Any Means Necessary Chapter 7, an once upon a time fanfic

AN: Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. It's much appreciated! I hope you enjoy this final installment!

CHAPTER 7

"You can and you did," Hook replied hoarsely, feeling suddenly cold at the loss of contact.

She wouldn't look at him, she was staring somewhere between the second and third button on his shirt, trying to pull herself together. "I… I just can't," she repeated.

"What was that then?" he queried, trying to make sense of the last five minutes. "You kissed me."

For a drawn out moment she didn't answer. She couldn't answer. Still trying to catch her breath she finally looked up into his eyes. "I know I did. Thank you."

"What?" his voice held confusion. "Thank you? What does that mean?"

"It means… it means thank you. David told me some of what happened the last year and I appreciate everything you've done for me so… thank you."

He furrowed his brow. "So that was another thank you kiss."

"Yes," she replied. When she saw his face fall she quickly murmured, "I'm sorry. I… uh… I didn't think it through before I did it."

"So we're back to a one-time thing… or should I now say two-time thing?"

"I'm not saying this was a one-time thing, I'm saying I can't right now. There's too much going on and I don't get a break and I can't lose focus. Tomorrow we go back to deal with the Wicked Witch, I can't start something right now."

"Emma, it's already started. Trust me on that."

"Well then we have to stop it. We just need to get back to Storybrooke, make sure Henry's okay, defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, and find a way back to my parents. Then who knows."

"Oh… is that all we have to do?" Hook eyed her incredulously, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"I'm sorry." Her expression was now stoic, but if one looked closely a hint of the loss she felt was betrayed in her eyes. "I've… got to check on David." She knew her resolve would melt if she stayed much longer so she made an excuse and left.

Hook brought his right hand up and pinched the bridge of his nose as he watched her escape into for the kitchen.

xxx

The witch's dining room was painted a bright, almost neon, shade of violet and trimmed in a light powder blue. The room was of good size, but irregular shape. The table was smaller than the room could accommodate; a square made of heavy dark wood that fit four dinners perfectly. It was set with an elaborate array of violet and blue linens, white china and silver. Dozens of candles lit the room, in sconces, on tables and hanging in a large chandelier.

However the grand and garish surroundings did little to capture the attention of the guests. Dinner was rife with tension, but thankfully not the angry kind. As the meal began, Emma and Hook were both endeavoring not to look at one another. For her part, Emma was quiet, lost in thought. Hook was certain he might combust at any moment, but he was also quite hungry so he was happy to focus on eating his dinner. And David was antsy; anxious to secure the witch's cooperation.

The witch didn't seem to notice the variant moods at her table. She'd changed into an elaborate white gown that glimmered in the candle light and wore an irrepressible smile as she beamed at her guests. "Isn't this delightful? Rare is the occasion that I have to throw a dinner party." She held out her heavy silver goblet filled with wine. "To my guests!"

Her three guests dutifully held out their goblets in tribute, before they each took a sip of their wine.

"So…" Mademoiselle North looked around at her guests as they began eating. "What shall we talk of? Emma you've been living in New York, tell me have you been to the New York City Ballet? What about the Met? I love opera!"

When she heard her name, Emma looked up with a crinkled brow. She hadn't been concentrating on the conversation. "I… uh… no. I haven't been to either."

"Tsk, a pity to waste the opportunity while living in a city with such art and culture."

Emma was prevented the necessity of responding when David stepped in and tried to change the subject. "Mademoiselle, the locket I mentioned before… can we talk of it?" He held it out for her to inspect.

"Ahhhh. Yes, I've heard of the enchanted locket." She looked searchingly at him. "Where did you find this?"

"I didn't. He did." David motioned to Hook.

The witch turned to Hook. "This has been lost for centuries, so long that most believe its existence to be a myth. How did it come into your possession?"

"I was…" he looked pointedly over at Emma before finishing, "Motivated."

At that Emma looked up from her plate and met his eye. The look of burning intensity she saw there made her drop her fork. Quickly she ripped her eyes from his and concentrated once again on her meal.

"You had to have been. Something this valuable… I suspect parting it from its owner would not be an easy task. Did you buy it?"

