Ten Breaths
Emma never knew that Christmas could be so exhausting, and she wasn't even the one hosting. There was just so much to do – presents to buy and then wrap, a tree and apartment to decorate, desserts to bake and bring over to her parents' place. She didn't know that this magical holiday celebrated by people all across the world could be so much work, but she didn't really care, because seeing the big grins on Henry's face (and Killian's, and her mother's, and well, everybody's) made it so worth it.
That didn't stop her from almost falling asleep at Christmas dinner, though.
Killian bumped her knee under the table with his when he noticed her head nodding a bit, her eyes fluttering shut. She went beet red and straightened up, extremely grateful that no one else had noticed. She managed to make it through the rest of the night without another close call, mostly thanks to Killian, who would find some reason to nudge her or kiss her whenever the lull of sleep grew a little too strong.
When they finally got back to their apartment (Henry would be staying over at Regina's), it was barely past midnight. Killian guided Emma through the door, chuckling at the way she sagged against him, his arm around her waist the only thing keeping her upright.
"Did you have a good Christmas, love?" Killian asked, his forehead coming to rest on Emma's shoulder as she got ready for bed.
Despite how tired she was, Emma managed to beam at Killian. "The best." He smiled back at her, gentle and sweet, just like the kiss between them that followed.
"I'm glad," Killian said, kissing Emma on the nose before grabbing her hand and leading her to the bed. "I know how much you wanted everything to be perfect."
The smile Emma sent him in that moment was different from the last, more gratitude than anything as Killian pulled the covers up to her chin. She laughed a little, because she was thirty years old and someone was tucking her in, but in ten short breaths, she was fast asleep.