoring look of his soon-to-be bride he changed his tune. "Although I do look like a star."
Regina could not stop laughing at the picture she was seeing for the first time while Ruby filled her in on the performance that had occurred. Neal covered his face at the memory and the mockery, but Robin was proud of their show. "Personally, I think we all look great. And I don't think we sounded too bad, eh pirate?"
"Aye, your voice is as alluring as a siren's."
"I thank you. And I could listen to your baritone for all eternity."
Regina rolled her eyes at their exchange, but hadn't recovered from the laughing fit to make fun of them.
"That's enough flirting, gentlemen. We all know you love each other but it isn't your wedding day." David added.
"Oi, don't be jealous Dave. We still have room in our hearts for you."
"Yes, and your voice was not horrendous. Could use a bit of practice, but you'll get there." Robin teased and patted David's shoulder.
"Obviously you have no taste" David responded, "I have an amazing voice."
Emma looked at the men in disbelief, "I think you all may be remembering the song a bit differently than your audience." The other woman murmured consent and began joking about how their ears were bleeding.
The rest of the lunch was spent having a cheerful time before Snow brought everyone's attention to the time and the importance of resting and having enough time to prep for the big event.
"So I guess I will see you later then?" Emma had come up to Killian as everyone was making their way out of the diner.
"I cannot wait, love." He couldn't resist adding in a mocking tone, "It will be nice to see you look like a real princess in a fancy dress. Are you going to wear a tiara as well?"
He chuckled at the wrinkled nose that he got for a response.
"Careful, pirate. I may be wearing a dress tonight, but remember that I can still kick your ass. Better drop the princess comments."
He had no doubt that was true but the temptation was too great. He gave an exaggerated bow, "As her majesty commands." He snickered as she rolled her eyes, but he could still tell that she was amused by the smile that was tugging at her lips.
"It is going to be such a fun night with you."
"I suppose we shall see." He grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips, "Until then, milady."
Emma hesitantly looked at the mountain of fabric that was before her. She wasn't quite sure how to get into it.
Luckily her mother who had grown up with gowns as an essential part of her wardrobe was there to assist Emma.
Mary-Margaret was overjoyed to be helping her daughter dress for her first ball. There was a huge smile plastered on her face since the moment they began. She was an expert in styling hair and accessorizing the ensemble that it took much less time than if Emma had attempted to get ready on her own.
When Emma was finally all put together she noticed the tears welling in her mother's eyes. "Is something wrong? Do I look that ridiculous?"
Mary-Margaret let out a soft laugh and shook her head.
"You look so beautiful." She gently turned Emma to show her the evidence in the full-length mirror. She reached for the necklace that she had chosen, a simple teardrop diamond, and fastened it around her daughter's neck. "I was just thinking about how I am finally able to have the experience of being with you for your first ball. This is something that would have been a big part of our lives if we had never left the Enchanted Forest. I am just so pleased I have finally been given the opportunity to experience this with you."
Emma couldn't help but wrap her arms around Mary-Margaret. She even bit back a comment about how they could have gotten ready together in a dress she wouldn't drown in.
She hadn't thought about how much this would mean to her, doing something that Mary-Margaret's own mother had done with her in the time she was alive, something that Mary-Margaret had probably always connected to being a mother. She had been robbed of following her mom's example with Emma because she missed out on raising her daughter.
As the two women embraced, they wordlessly communicated how glad they were to finally have one another. When Mary-Margaret pulled away she noticed Emma's misty eyes. "We better do a quick touch-up on us both before we head off to meet our dates. Killian is going to be stunned by you, Emma."
She felt a nervous knot tighten in her stomach as she thought about meeting Killian. At this moment he was getting ready with her father and while she was eager to see him, she also felt that something was going to change one way or the other. This would be an important night for them that could determine their future.
She wasn't quite sure what would happen and that was nerve-wracking. But if she didn't put herself out there then nothing ever would.
