A/N: Thanks for the love, folks! Heads up, this chapter definitely earns the rating.
October 22, 2011
When Emma had been in foster care, she'd carefully hoarded her pennies and nickels every October. That way, even if no one else remembered the significance of the day, she could make sure to always have a cupcake on her birthday. It had been half a lifetime since she'd had to do that, and she now had friends and family clamoring to celebrate with her. Nonetheless, she still thought fondly on those cupcakes and would occasionally get one for herself.
It didn't look like that was going to be in cards for today. She had woken up late after a long night. Apparently, there was a group of thieves living in the woods near town, and Emma had spent the previous evening investigating a break-in at Jefferson's. The outlaws had stolen his entire hat collection for some reason, and he'd been furious. After a delightful hour spent with her ex-boyfriend, she'd then had to try to chase down the people responsible and then fill out paperwork. Damn Leroy and his paternity leave, Emma thought to herself. I really need to hire another deputy. Afterwards, she hadn't even been able to go over to Killian's. It was close to midnight, and he'd had a long day of meetings. She had texted him when she'd had to cancel their dinner plans (seriously, it was like they were cursed), and he'd been understanding, if the teensiest bit jealous of her spending time around her ex. At any rate, he'd not replied to her text when she got off work, a sure sign he had fallen asleep. It was probably for the best, given Mary Margaret's plan for a girls' day out before the party at Elsa's that evening.
Since Emma had rolled out of bed at ten that morning, she'd been carted to Granny's for breakfast (the old lady herself waited on them, apologizing sheepishly for "accidentally" spilling drinks on her the previous week), driven to Portland, corralled into a day spa (how many different kinds of pedicures were there?!), and then finally taken to a boutique, where their entire group was perusing the store for something to catch their fancy. All of them - Mary Margaret, Ruby, Belle, and Elsa - had provided her with plenty of suggestions on what to wear that evening. Ruby had advocated for a sexy red bodycon dress, while Mary Margaret was pushing for something princessy. Belle had suggested a more vintage look, and Elsa was approvingly eyeing a dress with more sequins than Emma would have expected from her friend. Emma had tried on a suggestion from each, but none had really suited her. The shop owner must have noticed her frustration, because the woman had magically distracted her friends and motioned her over to a more unassuming rack near the back of the store. Emma gave a sigh of relief.
"I think this may be more your style, dear. You look like the type for leather and lace." The dress she showed Emma was beautiful. It was pink, with a fitted bodice that flared out into a voluminous skirt. In spite of it hitting below her knees, the neckline came to a "v" low enough that it kept it from veering into spinsterly territory. "Pair this with a leather jacket, which I suspect you already have, and you'd have a lovely outfit that's both feminine and edgy."
Emma nodded with satisfaction. Yes, that would do nicely. She modeled the dress after coming out of the fitting room, and her friends oohed and ahed appreciatively. It was clearly a wise choice, and Mary Margaret made it clear that she would be purchasing it as a gift for her sister-in-law. Soon after,the proprietress of the shop suggested that perhaps her friends might want to try something on too. While they were tucked away in the back, Mrs. Blue, as she'd introduced herself, informed Emma that she had a selection of lingerie, if she had a special someone she was hoping to impress. After a moment's consideration, she followed the woman who had basically become her fairy godmother of shopping. She gasped when she saw the perfect set that she most assuredly would be wearing to seduce Killian that night. She went to purchase it hurriedly, tucking it into the bag. The boutique owner raised an amused eyebrow, but kept her silence as Emma's friends tumbled out of the fitting rooms and bought their own new outfits. Leaving the store with full hands and gleeful chatter, they attempted to persuade Emma to go to a hair salon. She begged off, reminding them that they still had to return to Storybrooke and get ready.
With various sighs and groans, they eventually made their way back, by which time the town's little bakery was closed. Emma supposed she'd have to get her cupcake another time, since it was unlikely there would be that sort of pastry at the grown-up, undoubtedly elegant party Elsa would be throwing. Once they dropped her off, she hurried to get ready, noting that only two hours remained. Emma took care donning her new lingerie and her dress. She pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and readied her makeup. Looking into the mirror at ten minutes before the party was to begin, she smiled as she headed out the door.
Killian knew he was running late. He hadn't wanted to be the first to show up at Elsa's home, and he'd distracted himself with one of the newer cable releases. When he'd realized it was six thirty, he'd rushed to get ready for the evening. After all, he wanted to look his best for his Swan. He'd nearly panicked, not remembering exactly where he'd put one of Emma's gifts. As he pulled up to the house, he waffled a moment before deciding to leave the presents in the car. He could give them to her later. Hearing the sounds of a party in full swing, he didn't bother knocking and let himself in. He followed the sound of laughter and friendly chatter around the corner, stopping when his eyes fell on Emma.
