Chapter 10

Without thinking I leaned my head against Killians shoulder, swaying to the music drifting around us. I felt him gentle stroke my hair and relaxed into his strong safe embrace.

Maybe it's the wine I thought

Breathing deeply I tried to inhale as much of his scent as possible, He smelled of rum and salt.

"Hey" He whispered into my ear " It's OK, I'm here for you"

Wiping away a tear I didn't realize has rolled down my cheek I smiled weakly at him.

"Until tomorrow right?" I replied trying to sound light hearted and failing miserably at it.

He drew small circles on my back with his thumb. " There is something I have wanted to ask you all evening love, but I didn't think I had any right."

I pulled back a little and looked right at him " What is it, Do you need me to forward your mail?"'

Watching me closely and hesitating slightly he held both of my hands in his and looked down between us at my fingers resting in his palms.

" Ever since I first laid eyes on you Emma, I knew you were someone exceptional. I never thought I would feel anything ever again after Milah died but you have bought me back to life. I wake up every morning hoping to see you, I go to sleep every night thankful if I had spoken to you or if I had been lucky enough to even catch a glimpse of you. I must leave this place tomorrow but I don't ever want to leave you. I would stay if I could, just to be near you but circumstances will not allow it. What I am asking you, begging you if that's what it takes is.. " He raised his eyes to meet mine " Will you consider coming with me?"

"Go with you?" I breathed. This was not what I was expecting.

"I... I.. don't even know where you are going and you want me to leave my entire life behind?" I needed to sit down and breathe into a paper bag.

He cast his eyes down again " I would have regretted it my entire life if I didn't ask." he said softly. "I feel an unexplainable connection to you Emma, like you are an important part of my story but I understand, and hope I haven't made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry if I have misread..." He trailed off, looking like a shy little boy not quite making eye contact with me.

Finding the rail of the boat I leaned against it, trying to put the swirling thoughts in head into words.

"You haven't misread anything Killian, The connection is definitely real, I just don't know how to process it yet. I have never left Stonybrooke and I feel anchored to Neale in a way I can barely control. I don't know what I can offer you when I'm not whole myself"

" It's okay, like I said, I had to ask for my own selfish reasons" He held out his hand for me to take " No hard feelings, I promise.' The half smile he gave me was sad but genuine.

I took his hand and let him lead me to the makeshift dancefloor again. The guests were starting to disperse and there were continual interruptions of " Catch you again fella' and "You're always welcome here mate" amongst back slaps and handshakes. A few people looked at me with him and offered me a "Goodnight Emma" or just curious glances.

The interruptions gave us an excuse to not follow up on the emotionally charged conversation we had just had between us and we just felt comfort in each others presence until the band announced that they were on the last song of the evening. 'Forever' by Ben Harper started to play and the vocalist sounded like Ben himself. "I'm not talking 'bout a year, or even three or four. I don't want that kind of forever in my life anymore"

We swayed to the song in silence, not wanting to ruin this moment with words or reality.

After a few moments I realized the song had long finished and the band was all packed up.

"Oh. I must have zoned out for a bit. Thanks for a lovely evening Killian. I hope you have the very best adventures and I wish for nothing but the best happiness for you." I could feel my bottom lip starting to tremble and I turned around to look for my purse.

"Emma." I bit my bottom lip to keep it steady and turned towards him.

"I insist on walking you home." The set of his shoulders and clenched jaw were the epitome of determination. I wasn't putting up any fights.

He guided me to the path outside with his hand on the small of my back. Together we stepped out into the night to begin our final walk together.