Ch. 9
Emma couldn't be more hopeful for the year to come. She happily woke up in her boyfriend's arms on New Year's Day after the most amazing New Year's Eve she ever had. Luckily her father slept in because even though she was a grown woman she still didn't want to see the look on his face when he realized she wasn't a little girl anymore.
Over the next few weeks they spent as much time together as their schedules permitted carefully avoiding the topic of her going back to school. It was there but she didn't want to dwell on it and she wanted to be in the moment with him.
Emma filled in at the Snow Flake sometimes so that Elsa could work on the menu and perfect some of her recipes. She loved working alongside Killian at the café. She even managed to wrangle a few hours of his time at the Blue Bird when her parents needed to go into the next town for supplies.
His time was getting thinner too since he'd been taking on more clients from the town. He'd made a name for himself after finding efficiencies to help the local business owners save money and make a bigger profit. He'd been getting so much word of mouth advertising that he was constantly busy.
At first Emma would just hang out with him while he worked and then she slowly began reviewing the books and helping him. She was also good with finances and although she didn't have an MBA; she would have her business degree in a few short months.
They made a great team and soon became the talk in town. Whenever they were apart someone would ask about the other. It felt good to be able to brag about Killian, he was smart and he worked hard to make his dream come true. She wanted him to find success there.
She'd be lying if she didn't want him to love Storybrooke as much as she did. She saw a future with him and it might be selfish of her to think this but she wanted to be close to her family. The fact that his family was there too made it that much sweeter. If they could both find successful work in Storybrooke her dream would come true too.
She'd spent a considerable amount of time with her family, Killian, and his family since she'd been home. She was happy to see a growing friendship between her mother and Elsa. She was also growing very fond of her too. She was beginning to feel like she had a sister for the first time in her life which was perfect because Elsa missed her sister Anna. The fact that she was pregnant kept her in different emotional states throughout the day. Liam would silently refer to her as his saving grace.
Liam and Killian were amazing men but sometimes she just needed to talk to a woman. Her sister Anna wasn't always available due to the time difference so Emma was happy to fill in. A few times Killian and Liam went down to work on the boat while Emma stayed with Elsa. Once the weather was nice again Liam would start the boating tours so he had to make sure everything was ready there too.
Her visits with Elsa were special. She loved looking through the Jones family photos and learning about their family. Her darling boyfriend was a very complex person and he endured quite a lot in his life. She loved seeing him smile. One of her favorites was a shot of him when he was 7 years old holding up a fish with his toothless grin plastered across his face.
Their morning routines continued through her whole break. They met each day and made breakfast together before opening. They would take turns making new things and trying to surprise each other. His pancakes were still her favorite.
She couldn't imagine her life without him now that she'd met him. She never thought she would find this kind of happiness with someone. Her heart ached when she thought about leaving again. She knew they were strong enough to endure the distance but she finally felt complete with someone. It wasn't that she had to have him but that she wanted him there.
She always saw her parents love as the threshold for herself. She would settle for nothing less than the amazing unconditional love that those two shared. It was evident in their every action throughout the day. They were always complimenting each other, sharing tasks, just completely in sync. That was the way she felt with Killian. It was as if he could anticipate her next move and she his.
The day finally came for them to discuss her departure. They sat together on the couch where they first talked at her parents' house and came up with a plan. She would come home each weekend as her scheduled permitted. She had a light schedule so this didn't seem like it would be a problem.
He also planned to visit her a few weekends when he could get away. He'd have had a hard time leaving Liam and Elsa while their new business was getting off the ground but a few weekends would be fine. He had to have a life too. She had one semester left and they could make a long distance relationship work. She was sure of it because the alternative was unthinkable.
They planned the first few weekends before she left to give her some peace of mind. He would come visit her the first weekend, she'd come home for her mother's birthday the second and he would come to her place for Valentine 's Day weekend.
When the day finally came for her to return to school she did so with a heavy heart. She was leaving everyone she loved behind. Even though they made the plan for him to come that weekend Killian still offered to go with her and take the train back up to Storybrooke. It was a three hour ride back to school and she wanted to spare him all the driving and the expense. She desperately wanted him to go but she told him that it would be best if she went alone, got her apartment setup and then had him come the visit her the first weekend.
He accepted her suggestion reluctantly. Leaving them all was the hardest thing she'd ever done. She'd been homesick before but now she was leaving so much more. Her parents and Killian in her rearview as she drove away she felt the tears sliding down her cheeks. She didn't want them to see how sad she was to leave them.