"I'm a pirate, I took it." His voice had a chilly, unemotional quality to it that Emma hadn't heard there for some time. She knew she'd put it there and winced.

The witch raised an eyebrow at him in question.

Hook shrugged at her. "Plunder and pillage."

The witch looked him over and then a wry smile stole across her lips. "Nice try, but by legend it will only work if the wearer's motives and methods are pure."

"I'm a pirate, there's nothing pure about me."

"You are adorable, do you know that? 'Argh, I'm a pirate.'" She mimicked before reaching over and pinching his cheek. "I've heard of you, you know."

"Have you now? And what have you heard?" Hook asked her with a tone that now bordered on flirty. That got Emma to look up from her food. David was also listening intently, waiting for an opportunity to turn the conversation back to actually using the locket.

"You're a supposedly fearsome pirate captain with a hook for a hand."

He held up his hook, "You could probably tell that from just looking at me, no legend necessary."

"The hook, yes, but other than that you don't look fearsome or like a pirate; you look like my accountant, Henri."

"You have an accountant?" Emma couldn't stop herself from asking.

"Of course, I must have banking accommodation. I may not welcome visitors here, but I do venture out from time to time."

At that David interjected trying to steer the conversation back on course. "Speaking of venturing… the locket."

"What about it, dear?" The witch's expression softened as she looked back to David.

But it was Emma who spoke. "You said the wearer's motives must be pure. My father's motives are certainly that. Can he use this to get back to my mother in the Enchanted Forrest?"

The witch dangled the locket from one hand. As it unfurled and spun around she smiled serenely over at Emma. "From here, where there's magic, it's possible, but the locket needs to be enchanted."

Hook, once again using a flirty tone, leaned over to address the witch. "Will you enchant it for us, luv?"

Mademoiselle North looked at him with a dreamy expression. "I could… but I'm so much enjoying our time together here and I hate for it to end. Perhaps tomorrow…"

David didn't look concerned at this put off; instead he immediately motioned to Emma. "Emma has magic, she can do it."

At that Mademoiselle North emitted a delicate but derisive laugh. "She does have magic, but it's raw and at the moment I'm not sure what's wrong with her, but she's in no state to focus. If she tries, there's no telling where you'd end up. Stuck between realms, I'd guess."

At that Emma sagged in her chair, she was admittedly distracted, and if David couldn't get back to Mary Margaret because of her inability to stay focused she would never forgive herself. Killian saw her deflate. He reached over and put his hand over hers and gave a reassuring squeeze. She looked at him and he met her eye with a small supportive nod. At that she straightened up and transferred her gaze to the witch. In a firm, but beseeching tone, she said, "Mademoiselle North, please… David needs to get to my mother. She's pregnant and alone. If he doesn't reach her before the baby comes, I don't know what will happen… will you help us?" And then she added for good measure, "Tonight?"

David, Emma and Hook all held their breath as they waited for the witch to answer. Finally, with a pensive smile she relented and reached over to pat Emma's arm. "Not to worry, dear, we can do it together."

xxx

It was just past twilight when they gathered in Mademoiselle North's garden next to a large weepy tree of indeterminate species. To Emma it looked like a cross between a weeping willow and a palm tree. It was strange, but Emma didn't have the time or inclination to study it closely or wonder about its origin.

Mademoiselle North and Emma stood opposite each other under broad drooping branches while the two men were on either side, forming a square. As Emma slipped the charcoal drawings of herself and Henry out of the locket, she spared a sideways glance at Killian.

His eyes didn't waver from the locket. He'd spent so long searching for it, it felt strange to simply sit back and watch it leave his possession. There was a time that the pirate in him wouldn't have so easily relinquished such a treasure. To let go of something so valuable would have required a steep price, but then he let his eyes drift to Emma. The locket had served its purpose. Whether she wanted him or not, she was more valuable than any treasure and it was important to her that her parents reunite. So he would aid in that objective. But he wasn't only doing it for Emma. He was doing it for David, who against all odds had become the closest thing he'd had to a mate in a very long time. And for the unborn child who would need his or her father and for Snow; even though he knew he wasn't her favorite person.