Emma nodded at her mother's suggestion and they set to any last minute fixes. She tried to keep her mind on what her mother was saying, something about being grateful to Granny for watching over the little kids tonight so she would be able to have some fun with David without worrying about Ruth, but that was about all she gleaned from the conversation. Her mind was occupied on a man that she herself was grateful to be able to spend a night of fun with.
When they made it to where the wedding was taking place Emma could not believe the transformation of the event hall. It was a building that the town rarely used but now looked like the most magical place Emma had ever seen.
Rumple must have had magic involved in preparing the hall and she bet he had recruited Regina to the task. The room was bathed in warm light from candles and exuded romance from every angle. It truly looked like a place in a fairytale instead of a little town in Maine.
She could see musicians in the corner of the room setting the mood with a light song that welcomed the guests to the party. Some had already begun to gather around the spot where the vows would be exchanged while others were milling about finding the people they were waiting for.
Emma and Mary-Margaret saw a familiar face cut through the crowd on his way towards them. Mary-Margaret let out a satisfied sigh when she saw her husband in his fancy attire. There was no doubt this was true love.
David approached the women swiftly climbing the stairs that they were still at the top of and did not hesitate before bringing his wife into a kiss when he was near enough. "You look beautiful as always."
After a few moments of sappy exchanges between the married couple, ones that Emma effectively tuned out, David turned his attention to his daughter. He placed his hands on her arms and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Emma, you look gorgeous."
She thanked him and smiled at the compliment but at the same time scanned the room for the one who was the reason she had butterflies in her stomach. She was confused as to why he wasn't with her father when the plan was for them to arrive together.
David must have seen the uncertainty on her face because he knew exactly what to say before she had to ask. "He had to help with a task for the ceremony. He'll be back any second."
If it was possible Emma felt both relief as well as a fresh surge of nerves simultaneously.
"David, I think it's time for us to go find a spot for the ceremony." Her mother linked her arm with her father's and added before walking towards the gathering crowd, "We'll save room for the two of you."
It was probably a good thing they left her alone so she could have a few moments to collect herself. She decided to remain by the top of the stairs to have a good vantage point when looking through the growing mass of people and moved off to the side to let those in who were arriving.
Her eyes scanned for the head that was all too familiar but could not find a match. The anticipation of the search was not helping her find a calm.
Breathe, Emma. There is nothing to be anxious about. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths in order to relax. This is going to be a good night. She opened her eyes and was immediately rewarded for the sight she had was one to behold.
He was at the base of the stairs with his eyes glued on her. His mouth agape and his eyes slightly widened as if he was seeing his first sunset. The awe on his face was apparent, but she glazed over these details as she took in the sight of him.
There was no pirate outfit or modern clothes. It was something entirely else. He wore a royal blue doublet with gold stitching similar to the style her father had worn. He looked like a prince.
Which made sense since she knew her father had given it to Killian.
He looked perfect from his amazing hair down to his boots. But the best part was his cerulean eyes, which were brought out even more by the navy blue he wore and were trained on her.
It was like they were calling her home. They were warm and inviting and made her want to run into his arms. The longer she looked into his eyes the more she felt her nerves dissipate.
He seemed to break out of his trance for his dropped jaw transformed into a radiant smile. He kept his eyes on her and gave a bow, but unlike the one he had given earlier in the diner there was no trace of a jest. This was sincere, as if they truly were a prince and princess meeting at a royal ball.
As much as part of her felt like scoffing at the ridiculousness that she, Emma Swan, was playing the part of a princess about to descend the staircase into her prince's arms, she also couldn't fight that giddy feeling that any little girl who dreamed of being a princess would feel at this exact scenario.
She picked up the skirt of her dress and decided to enjoy this as she went down the stairs with as much grace as she could muster.
And with each step closer to Killian she felt more and more at home.
He looked even better up close. She briefly wondered how it was possible that he managed to look like Adonis no matter what he was wearing. But she wasn't going to complain.
"Love, you look resplendent. There are truly no words that could do justice to how beautiful you are to me." He took in the close up sight of her and she could see the appreciation in his eyes.