She was an hour into her drive when he called. She put him on speakerphone and they talked the whole way. He knew she was sad and it was such a joy to listen to his voice along the way. She could hear the sadness in his voice as their conversation went on so she reassured him they would be together soon and that she would be thinking of him all the time.
She got to her apartment and settled in. It felt different this time, less like home than usual. She looked around at the familiar rooms and it seemed like something was missing. Since Killian was coming that weekend and it was their first time alone she wanted to make it special.
She'd all but told him she loved him so many times before she left but she was never brave enough to say it. She wanted him to know but she wanted to tell him face to face. She planned to tell him that weekend. She hoped he felt the same because she could see a clear picture of their future together.
She took care of her school schedule and got all the supplies she needed for the week. She also had to clean the apartment since she hadn't been there since the last semester ended, there were seriously giant dust bunnies living under her bed.
She was lucky that their family friend, Granny Lucas, owned an apartment near the University. She gave her parents an amazing deal to rent it while she was away. She felt so lucky to have the place to herself. She knew it was a steal considering what they were paying was probably half of what someone would pay and require a roommate.
She never had to worry about noisy neighbors, dirty roommates, or just drama in general. It was a small drive to reach her campus but it was worth it. She also made sure to do special favors for Granny while she was home. Her granddaughter was a fashion model and was often away from home for long stretches of time. Her mother also checked in with her weekly to assist with anything she needed.
Happily their special routine continued each morning at their special time, "crack of dawn", they would Skype each other. It was before classes started for her and before café opening for him. Once the day started it was harder for them to get time to speak and they wanted to keep something the same. His smile carried her through the day. He would also send her pictures of him and Liam, her parents, Elsa and Liam, and sometimes just cute pictures of himself. Those little pieces of home got her through her days.
She continued her work study at the University Financial Aid Office four days a week, studied for exams at night, and kept up with her school work. Even with all of her commitments she was still able to help Killian do some of the side work for his Storybrooke clients.
She liked the idea of working with him on something that they both loved. The idea of making a life with him blossomed in her heart more and more each day. By the time Friday came she was nearly jumping out of her skin with anticipation.
This would be the first time they were all alone. She was both excited and nervous to see him again. They'd been acting like a couple of teenagers at home sneaking kisses when no one was looking. Neither of them was innocent but they couldn't turn around in Storybrooke without someone within five feet of them so even though they had some desperate moments together there was no possibility to act on their feelings.
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Killian felt his heart sink, he missed her the minute she got into her car and started driving away. It was a miracle he lasted an hour before he needed to call her. He was glad he did considering that she sounded so sad. He really wished she let him take her back to school. He could have helped her clean the apartment and prepare for the semester to start.
She was insistent that he remain in Storybrooke and come see her on the weekend. He would stick to the plan that they made as long as it worked for both of them. They would just play it by ear and three hours wasn't so far away when the person you loved was on the other side. He also saw Storybrooke as a future now.
He could see living there full time, with Emma. He wanted a future with her and it wasn't fleeting. He was in love with her and he knew it for awhile but it just never seemed the right time to tell her. When they made the plans for their weekends together he decided he would tell her their first weekend. He even bought a little something special for her to commemorate the moment.
He loved that she continued to meet during their special time every morning, even if it was on Skype. It helped to see her beautiful face daily, even though he believed it was permanently etched on his heart. He loved seeing her smile and listening to her laugh, which was like music to his ears.
She was right, he was busy. He'd been helping Liam every day at the Snow Flake as well as getting his new consulting business off the ground. He was still amazed how generous the people of Storybrooke were with their referrals. He accidentally started the business but it was perfect timing as everything seemed to be since he drove into town. Perhaps it was a magical place.
He made a point to stop by the Blue Bird each day for a cup of their famous hot cocoa. The scent reminded him of Emma and somehow it soothed him a little. Her parents also missed her so they would often ask him questions about her. They spoke with her too but not as often. They were good people and someday he hoped they would be family too.
When Friday finally came he missed her terribly. He was counting down the minutes until he could take off. Luckily Elsa took pity on him and kicked him out of the café around 3:00. He decided to surprise her and arrive early. She wasn't expecting him until later in the evening. He thought she'd like some of her favorite comfort foods so he decided to stop by the Blue Bird to pick up take out.