David slipped the likeness of Snow into the locket and handed it back to Emma. Mademoiselle North instructed Emma to hold it out in front of her and she obeyed. "Concentrate, dear," the witch said soothingly as she held her own hands out and over Emma's. Both women were closing their eyes and when their hands touched there was a blinding white flash of light and all four of them shifted as they steadied themselves against the wave of energy that washed over them.

A moment later the witch opened her eyes. "That should do the trick. I will say goodbye to you now." But before leaving she took a step towards Emma. Once in front of her she lightly brought a hand to each side of her face and gently pulled her head towards her. The good witch pressed a healing kiss to her forehead.

She next turned to Hook and saw him exchange a quizzical glance with David. In answer to his look, she said, "I may not have powerful enough magic to defeat West, but I am powerful enough to grant some protection to each of you. It will be very hard for her to curse you now."

At that Hook bowed slightly in acquiescence. He allowed her to approach and kiss his forehead as she had done to Emma. When she was finished and he'd stood upright again she uttered, "Hmm. Those eyes, are you sure you don't want to stay the night?"

Emma's eyes went wide at the suggestion. But Hook just shot the witch a wicked grin and winked at her. "Not this time."

"Your loss," the witch sighed as she next turned to David. "Ah, my surrogate son, be safe on your journey back to your loved ones." She then reached over and into the pocket of Emma's leather jacket. With deft fingers she retrieved the small charcoal drawings of Emma and Henry. Next she lifted open David's jacket and tucked them safely into an inside pocket. "You keep these. That way all you need to do is find a little magic and maybe, just maybe, you and your Snow White and your new child, will be able to reunite with your very tenacious daughter here."

"Really?" David perked up immediately. "Is that possible? To transport more than one person?"

She affirmed, "If it's properly enchanted." She then reached up and gently pulled him down so she could bestow her kiss of protection on him. "Now I really will leave you. Safe travels and once you rid yourselves of that nasty woman you come back and see me some time."

As Mademoiselle North made her way to the house, David immediately went to Emma and pulled her into a bear hug. With his eyes pressed tightly closed he whispered, "You heard what she said. I will see you soon, Emma. I love you."

Emma swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "I… uh… love you, too. And tell… mom, the same and that I can't wait to meet the new baby." Emma knew that if everything was okay with Snow as they hoped, she might be worrying about Emma's reaction to her pregnancy. The least Emma could do was relieve her mind on that head.

"I will." David finally released Emma and then turned to Hook. He extended his hand once again. Hook accepted the handshake as David said, "Thank you."

Hook inclined his head slightly. "You're welcome."

David's gaze drilled into him and with imploring eyes, he said, "Stick together, will you?" He glanced over at Emma. David had thought better of asking Hook to take care of her; he knew his daughter would bristle at that and maybe rightly so. But he also knew that Hook would know what he was asking. "I'll worry less if I know you've got each other's backs."

"I have no plans to leave Emma's side." Hook reassured him. "We're partners, isn't that right, luv?"

Emma furrowed her brow slightly. Surprised that he was still devoted to the cause even though she'd made it plain that nothing romantic could happen in the near future. "That's right. Partners."

Satisfied David took the locket from Emma. "I will see you both soon. Stay safe." With that he put the locket around his neck and with a whoosh he was gone.

Killian studied Emma as she stared at the spot where her father had disappeared. With a quiet voice he asked, "Are you alright?"

She nodded quickly, but swallowed hard. "Yeah, I… just wish..." Emma tried to find the words, but failed.

However, he knew what she was trying to say. "You heard him, they'll be back."

Her eyes shot to his, seeking his reassurance. "You think so?"

"I do. They're not going to leave you in the company of a devilishly handsome pirate for long." Now he smirked at her and the twinkle had returned to his eyes. "You've displayed impressive power of will, luv, but that's not going to last forever. You will succumb to my charms eventually."

Despite herself that brought a slight curl to Emma's lips. "You're oddly confident for a guy I just said no to."