Her scarlet gown was simple compared to others, but the bodice hugged her body and defined her figure. Her shoulders were on display as the straps were draped off the shoulder. Killian's eyes lingered at the base of her exposed neck and all of a sudden the area tingled. She couldn't help but picture his lips on her neck.
Emma blushed when she realized her thoughts had made her take longer than should to respond. "You aren't looking too bad yourself."
In fact you are quite striking. She didn't want his ego to grow too much though so she kept it to that.
He chuckled softly and she knew that her eyes devouring him did not help to conceal her real thoughts about his appearance. But he let it slide. He extended his arm out to escort her to where the ceremony was beginning. "Shall we?"
It was enchanting. Belle and Rumple were on cloud nine and their love filled the whole room. Emma and Killian stood close to each other and partway through the ceremony she could feel the back of his hand brush against hers. Her fingers itched to intertwine with his, but she was also very aware family and friends surrounded them.
Towards the end of the ceremony, after much internal conflict, she caved a bit and linked her pinky around his all the while keeping a neutral expression and hoping no one noticed. She was definitely feeling like a schoolgirl with a crush.
When the musicians struck the first notes to signal the beginning of the dance she was feeling so very light. As if she had no care in the world. She couldn't even manage to feel that worried about her lack of dance ability, which was something she had been stressing over for a while.
"I should warn you that I don't know how any of this goes. I'm not good at dancing when I know what I should do and I have never even seen this dance before." She looked at her partner knowing that soon she would probably step on his foot or trip on him. "And remember with this gigantic thing," motioning to her dress, "I am at even more risk of an accident."
He chuckled but was not deterred by her admission. His good arm guided one of her hands to rest on his shoulder before claiming the other. His handless arm wrapped around her waist bringing her slightly closer to him in the process. "Don't worry, Swan. Luckily you have chosen a first-rate dance partner."
And with that they were off joining the mass of dancers on the floor. As soon as they were in motion, she could see that she had nothing to worry about. In his arms, she felt steady.
Somehow he was able to guide her without having to give verbal instructions. There was strength and tenderness all at once in the way her held her. He lead them, weaving through the other dancers, and she was amazed that she was not awkward in following him. They were truly in sync.
As the song went on she no longer thought about how she was going to cause a disaster. She felt like she was gliding with more grace than she had ever managed in her life. He twirled her and she couldn't help but giggle. They both were wearing huge smiles and feeling like kids finally able to play after a long day of school.
After the first few songs they stepped off to the side to catch their breath and finally were able to talk. "You weren't kidding, you really know how to dance. Did you learn these dances on the Jolly Roger using your crew as partners?"
"Aye. You didn't know that dancing is a prerequisite to be a pirate?" She laughed but raised her eyebrows waiting for an explanation. "If you remember I was in the king's navy before my life of piracy. Naval officers would be invited to the royal balls so as you might expect we had to learn the dances. I guess it stuck with me."
"I guess it did."
Emma danced with other partners but always found her way back to him. She enjoyed dancing with her father although she was much more aware of her clumsiness when it wasn't Killian as her partner.
There were also some music and dances that she actually recognized from this world, which made it easier dancing with Henry since she at least had a general idea of what to do. Having a wedding that fused the two realms meant that they got the best of both worlds.
It wasn't until a slow song came on and Killian extended his hand to her that she felt a shift in the mood. The slow swaying and the awareness that all around them were couples in love. He brought her close to him and she breathed him in.
She couldn't help but notice how he was looking at her like David looked at Mary-Margaret. The way he held her, gentle and firm all at once like he never wanted to let her go or hurt her. As if she was the most valuable treasure he could ever find. Her heart was dancing and his presence was intoxicating.
He looked straight into her eyes and all of a sudden she could feel herself react. It was out of her control. She couldn't fight the feeling of panic and the need to flee. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she pulled out of his embrace. "Is something wro-"
"I'm sorry but I need some air." She felt her heart drop in disappointment at herself for causing the look of hurt on his face. Nonetheless, she turned from him and headed toward the balcony's glass doors.
The night air was cool and she gulped it up. Why are you doing this? What is wrong with you?