She was lovely. Her golden hair was pulled up, and the pink dress she wore accentuated her small waist and beautiful curves. More importantly, she was beaming as she talked animatedly to David, Mary Margaret, and Ruby. He knew he was gaping at her, but he could hardly help himself. She finally lifted her eyes and met his, and he felt gratified at her own frank, admiring stare. Much as she teased him, he knew Emma enjoyed his half-unbuttoned shirts. This one was a deep navy, bringing out the blue in his eyes. And judging by her biting her lip as her eyes trailed over him, he was willing to say she thought his jeans fit well.
Killian was abruptly brought back down to earth by the quiet laughter of Belle, who'd approached him silently. Closing his mouth, he met her eyes, which were dancing merrily. "Something amusing you, Lady Belle?"
His friend snorted. "Oh, absolutely. I definitely enjoy seeing you gawp at the birthday girl. She is lovely, isn't she?"
"I would never dispute Emma's beauty, Belle."
She raised her brows. "Does she usually admire back?"
He scratched behind his ear reflexively and prayed he wasn't blushing. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Really? So Emma didn't get absurdly depressed after you left the country in February, and her being constantly busy since you returned is just a coincidence?"
Panic struck. Did everyone know? Was it just Belle? (And Merida, let's be real. What one of them knew, the other did as well.) Killian grabbed her shoulder lightly. "How did you know? Who have you told?"
She smirked at him. "Well, I wasn't sure until just now, but you confirmed what Merida and I have been suspecting. I take it it's a secret?"
He sighed and released her arm. "Aye. We're trying to keep it quiet for now, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything."
Belle's sense of surprise showed on her face. "Really? Does anyone else know?"
"Right now? Just Elsa. Well, my brother and his wife know, but they're hardly going to say anything."
"I won't either and neither will Merida. But have you thought about telling David and Mary Margaret?"
"We've rather been avoiding that one."
"He is quite protective." She nodded and then waved her girlfriend over. Merida's grin was merry and he couldn't help but return it. "Guess what? We were right about Killian and Emma. But we can't tell anyone right now." While the redhead looked a little disappointed, the trio quickly fell into conversation about work, literature, and everything else they could think of.
Eventually, David wandered over, and the groups intermingled a bit more. (He still hadn't had a chance to greet Emma yet, damn it.) Merida was in the middle of a story about an archery lesson she'd been giving earlier that week when David's phone started going off loudly. He glanced at his phone and groaned. "Sorry, guys, I need to head out. There's an emergency at the shelter. Let me say goodbye to Emma." Everyone bid him farewell, though Belle squeaked and worried that the animals might be hurt. David reassured Belle, then ran to tell his sister of his departure. Mary Margaret decided to accompany him, and they took their leave of the party.
Killian could see Emma relax as she approached him. It was all he could do not to wrap his arms around her, but he raised his glass to her instead. "Happy birthday, lass. It's a lovely party."
She smiled hugely at him. "Thanks. It's all Elsa's doing." Stepping closer to him, she whispered, "I'd have planned something more intimate."
He raised a shocked eyebrow. "Really, Emma? What would this intimate gathering have entailed?"
"Well, for starters-" Her reply was cut off as Ruby, Mulan, and the town pharmacist approached. (For the life of him, Killian couldn't remember his name. He'd only ever heard the man referred to as Sneezy.)
While conversations continued even as individuals weaved in and out of the group, Killian was content to remain in Emma's orbit. Slowly, the guests began to trickle away, claiming exhaustion or Sunday morning plans. Belle and Merida winked at him as they departed, prompting an eyebrow raise from the birthday girl. Soon the party had been reduced to Elsa, Emma, and him. Elsa began putting her house back in order, though she broke the comfortable silence. "You all can stay here if you wish, just please don't have sex on my couch."
"Elsa! We were going to do no such thing." Emma had gone completely red, but she took Killian's hand in hers.
He smiled. "Speak for yourself."
After both women swatted his arms for that quip, the three of them put the house to rights. Elsa bid them a good night and headed upstairs, requesting that they lock up before leaving or going to sleep. They stood in the living room for a moment before finally embracing for the first time that night.
"Well, love, what's your plan for the rest of the evening? I do have a gift or two for you at some point."
"Oooh, a gift? I'd certainly hoped we could gift ourselves to each other…" At his puzzled and amused look, she shrugged. "Okay, that sounded better and more suggestive in my head. But if you'd like, we can go back to my place."
"As you wish, you randy woman." She smacked his arm but followed him to his car.