"You also kissed me." He stated matter-of-factly and then took a step towards her. "You like me, Emma Swan." Her eyes went wide at that, but she didn't drop them from his. After several beats, he added smoothly, "But now I think it's time for us to leave this place. Shall we?" He swept his arm towards the car.

She nodded, relieved not to answer, and grateful for once for his bold and forthright style. With a few words he'd been able to prick the tension that had been building between them since the kiss. They made their way to the intrepid yellow bug and with no more ado, left behind the small and strange oasis of magic they'd found.

xxx

The journey back to the small Vermont town- and the inn and where they still had a room for the night- was uneventful. They stopped once for coffee and gas, but other than that they made quick time back to the border. The drive was mostly quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Each of them was lost in thought, replaying the events of the day and wondering what the coming days would bring.

xxx

When Emma had packed for the journey she'd been dismayed to realize she only owned plaid pajamas. Apparently, Regina's doing. Now she wore the same plaid pajamas she'd worn the day he'd first knocked on her door in New York. Emma had peeled back the comforter on the large and comfy bed and was now sitting with her back against the headboard, knees curled to her chest.

One of the first things Emma had done upon returning to the inn was to turn off the alarm clock. While she was anxious to get back to Henry she knew that both she and Killian would be much more useful if they got a full night's sleep.

She was spent; the day had been both mentally and physically exhausting. She couldn't believe how much had happened. But right now all she could think about was the man getting undressed on the other side of the bathroom door. She quickly chastised herself for that, though, because she'd made a decision. The timing was not right. She had to focus, she didn't need distractions. No matter how tempting the distraction. She sighed deeply and felt a wave of melancholy wash over her. Was being the savior always going to cost so much?

A few minutes later Killian exited the bathroom only wearing one-half of the garments she'd purchased for him to sleep in. He was wearing the athletic pants, but on top he was still wearing the blue shirt.

"I need help," he said matter-of-factly gesturing to the buttons of the shirt before coming over to the bed and sitting tentatively down on it.

Sitting up, Emma scooted over to the edge of the bed. Without meeting his eye, she began fumbling with the buttons, trying to release them quickly, being careful not to touch him. Even though she was successful in not touching him, his nearness sent a wave of electric energy coursing through her, prickling along her skin. She swallowed hard and tried not to think about their kiss earlier. Because that just reminded her of all the things she was missing.

When she had finished, his shirt hung open as it had that morning. He didn't move from where he sat on the side of her bed as he quickly shrugged out of it. Emma averted her eyes, knowing the danger and temptation that lay in that direction. However, she could still feel him, feel the heat radiating off his skin.

"You know, you probably could have managed," she realized too late. "It's much easier to undo the buttons with one hand than it is to fasten them."

Once he'd stretched the black T-shirt over his head and pulled it down his torso, he chuckled lightly. "You don't say? Well, I assure you your assistance was invaluable. Perhaps I'll keep you around as a valet."

When that didn't elicit the expected response, or any response from her, he studied her thoughtfully for a moment. She looked sad. Many emotions had assailed both of them over the last several days, but sadness hadn't really played a role. And it didn't necessarily make sense; they had succeeded in finding her father and assisting him back to her mother. In fact, one might say that the day had been rife with victories. He asked tentatively, "What's wrong, Emma?"

"Nothing." She shook her head and finally looking back up at him. That's when she noticed his left arm in the short-sleeved T-shirt. His brace was off and the rough skin around his severed forearm was exposed. Without hesitation she reached out and touched where his missing hand should be.

He resisted an urge to pull away and was glad; the panicked feeling left as quickly as it had come. Part of him feared her repulsion, but he saw none of that in her expression.

She lifted her eyes to his. "Does it ever hurt?"

"Sometimes, but I don't have much feeling until just below my elbow."

Emma ran her light touch up his arm until she heard his breathing change. She squeezed lightly.

"I can feel that," he replied to her questioning look.

"So you don't sleep in your hook? I kinda pictured you…"

He raised his eyebrows at her. "You pictured me sleeping? Good to know."

Her expression was nonplussed so he relented, "It depends on how secure my surroundings are. Rare is the night when I feel it's unnecessary."

"But you feel safe here."

"Well," he smirked at her, "I've got you to protect me."