She berated herself and wondered how long her issues from her past would plague her present. Why can't you just get over the fear?
She heard the balcony door open and sighed as she braced herself for the hurt she would see in Killian that she knew he would try to conceal. "Emma, are you okay?"
The concerned voice did not belong to Killian. Her father came up beside her and wrapped an arm around her.
"I think there has to be something wrong with me. I have had so much pain and disappointment in my life that I can't get myself to open up and accept love now. It shouldn't be this hard." She fought back the tears that wanted to make an appearance and attempted to keep her voice steady as she confessed her feelings. "It's like I'm broken. Like I don't have it in me to be in love. Even now when I have someone who I…care about and who cares about me I am so afraid. Afraid that something will mess it up. That as the savior, I am not allowed to have this kind of happiness in my life."
A tear had broke past her resistance and betrayed the depth of her emotions. She looked at her father as she struggled to maintain her composure.
David looked pained at seeing his daughter this way, but the longer he had his children in his life the better he had gotten at consoling. And if there was one thing Prince Charming could talk about, it was love. He gave a comforting squeeze and turned her so they were facing each other.
"You can't let the past weigh you down, Emma. I know that none of us can truly understand your pain or what you went through, but I do know that you have come a long way in accepting your past and building your present. You overcame any fear you had at being a mother and are absolutely terrific with Henry, so what is to stop you from conquering anything else that frightens you?
Love isn't easy. It is something that has to be fought for and you have to work in order to keep. But Emma, it is worth it. Look at that man in there." He turned them to look at Killian through the glass of the doors. The captain was with Henry and it looked like he was teaching him some dance techniques. They couldn't help but smile at the scene. "Does that look like a man that is going anywhere? If there is one thing I have learned about him, it's that he is loyal to love. He will spend every day fighting for it. And he will spend eternity fighting for you. So if he makes you happy and he is the person you want to spend your life with than it is worth the work to overcome your fears. Because Emma, you deserve every single ounce of love in your life and being the savior cannot make you sacrifice your happiness. Love will only make you stronger."
At the end of his speech, David brought his daughter into a tight hug. He didn't need her to say anything, he had just needed her to listen, and after that he was just going to hold her until she no longer needed to be held.
When she was ready to go back inside they entered with linked arms and saw that Killian and Mary-Margaret were out on the floor. When the song came to a close and a slow one was beginning they made their approach. Mary-Margaret noticed them first and looked at her with concern until Emma gave her a small smile and asked, "Mind if we cut in?"
"Not at all." Her mother stepped into David's arms and they twirled away on the dance floor.
Killian had a guarded expression, but held out his hand for her, which she quickly accepted. He brought her in close, just not as close as they had been earlier and in a low voice, "Did I do something wrong, love?"
Missing the proximity they had shared before she brought herself closer to him. She looked up into his eyes given that she knew he was good at reading her and would know she meant what she was about to say. "You were perfect. It was about me. We can talk about it later, but for now let's just enjoy the dance."
After a few moments of processing and determining that she was genuinely fine, a crooked smile overtook him. "I was perfect? Glad to see you have come around and realized what a catch I am."
And like always he was somehow able to make her smile no matter the situation. Of course she knew he would use her calling him 'perfect' to his advantage in the future.
A few dances later she asked him if he wanted to go take a walk. She was ready to have the rest of the night be spent without a crowd. He assented to her proposal and, after saying goodnight to her family and collecting their belongings, they set out at a leisurely pace following the lit torches on the path back towards town.
The air had gotten chillier in the time since Emma had been outside and she could feel herself shiver slightly at the adjustment. She wished she had thought about bringing a coat but it was deceptively warm earlier and she had been preoccupied that it had slipped her thoughts.
Without missing a beat Killian removed the jacket he had the foresight to bring and put it around her shoulders. Always the gentleman.
They spoke about inconsequential things, but Emma knew she would have to bring up the important subject. Talking about things like her feelings was so hard for her to do. She didn't like how vulnerable it made her feel, no matter who was her partner in the conversation.