They arrived at Emma's apartment and climbed out of the vehicle, and she came to stand next to him as her foraged for her presents. "If you want to head upstairs, I'll be there in a moment when I get all this together." He nodded toward the parcels he'd been struggling with in the back seat. She brushed her lips over his before going inside. Within a few moments, he managed to organize the gifts and walked into the apartment.
Emma stood there in her living room waiting, a small smile curving her lips. "So, I see three presents. Which do I get first?"
Setting the other two on the kitchen table, he handed her the largest of the parcels. She tore into the wrapping paper, quickly revealing the complete collection of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer DVDs. She smiled at him. "Thank you. I know it's on Netflix, but this way I get to watch the special features."
"Aye, that you can. You've mentioned the show, and I hoped we could watch together."
She hugged him, pushing him into one of the chairs around her table. She plopped onto his lap, and he motioned to the small, rectangular package. That one was opened and Emma stared a moment at what was obviously a jewelry box.
"Killian…" Her voice expressed her hesitation.
He rolled his eyes. "Just open it. I'm not proposing to you, you goof."
She shot him an exasperated look, but opened the box. She paused when she saw the pendant hanging from an elegant golden chain. It was constructed of opals wrapped delicately in gold, fashioned in the shape of a swan. "Oh, Killian...this is beautiful."
He cleared his throat and smiled at her and hugged her close. "It seemed rather fitting. I found it in this small shop in Australia, and I couldn't not get it."
"But we weren't...you know...not then."
"No, but you can't fault me for having hope, can you?"
She leaned her forehand against his, her nose lightly pressing his. "Definitely not. Help me put it on?" She pulled back her hair to make it easier for him, and he hooked the necklace around her graceful neck.
There was only one package left. Emma stared at the wrapped and beribboned cube, trying to guess what it might be. He prevented her from shaking it, laughing a little. Finally, she pulled off the ribbon and the paper.
Inside the box was a single cupcake. A cupcake. Her eyes welled with tears. "You remembered."
"Of course I did, Swan. I hope I wasn't overstepping my bounds, I just remembered you telling me one time and I didn't think you had a chance to - oof!"
Emma had put the cupcake down, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him fiercely. "I'm all in, Killian."
"Wait, what? What do you mean?" He looked at her hopefully.
"I want the whole shebang with you. The boyfriend-girlfriend thing, all of it. No more weird dates with other people or anything."
He laughed and kissed her again, a brief peck. "I was a wanker last week. I'm sorry. I know you weren't interested in that arse."
She snorted. "Definitely not. August was you, but the the lite version. And I have the original version, which is more than enough. Also, you're less douchey."
"I'm glad you think so, though I was certainly no saint when we met. I was drunk and creepy."
"Yes, you were. And then you apologized and never so much as ogled me again until we told each other how we feel."
He grinned. "Oh, love, I definitely ogled you plenty during the year we were 'just friends'. You just never noticed."
She rolled her eyes. "At any rate, I want us to be together. 'Officially' or whatever it is the youths say these days."
Killian was fairly certain his heart was going to burst out of his chest from sheer joy. "Aye, love. That sounds like something I'd want too."
Emma's loving, adoring gaze was too much for him. He waited only a few seconds before running his hands into through her hair to rest at the nape of her neck. Pulling her in for a passionate kiss, he paused, "We don't have to do anything right now if you don't want...do you want to go to sleep?"
"Killian, I want you. Right now, pretty much." She stood up and pulled him to his feet, then pushed him down the hallway toward her bedroom. And, really, who was he to resist?
They had removed their shoes as soon as they'd entered her bedroom, then tentatively made their way towards each other. Emma was now lying on her bed, fairly certain she was going to combust. Killian's hands were running over every inch of her skin that he could reach. He ran his mouth over her jawline and down her neck, occasionally nipping and coaxing a moan from her. His scruff scraped along her collarbone as he lifted a hand to cup her breast through her dress. She ran her hand through his hair, her nails trailing down his neck. He panted, attempting to push her dress down her chest for better access, whining when he was unsuccessful at moving the tight fabric. He lifted his head, his tongue parting her lips to duel with hers. He moved to rest his hips between hers, his erection pressing into her cloth-covered core. He thrust into her, hitting her in just the right place. She tried to lift her lower body to meet his movements, but was thwarted by the rather voluminous skirt of dress. He ran his hands down over her dress, finding the skin below her hem. He inched his fingers up her thigh slowly, rubbing circles onto her flesh. When he finally met the sodden lace of her covering her heat, he cursed.
"Fuck, Emma. You're so wet." She bucked into his hand as his thumb grazed her clit.
She cried out, "Killian, please. I need you. I need you so much. Touch me."
He growled and pulled his hands out from under her dress, attempting to pull the sleeves down to bare her breasts. He became increasingly frustrated as brute force failed to yield the desired results.
"Emma, I swear to god, I am this close to ripping this dress off of you."