Unfortunately his joke only served to remind her. She was the savior. She had to protect everyone. Unconsciously, she crossed her arms over her chest and a cloud passed over her eyes.

He saw her change, saw her withdraw. "Emma, are you sure nothing's wrong, you seem…"

Emma quickly shook her head. "Just tired it's been a long day."

"That it has been. We succeeded you know, we found your father, saved him and helped send him back to your mother. All reasons for celebration."

"Yes," she gave him a small but sincere smile. "Thank you, for all your help. I'm… I'm just thinking about tomorrow. You know it's never going to end, right?" But her words were only partially true. Her sudden malaise was really about what she was giving up. Who she was giving up so that she could be everyone's savior, it wasn't easy.

"Aye, but tonight we won."

It was true. They had achieved every one of their goals. They made a good team. And it dawned on her that the moments over the last few days when she'd most lost focus, when she was most distracted, were moments when they were not in accord. Perhaps not being with him was worse for her role as Savior than being with him. The thought struck her dumb.

When it became clear she wasn't going to say anything more, he unexpectedly leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead. She squeezed her eyes closed at the soft pressure. A sensation of warmth spread through her and her heart lifted. She couldn't remember ever feeling this way… and then she realized what the feeling was.

She felt loved. Emma Swan, orphan, felt loved.

And as she opened her eyes and saw him rise to his feet, she realized it was similar to what she'd felt earlier that evening in the witch's living room. Her heart expanded in her chest, threatening her ability to take in oxygen. Breathlessly, she asked, "What was that for?"

"If the witch thinks it gives protection, it's worth a try. I just… you… being safe… is the most important thing to me." He looked down at her with one last small smile and then crossed the room to the sofa. "Sleep well, Emma."

Her safety was the most important thing to him. And she knew it as truth, proven by his actions and words. To Killian Jones, Emma Swan was the most important thing in the world. She believed it and as she watched him go, she made another realization. Something else felt different, something was new that hadn't been there before. And then it hit her. She was looking at him as a person. She was thinking of him as a person; thinking of him as a man. Not just as a larger-than-life villain or a realm-jumping hero or a dangerously sexy pirate or as a character from an oft told fairytale. And while it had been coming on gradually over the course of their relationship, the realization was brand new.

Maybe it was aided by his new clothes, or some of the ordinary things they'd done together over the last few days- she flashed back to them laughing at dinner and having a real heart-felt conversation while locked in the parlor- or the fact that she had been trying to force herself, sometimes unsuccessfully, to think of him as Killian. Or maybe it was all of those things combined with the way she'd come to utterly trust and rely on him.

She remembered that before the curse she had been very aware of how he felt about her. And she also remembered thinking about him, wondering about how, if he indeed succeeded in winning her heart, how a relationship with him might work. At the time she could easily picture them going on romantic adventures and solving problems together. And the physical relationship, that had been almost painfully easy for her to picture. No, that wasn't the problem. It was the rest. Back then she couldn't conjure an image of what a relationship with him might be outside of adventure and sex. But right at this moment, for the first time, she could picture all of it with him.

The revelation shook her to her core. She watched him stretch out, as best he could, on the sofa. And it was all too much. What in the hell was she doing? Her life was never going to be normal. There was never going to be a perfect time. Her parents managed to make each other a priority no matter the situation. So what if there was a threat to Storybrooke? They'd deal with that tomorrow no matter what happened tonight.

xxx

Even though they'd had an exhausting day, he was so wide awake he was sure he was never going to get to sleep. Not with Emma ten feet away in a giant bed fit for a king. And especially not after that kiss they'd shared earlier in the evening. Did she know what she did to him? He wouldn't push it tonight; she was obviously feeling out of sorts. But he also knew they couldn't go on like this for long. Something was going to give.

His thoughts were squarely centered on her, when he felt something fall softly onto his chest.

He pushed himself to a partially sitting position, brushing the item away. "What was that?"

"You tell me," Emma replied as she launched her next attack. She again hit her mark as the object floated squarely down on his head.