Her mother was all too happy to help and packed the food into a basket for him. Her parents also gave him a care package for her and made him promise to give her a few extra hugs before he left. He had his stuff in the car already so he set out to see his beautiful girlfriend.
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Her last class let out at 2:30 so she set out to get supplies for Killian's visit. She wanted everything to be perfect. She walked into her apartment two hours later arms full of bags. She deposited them on the kitchen table and unpacked. She got everything they would need to make breakfast and dinner for the next few days. She figured they could have leftovers or go out for lunch.
She was so excited and nervous to see him. She tried not to think too hard about being away from him during the week because she would just get homesick but the anticipation of him getting to her was maddening. She didn't expect him until later in the evening so she cleaned the apartment and finally hopped in the shower.
She picked out and rejected a dozen outfits before she chose the one she would wear, a denim skirt, and a soft cream fuzzy v neck sweater. She pulled on a pair of tan and cream argyle knee socks to top off the look. She didn't mention it to him but she wore the little K pin every day. It might have been given to her as a joke but she would press her finger to it when she felt homesick and somehow it made her feel better.
She was just putting the finishing touches on her makeup when she heard a knock at the door. She scanned back and looked at the clock on the nightstand. It was too early to be Killian. She rushed out and pulled open the door to see that all too familiar pair of beautiful eyes staring at her.
"Emma."
"You're here!" She jumped forward into his arms and he pulled her close pressing a kiss to her waiting lips. She felt so good in his arms that he didn't want to let her go. The scent of strawberries enveloped his senses. He closed his eyes and just let her warmth rush through him as he kissed her tenderly. "God I've missed you." He whispered against her lips kissing her until they needed to break for air.
She gazed into his eyes." You're early. Not that I'm complaining." She pressed a soft kiss to his lips. "Elsa took pity on me and let me leave early." She pressed her cheek to his chest listening to the soft thrum of his heart. "I'm so glad you're here. I missed you so much." She backed up and caressed his face; emotions were taking over as the weight of just how much she missed him came to the surface.
"I've missed you too." He gazed into her watery eyes and captured her soft lips. She slid her hands around his neck and pulled him closer deepening the kiss.
The breeze behind them broke them apart when they realized they left the door hanging open. "Come inside. I'm sorry." She laughed. "Love, no need to be sorry, I've been waiting to do that all week. I'd happily stand in a blizzard if it meant I got to kiss you."
He bent down and picked up the box from her parents along with the basket of food from her mother. "What's all this?" She took the basket out of his hands grinning from ear to ear. "Well, I thought it would be nice to surprise you with dinner too since I was getting in earlier than originally planned. I enlisted your mother's help. She packed your favorites."
She placed the basket on the table and grabbed him for another quick kiss."You're amazing. Thank you." He gazed into her glittering green eyes. The computer just didn't do them justice. She was so beautiful. He watched as she grabbed the dishes and setup the small table. "I promise to give you the grand tour after we eat." She called over her shoulder.
"So far it's a nice place, beats the hole in the wall I had to live in at University. I couldn't wait until my stay was over." he said as he scanned the room. "I really owe Granny for her kindness. Not only for myself but for giving my parent's peace of mind that I had a safe place to go to when I left home." He grabbed her from behind and snaked his arms around her waist pressing his chin on her shoulder.
"Did I tell you how much I missed you?" She leaned her head back and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Yes, but I don't think I'll get tired of hearing you say that."
They sat next to each other at the table and shared the dishes her mother packed. There was enough for their current meal and likely a full lunch tomorrow as well. She even packed a thermos full of her hot cocoa. Emma filled mugs for each of them, topped them with whipped cream and sprinkled on some cinnamon. "Just like home." She grinned.
He took the mug from her and wrapped his other arm around her waist as they walked into her small living room. She had a couch, loveseat, and a small coffee table. She also had a little TV. They sat down on the couch.
It was older and the edges were a little frayed but it was comfortable. She snuggled close to him and pulled up her legs to her side. He held his arm around her so he could enjoy the warmth. "It feels so good to be with you again." He grinned. "I know I felt like I was walking on auto pilot until I saw you." He fingered the little K on her shoulder and smiled.
"I wear it every day; it helps when I feel homesick or when I miss you too much. I know that sounds silly." She gave him a shy smile. "No, it doesn't. I look at the watch dozens of times a day, not for the time because it reminds me of you and that my life began." She kissed him softly.