She made an incomprehensible sound, incredibly aroused by the idea. "Killian, wait. Zipper. There's a zipper."
Muttering under his breath in frustration, his hand sought the zipper. "Are you sure, Emma? I think you like the idea of me tearing off your clothes."
"Yeah, but this dress cost over a hundred bucks. Don't do it. Save it for another time."
He huffed a small laugh and kissed her tenderly. His fingers finally found the zipper, and he exclaimed victoriously, "Ha! I will vanquish you, evil dress."
"Okay, Sir Killian. Help me get this off." She was smiling gently at him, though her eyes were hooded with desire.
"Oh, I'll help you get off all right."
Emma giggled. "That was horrible." She pushed him off her to work her way out of the dress, leaving her in her brand new cream-colored, lace undergarments that were the same color as her skin. He gaped at her adoringly, and she couldn't help feeling vindicated for the money she'd spent on her ensemble.
"What do you expect, love? My blood isn't exactly rushing in the direction of my brain right now." To emphasize his point, Killian ran his hand down to cup himself through his trousers, his hard length clearly outlined. He kept his eyes fastened on her as he stroked himself languidly.
She grabbed his wrists and pushed them aside so she could unzip him. Releasing him and pushing his trousers down, her hand ghosted over him gently through his boxer briefs. His head fell back as he thrust into her hand a few times. Then he hurried to finish removing his slacks, pulling his underwear down at the same time. After shuffling off the bed awkwardly, he finally succeeded in removing all his clothing. He leaned over her, his cock straining toward her. She licked her lips, pupils blown wide with lust as she took in his generous girth. Pre-cum was leaking from his tip, and he took himself in hand to rub himself against her still-covered mound. They let out twin groans of pleasure and frustration. He covered her mouth with his, kissing her roughly even as he thrust against her. He reached a hand behind her to unclasp her bra. As soon as he pulled it off and tossed it onto the floor, Killian cupped her full breasts, gently tweaking her nipples. Emma gasped against his mouth, running her nails down his side and digging them with enough pressure to leave marks. He growled at her and trailed his lips down her neck, past her collarbone, to finally reach her erect nipples. He took one into his mouth, sucking lightly as he continued to caress her with his other hand. Running his other hand down, he slid it into her panties, skimming his fingers over her folds. Finding her clit, her stroked it nimbly. She rocked against his hand a few times, finally eking out a breathy moan. "Killian, please. I need you inside me."
He pulled away from her breasts to look her in the eye. He gulped and then nodded. He slowly pulled down the lacy scrap covering her, leaving her bare before his gaze. "Emma, you are so beautiful."
Her skin, already flushed with want, took on a deeper pink as she lay before him. Feeling self-conscious, she moved to pull him back down to meet her lips. They kissed passionately, his cock sliding through her wet folds to rub against her clit. "Mmm, please. Killian, now."
He pulled back slightly. "Condoms?"
"In the top drawer of the nightstand, though I'm clean and have an IUD."
Killian leaned in to kiss her forehead. "I'm clean too, so…"
She quirked an eyebrow at him. "Then what are you waiting for?"
Lowering himself again, he continued to thrust against her clit. As she lay there gasping, he lined himself up at her entrance and finally thrust home. He let out a groan and entwined their hands lifting them over her head. He moved within her with slow, deep strokes. Emma raised her knees, tucking her ankles around his hips, seeking to pull him even deeper within her. He was muttering a litany of praises against her neck. "God, Emma, you're so wet, feel so good around me. I lo...love how you feel right now. So fucking good."
She moaned, raising her hips to meet his. "Faster. Harder. Please, babe."
He acquiesced, picking up his languid pace to drive into her more forcefully. He continued thrusting for a few more moments. Emma moved in unison with him until her back drew taut, tightening around his hard cock. She keened loudly, her climax triggering his own. He thrust into her twice more, hard, before spasming inside her. Killian collapsed over her, breathing heavily near her ear.
After they caught their breath, he rolled off her onto his back. He still held one of her hands, and Emma squeezed it before pressing her lips to his knuckles. "Killian, I...I care about you so much."
"And I you, love. So much." He kissed her gently, a light peck. She maneuvered off the bed to wander to her bathroom. Killian fought against the urge to fall asleep. When Emma stepped back into the room, she crawled into the bed, making her way into his arms. She snuggled into his chest as they wrapped their arms around each other.
He pressed a quick kiss to her sweaty forehead. "So, did you have a good birthday, love?"
She smirked, her lips curving against his neck. "Fishing for a compliment?"
He chuckled. "While I'm confident in my performance, I'll never say no to your earnest praise. But seriously, was everything okay today?" His hand stroked her hair.
"Yeah, it was good. Maybe the best birthday ever."