He untangled himself from the item that was obscuring his vision. It was fabric. Was she throwing him another blanket? He pulled it off his head. His eyes adjusted in the dark and all he could see was plaid. It looked like… Emma's pajamas? He examined the article further; sleeves, buttons, a collar. Yes, yes, he was certain it was the top of her plaid pajamas. The pajama tops she'd had on a moment ago. His breathing stopped as his mind began to whir. Now he groped on the floor to where the first item had fallen after assailing him moments earlier, also plaid, the bottoms to her pajama. He looked over to her, seeking answers, only to have something land on his shoulder, something small… something pink… something lacy.

"Why are you throwing your pajamas and a pink lacy object at me?"

"Those are my underwear." She clarified for him.

"Does that mean…"

"Yes," she said simply. "It means I'm in this big comfortable bed with absolutely no clothes on."

"Emma, what are you doing?" His voice was raw and barely above a whisper.

"Killian Hook Jones… you've just been issued a formal invitation."

"My love, if this is a jest…"

"Get over here and find out."

That's all it took. In two strides he crossed the spacious room and before she could properly prepare for his arrival, he dove on the bed and rolled onto her, his lips immediately finding hers. She squeaked when he landed on her, but it was muffled. He pressed his lips to hers for a long moment before pulling slightly away, only to immediately claim her mouth in another sweet kiss. She could feel him, his warmth, his weight, the length of him pressing down on her through the layers of bedding. And it was delicious.

The kiss became hungry, their mouths moving in unison and their tongues gently dueling. They both melted deeper into a kiss that increased in intensity every few moments. He was still clothed, she, most decidedly, was not. Her hands tangled in his hair, drawing him closer. He was propped on his left elbow while his right hand caressed the smooth skin of her arm from her elbow to her bare shoulder. Her senses were on fire and she could feel everything, every touch, every taste, every kiss, the way his perpetual scruff pricked deliciously everywhere his mouth roamed.

This was amazing, so much better than he'd dreamt. But then he remembered earlier, the last time she kissed him and he knew he had to be sure. So reluctantly, with one last, lingering kiss, he pulled away and searched her eyes, hoping against hope he would find the answer he wanted there. "Emma, are you sure?"

She was still catching her breath and couldn't find her voice, so instead of speaking she nodded her assent.

"But earlier, you said…"

"I know." She swallowed hard. "But then I was thinking about my parents. "

"And that made you want me? That's quite perverted, isn't it?"

"No." She whapped his arm lightly, but then soothed the spot by running her hand up and under the sleeve of his t-shirt, caressing his bicep. "They're always being separated and can never be sure of the future, but they don't use that as an excuse to wait, they just find each other again. So I don't want to use it as an excuse either anymore. I'm always going to be the savior, and maybe I won't get a day off, but tonight, I find myself with a sexy pirate who has proven time and again that he'll go to the ends of the earth for me and he also happens to be a pretty amazing man, and I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. We could be separated, or we could be killed, or we could be living at Regina's with five other people including my son and my ex." He grimaced at that. "So the truth is we may never have another moment alone. So even though it's only been two days since the curse was lifted, I've realized I don't have the luxury of wasting this opportunity, especially when the one thing I'm certain about is that I want you."

For several moments all that could be heard was the sound of their breathing. Finally he said, "That's quite a speech."

"See you're not the only one who can make declarations."

He swallowed hard and looked down at her with such devotion in his eyes that she thought she might melt into the sheets right there. "I need to make one more. I love you, Emma Swan. And I know you don't feel the same that I do and that's okay… maybe you will one day."

She blinked several times as the heat built behind her eyes. It was one thing to know it; it was another to hear it. But she was not a crier and she wouldn't start now. So instead she allowed a small smile to spread slowly across her face as she reached up to caress his cheek. "Yeah, I know you love me. And just for the record that true love's kiss you tried back in New York… that was never going to work."

"It wasn't?" he asked cautiously. A moment earlier he'd been brushing the hair from her eyes, now his hand stilled.

She shook her head. "I didn't remember you. David said he tried to warn you before you left. It didn't work for him either when my mother had lost her memories."

"Oh." His eyes lit as he realized what she was saying. "You're saying under other circumstances that perhaps true love's kiss might work?"