However she knew it had to have been on his mind and that they needed to talk so she finally summoned the courage. It came out in a smaller voice than she had hoped for. "I was scared. Earlier, I mean. That's why I ran out on you."
She looked over at him to see how he would respond. He didn't say anything. He only nodded, accepting her words and encouraging her to continue.
She took a moment trying to decide what it was that she wanted to say. She watched the swishing of her dress's skirt as she formulated the words in her mind. "Whether I like it or not, my past sometimes has power over my present. It isn't easy for me to accept good in my life because it usually doesn't stay. But it is something that I am working through."
Again she peaked over to see what Killian was thinking and she was surprised that again he just nodded in response. Emma could feel a spark of irritation within her. Why on every other occasion he makes pretty declarations but when baring my soul he keeps his lips sealed?
Due to her exposed state she knew she was probably being irrational but she couldn't help feeling the irritation developing into anger. It was stupid but she expected that damn pirate to say something. Did he not understand what she was trying to tell him?
She took a deep breath and a moment to keep a calm exterior before continuing.
It didn't work.
She stopped in her tracks and turned towards him. With a raised voice shaking in anger, "Of course none of this is your problem is it? I thought you still wanted me but it seems ever since we returned from New York you decided I wasn't worth the fight. I guess I'm no longer on your mind these days?"
Shit. Didn't mean to bring that up.
But it got a reaction other than a head nod out of him.
At first he seemed taken aback by her outburst but his expression quickly changed into one that mirrored her frustration. He raised his voice to meet hers, "Bloody hell, woman. What do you want from me? I tried true love's kiss on you so don't you dare pretend you don't know what I want. I laid my heart out there for you to do what you will."
They were staring at each other with scowls on their faces, but as he studied her the flash of fury left his eyes. He exhaled slowly through his nose and began again gently, "I understand you will always carry your past with you, believe me, I do. I let my past poison my present for years. Until I met you. Lass, the reason it may look like I have not been as persistent in my pursuit of your heart as of late, is not because I don't want it, but because I wanted you to choose this. Choose me. And do it in your own time."
He stepped closer to her never breaking their eye contact. She wanted to say something. Let him know that she had already made her choice. That she wanted to work through her issues and be with him. She just wasn't sure how to do it.
She realized she had more time to plan her reply for he was not done. His words were so tender that she felt as if each were caressing her. "Emma, I think you misunderstood something. When I said that 'not a day will go by I won't think of you', I didn't limit that to when we were separated. That was a promise that each and every day whether you are far away, across the room, or standing by my side you will be in my thoughts. For, Emma Swan, you are in my heart."
Emma felt her own heart swell with each heartfelt word that by the time he was done she answered the only way she felt she could convey her true feelings on the matter.
Her lips crashed into his and her hand fisted in his doublet closing any space between them. She was never really good at speeches anyway.
It took only a second before Killian grasped what was happening and tilted his head to deepen the kiss. She felt his hand rise to her hair and she thought about how long she had wanted to do this.
It had all the passion of their first kiss, but the depth of their feelings now made this kiss even more meaningful. This was how she communicated everything she wished she could tell him.
And judging by the way he was kissing her, he understood every word.
When their lips broke apart they rested foreheads and breathed each other in not ready to separate completely. They both were beaming.
Killian was the first to speak, "That was-"
"long overdue."
"Aye. But worth the wait."
She planted a small kiss on his lips and finally pulled back to look at him. He was practically glowing. She reached for his hand and resumed walking.
"C'mon captain. I'm not ready for the night to be over when the clock strikes midnight. We can get back to business in the morning, but for now I have an idea."
He chuckled but kept up with her quick pace. He didn't question where she was taking them or what she had planned. But she knew that he would gladly go with her, as he held on to her hand tight. He would never let go.
Ok my goal is to have the final part which should be shorter posted by Sunday. So if anyone feels inclined to hold me accountable or motivate me(I respond to sweetness) feel free to come on my tumblr and let me know you want me to follow through! Or if you just want to come fangirl over Captain Swan or something I am always down for that! I am daydreamsandfelicity :)