"I was told to give you hugs from half the town so I figure it's going to take awhile to fulfill all those promises." He grinned and gave her a little squeeze.
She laughed and the butterflies were going crazy in her stomach. "Would you like a tour of the rest of the place?"
"Aye, I need to grab my bag from the car. I couldn't bring everything up in one trip."
"Would you like me to help you?" She scooted over to let him up.
He caressed the side of her face and smiled. "No Lass, I'll be right back. It's just one bag."
She nodded. He walked out to go to his car and she cleaned up the table while she waited. She carefully packed the leftovers into the fridge and put the dishes in the dishwasher. She turned and he was back walking in.
She fumbled into the drawer and pulled out a key ring with a single dangling key and walked over to him. "I got a key made for you just in case you need to get in and I'm not here. " She held it out to him.
He pressed a kiss to her hand and took the key."That was so thoughtful Love."
"Well, I was hoping that would give you incentive to visit me and just in case I'm not home when you get here I want you to be able to get in." He held her hand and gazed into her eyes. "Thank you Love. "
"Come on, I'll show you where to put your bag and give you the rest of the tour." She kept his hand and laced her fingers to his pulling him along.
She had a full bathroom, a small bedroom that she had setup with a desk for schoolwork, and a larger bedroom with a walk in closet and full size bed. She had a nice quilt that Granny made for her as a graduation present along with quilted Shams to match. He also noticed the ducky he'd won for her sitting on the nightstand.
She had a dresser with some framed photos on top. He noticed they were the photos they took on New Year's Eve, some with him, some with her parents, and some of the selfies he took for her during the day. He looked over and smiled. "I've got these in frames in my room too, except the selfies are of you."
He dropped his bag by the dresser. "This place is great. You would cringe if you saw the places I lived in and they weren't cheap."
"Yeah, it's pretty great. If you want to hang anything in the closet I bought some hangers for you and I also have a few drawers empty." She said smiling.
He wrapped his arms around her and held her close."It just feels like everything is right in the world when I have you in my arms." She sighed. "I know."He pulled her close. She looked up and grinned."Have I told you I missed you?"
He squeezed her tighter and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Love, you have no idea how much I looked forward to seeing you. I think I might have gone 20 miles above speed limit the entire way and possibly avoided a few red lights."
She patted him on the chest. "I want you here in one piece, please be careful." He looked into her eyes full of concern and mapped out her features. He needed to tell her how he felt, it couldn't wait. He caressed the side of her face and she leaned into his hand. "Emma, I love you."
She blinked hard and smiled. The concern turned to happiness as the smile on her face grew wider and tears began to slide down her cheek. He cocked his head to the side. She gulped and cupped his face gently. "I love you too."
She leaned forward and he pressed a kiss to her soft quivering lips. She slid her arms around his neck and he snaked his arms around her waist pulling her tight against his body. He missed her soft touches and warm gentle kisses.
She scratched her fingers through his thick wavy locks at the nape of his neck as he deepened the kiss. She pressed her body as close as she could. She loved him and she finally told him. She was planning on telling him later but he beat her too it. Of course he did, he was amazing.
She broke away and pulled back looking into his gaze. He was absolutely as wrecked as she was. She put her hand over his heart and he was breathing as hard as she was. "Killian, I think it's time for us to go to bed." He cocked his head to the side and put his hand over hers. "Are you saying?" she nodded. "We've waited long enough don't you think?"
He closed his eyes and smiled. He picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. "Aye Love. You have no idea how much I want you." She smiled sweetly and brushed her hand through her hair. "Oh, I think I do."
The electricity was tingling between them was crazy. He pulled her into his arms pressing soft wet kisses from her neck to her ear. " I love you." He whispered in her ear."
She closed her eyes and let that wash over her again. His lips were driving her insane." I love you too." She pulled his chin forward and captured his lips. His hands roamed the soft curves of her body and electricity ran between them. Her hands roamed over his hard muscles and she could feel how much he wanted her.
They inched closer to the bed losing clothing along the way until it was just warm skin against each other. Each kiss said I love you, each touch said I want you; he was tender and sweet with her as they found happiness together wrapped in wrapped in the blankets on her bed. It was everything she thought it would be and more. She felt like she was floating on a cloud.
She snuggled into his arms wearing his discarded shirt and he pressed a kiss to the top of her head."You're brilliant love." She huffed. "So are you. I'm so happy you're here."He kissed her softly. "Me too."