"I'm saying… it's possible. But right now I'm not interested in fairy tale kisses; I'm more interested in real world kisses." She ran her hand down his side, her deft fingers hiking up his shirt. Sliding her hand down his bare back, she felt him shiver under her touch. When she hit the waistband of his sweats, she hooked her thumb under the fabric of his new boxer briefs and tugged downward. "Killian, it's time to get naked and get in here."

Happily and quite speedily, he complied with her request. Once under the covers their bodies instantly molded together, delicious friction was created by skin sliding against skin and she was sure she'd never felt anything like it.

xxx

Emma fell back against the sheets, sweaty, spent and completely sated. Breathlessly she whispered, "That was…"

"If you say a one-time thing…" his voice was husky and held both humor and apprehension.

"Oh no." Emma shook her head as she rolled against him, one hand sliding across his abdomen as she nuzzled his neck. "That was definitely not a one-time thing. We are going to be doing a lot of that. I don't care if we have to cross the town line to do it."

"Hmm. Leaving the Enchanted Forrest before the curse continues to yield benefits. However, with your parents back in the Enchanted Forest and Henry at Regina's I'm thinking either your place or the Jolly Roger will offer ample privacy."

"That sounds nice." She kissed his neck. "But you know it's probably a pipe dream, right?"

"No." He rolled so that he was on top of her looking down. "We're not borrowing trouble. Not tonight. We're going back to Storybrooke tomorrow and I will be by your side for whatever we must face. But tonight we're having fun." Without waiting for a response he buried his face in her neck and she squirmed at the sudden and very pleasant attack.

She was definitely having fun. He had kept his promise. And that reminded her of another promise he'd made. That he would win her heart. And she thought of him, this man who loved her so very much, who would do anything for her. This man who she wanted by her side and in her bed. Her friend. Her pirate. Her partner. At that thought her heart warmed and she felt a flutter start in her chest and move through her entire body. And she knew without any doubt he had succeeded.

Once he started trailing kisses down her neck and along her collar bone she abruptly brought her hands to his face and stilled his movements. He shifted back up and looked inquiringly down at her.

She leaned up and brought her lips to his ear and whispered. "You did it."

Her hot breath sent shivers through him, but he managed to whisper back, "Did what?"

"My heart." She kissed the spot right below his ear before she continued. "It's yours."

He leaned back quickly in order to search her eyes. Hope radiated from every cell in his body.

She answered the unspoken question she saw in his eyes. With one hand she reached up to caress his cheek. "I love you."

"Really?" His hair was sticking straight up and between his eager tone, hopeful expression and disheveled appearance he had never looked more adorable. Her dastardly pirate was downright cute.

She smiled up at him; a big, happy smile that he'd never seen before. Now she brought her other hand to his cheek, so she was caressing both sides of his face. "Yes. I'm as surprised as you are."

At that he emitted a belly laugh that was deep and satisfying. "You're mistaken. I'm not surprised you love me." He paused a moment to revel in the words he'd just spoken, before continuing, "I'm only surprised you're admitting it."

Once again she whapped him playfully on the shoulder, but then took him by surprise by hooking her leg around his and flipping them over so he was lying flat on his back and she was balanced over him. She looked down at him with smiling eyes. "Lie. You were seriously concerned that true love's kiss didn't work in New York."

"A little," he finally admitted with a grimace.

She looked down into his eyes "Seriously, I don't know what's going to happen, but I'm willing to give this a try if you are."

"My love, I am entirely at your disposal," he said as he ran his hand along her side.

That settled she leaned down as if you kiss him, but stopped short. There was one last thing. Leaning back so she could see his eyes, she said, "At some point you're going to tell me more about the last year and much more about the 'any means necessary' you used to find me."

"As you wish." And with that he leaned up and pressed his lips to hers. This kiss was different; it was slow, purposeful, almost reverent. Emma loved him. It had taken a year to get back to her and many obstacles, but only two and a half days to win her heart. Back in New York he hadn't dared dream of such a wonderful resolution.

She had felt as he did.

It'd just been necessary to remind her.

The End.