She closed her eyes feeling safe and happy. He listened to the sound of her breathing and couldn't think of any sound that he loved more except her laugh. He didn't think it would be possible to be any happier than he was at that moment. She loved him too; it was everything he could ask for and more.
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The morning light came shining through the window. She sat up slowly, noticing the missing form next to her. She heard clattering noises from the other room. She smiled when she thought about the previous night and how amazing it was to be with him. He was generous, kind and tender with her. Most importantly he loved her. Her heart fluttered when she replayed the moment in her mind.
She looked towards the door and she noticed him standing there watching over her smiling. He was wearing pajama bottoms and a fitted t-shirt. He had a gorgeous body and she remembered it fondly. "Good Morning Love. I didn't wake you did I?" She smiled. "Good Morning. No, this is our time of the day. My body knows to wake up because I'm going to see you."
He walked towards her, sat on the bed and took her hand."I have a surprise for you in the kitchen."
"It smells like you made breakfast. I would have helped you." She said pouting. He leaned forward and kissed her until the pout turned to a smile. "I wanted to do something for you. I know how much you love my pancakes." She nodded."Well that is true but I love you more."
He laughed."Wow, I rate higher than pancakes? I know how much you love pancakes." She pat him on the arm and pulled him close for a soft kiss. "Come on love, they'll get cold." She took a deep breath. "Alright, I'll be right there." He kissed the tip of her nose and she watched him walk back out.
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She quickly ran to the bathroom and freshened up. She grabbed a pair of pajama pants and a fuzzy pair of socks. She decided to keep wearing his shirt. It was soft and it smelled like him. She might just keep this one.
She walked out to find a beautifully set table including vase full of red roses. Her heart was pounding and she couldn't stop smiling."What's all this?" He walked over and put his arms around her. "I just wanted our first morning alone together to be special." She leaned up and kissed him softly. "Thank you so much. This is perfect."
He pulled out her chair and she sat down."Always a gentleman." She smiled blinking her eyes lightly.
"Of course Love." He placed a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of her. "Smells wonderful."
They conversed like always with ease. He sat next to her and they shared little touches and kisses throughout the meal. She was so happy he was here. Of course she trailed maple syrup from her lip to her chin. He wiped her chin and kissed the excess from her lips. "Sweet as ever." He grinned.
She told him she would clean up since he cooked. She suggested he grab a shower while she got things taken care of. He walked out of the room and she took a moment to pick up the vase of roses and take in their scent. He really knew how to make her feel special.
He came bounding back into the room."Love." He startled her and she put the flowers down and turned to see him smiling. She felt a blush creeping up over her cheeks. "Just admiring the flowers."
He grinned and walked over to her."I'm so glad you like them. I have something else for you." She cocked her head to the side." You didn't have to get me anything." He shook his head." On the contrary love, I expect to capture our special moments and yesterday when you confirmed that you loved me too my heart soared. "She smiled sweetly and smoothed her hands down his arms."I love you Killian. You don't have to give me gifts. Breakfast was amazing."
He took the tiny box from his pocket and handed it to her. It was just like the others. She gazed up into his thoughtful eyes and opened it. It was a heart shaped charm with intricate swirls cut into it. "I only thought it was natural that I give this to you. You already own it and I wanted you to have it." She cupped his face and kissed him tenderly. "You own my heart too. Take good care of it." She said tasting the salty happy tears that were trickling down her face. "I promise I will."
He smiled sweetly."Why don't you let me add this with the others?" She held out her wrist for him to take the bracelet. "Thank you so much. Its beautiful." He took the bracelet from her wrist and carefully added the little heart to mingle with the others.
"There you go Love." He held up the bracelet and placed it on her wrist. She jingled it and smiled."I love it. They are all so beautiful." He grinned. "I hope to fill that up with lots of moments over our lives." She kissed him gently."So do I. Speaking of moments, I have lots of fun planned for us today so you get ready and I'll finish up here." He groaned."Alright but just so you know I'd be perfectly content to just stay here with you." He grinned.
She winked."There will be plenty of time for that later. I want to show you the town. "He smiled."Alright, I would like to see how you spend your time here."
"Some of the buildings close early on Saturday and I really want to show you the campus." She said smiling. He nodded and went back to get ready.
She felt such joy in her heart at that moment. She looked at the little heart that represented so much more to her and smiled.
A/N: This weekend is going to be split into two chapters.
