Hi guys! Happy New Year! I'M BACK! And so is this story. 2018 was a hell of a busy year for me, I couldn't even write 1 word for my ongoing stories. But it's a whole new year and so I'm back in the fanfiction world again. Hope you guys are still here :)

Thanks to my amazing beta for correcting my mistakes! x

Happy reading!

Chapter 10

He's touching her, fingertips wandering down her slender body. His skin is hot as he caresses her. How can his hands be everywhere?

"Please don't stop. Don't ever stop."

She feels herself falling apart under his ministrations as he tries to feel every part of her skin, like he wants to burn it to memory.

Hot kisses trail down her neck and she's getting closer and closer to her ultimate peak of pleasure…

Emma wakes up with a gasp. She looks around, and for a moment has no idea where she is. Her dream is her reality now. The soft touches on her skin, the traces of heated kisses on her neck and lips.

Her matted hair sticks to her forehead and nape of her neck like glue. She feels as if all the heat of summer had moved under her thick blanket. Still panting, she kicks off the sheets, her limbs feeling like lead. The cool air of the room clings to her skin, silencing the maddening waves tormenting her body.

She doesn't really understand why she had another erotic dream. It tends to happen pretty rarely and once they disappear, they don't come back so soon. Does she really want Killian that much? Or is it just some twisted thing of her imagination because it has been ages since she had gotten laid?

Emma decides to pull the blanket back over her body and curls up under it. She doesn't want to admit it, but the desire bubbling in every inch of her body scares her a bit. It's not even desire anymore, but more like a dark attraction that she just can't resist. It's an elemental force that cannot be overcome. She wants Killian so badly…

She wanted him from the moment they met. From that fateful night in the bar, she's been having dreams of him occasionally, but never this vivid and detailed. Until now, the dreams were just captured and blurred moments, uncertain flashes – exactly the same as the erotic dreams she's had in the past. Chaotic and pointless, which are only making her wake up sleepless and all hot and bothered. That's why, at first, she didn't even know she was dreaming of Killian. But then the touches became familiar, and at some point, she thought she even saw him. Of course, then she didn't want to admit it (maybe she even felt ashamed) but now she can face her feelings.

But how can it be so graphic?

Emma closes her eyes and sighs. She doesn't even know what time is it anyway, it's not like she has a job now to get to. Maybe she should get out of bed and stop having this impromptu pity party. She planned so many things to do, she can't laze around all day. But her body still feels a bit weary and aching all over — she doesn't have enough energy to simply open her eyes. So instead, she lets her mind slip into comfortable darkness again.

The next time she wakes, faint light streams through the curtains, the morning sun lighting up her old room. Since there was a burst pipe in her apartment complex, she came to live with Ruth and the two lovebirds. She thought it would be nice, being further away from the loud and busy city and have some time with her family. She doesn't feel all that much more relaxed now, but she tries to haul herself out of the comfort of her old bed anyway and trudge into the kitchen downstairs.

She makes herself a strong coffee instead of her usual hot chocolate and, to her delight, it seems everyone in the house is still in Dreamland, so she can sip her hot beverage in peace.

Her mind drifts to Killian as she glances out the window. She recalls last night and the day before that, and for a fleeting moment, her dream flits through her mind.

Emma feels a stupid blush creeping onto her cheeks.

She thanks whoever is up there that people don't have the ability to read each other's minds. It would be pretty embarrassing for her if someone – especially Killian – knew what she's thinking about right now.

She wonders how things are going to be today.

Should she wait until Killian contacts her? How drunk was he yesterday anyway? Would he even remember their not-so-innocent conversation the night before?

A faint smile plays on Emma's lips as she thinks back to their exchanged words. She never thought she would have this kind of conversation with him so soon.

After she takes a shower, makes herself ready, and gathers the things she will need for the day, she says goodbye to Ruth and the two lovebirds who have woken up in the meantime. She pulls on her boots and coat and steps out into the chilly air.

It takes her half an hour to reach downtown — David offered his car for her to borrow until hers is done in repair, but she actually likes to walk. The snow-covered city is a sight to behold – it's like she's strolling through a winter wonderland – so she doesn't mind that she refused his offer.

Not to mention that this way, she can clear her head a bit. She's still thinking of Killian and their relationship, of course, since she's unable to guide her thoughts elsewhere. Emma is simultaneously excited and terrified. It still feels good. She feels alive for the first time in ages, if she's honest with herself.

When she reaches her destination, a lovely bookshop just on the edge of downtown, she shakes the snow off her boots and steps into the warm store.

"Hi!" Belle greets her right away, looking at her with a wide smile.

Emma really likes the brunette – she was a classmate of Killian's when he came to the States to finish his last year in college. The two became really good friends very fast, considering they are both from the same country and their love of books. Belle often came to their favorite bar for a few drinks and that's where Emma got to know her. She found her a bit strange at first (later she admitted it was because she was so close to Killian), but they found their common ground in reading and books.

"Hey, Belle!" Emma replies, reciprocating her smile as she slips her gloves and beanie off, and loosens her thick, almost knee-length scarf as well. She pulls out Killian's sodden book from her bag. "I need another copy of this."

"What happened to this poor thing?" Belle takes the book from her hand and – in what Emma thinks is an instinctive move – she turns its pages.

"I dropped it in the tub," Emma replies with a grimace. She's not exactly proud of her clumsiness because she's always careful with books, especially if they're borrowed.

She doesn't know how this happened.

Or maybe she does.

Maybe it had something to do with a certain blue-eyed man who makes her thoughts a tangled mess on a daily basis.

"Don't worry. I have another one somewhere. I'll be right back," the brunette smiles again and hurries to one of the bookshelves in the back.

As she waits, Emma casts her eyes around the store, glancing longingly from one book to another. She's almost at the end of her savings – because of being jobless and all – so she can't really afford a new book, not even a second-hand one. Until her Bug is out of repair, she can't really go into bounty hunting again.

Belle returns after a few moments, placing it on the counter and rings it up. Emma fishes out enough money from her bag and – before she gets tempted – quickly pays for the copy.

"Thank you so much."

"No problem. Is it good? I haven't read it."

"Is there actually a book out there you haven't read?" Emma asks in mock surprise. She knows Belle won't be offended by her jest – she's one of the few people who accept Emma for who she is.

"Fortunately yes. Many, in fact," Belle smiles.

"I don't know," Emma replies to her previous question. "It's Killian's. Only read it while I was in the tub," she shrugs.

"At Killian's?" Belle's eyes light up with excitement.

"I was wondering how long you would be able to hold back," Emma notes.

"What?" Belle looks at her innocently, but she's not a great actress – and Emma's still got her superpower.

"The questions."

"Ruby told me that you're… dating," she reveals tentatively.

"Yeah," Emma nods cautiously.

"I'm happy for you. Killian is a good guy. You deserve him," Belle declares, sounding a little resigned – she knows Emma won't be a talkative chat partner where this topic is concerned.

"I'm not so sure about that," Emma murmurs half-aloud.

"Are you serious?"

"Maybe he's too good for me," she mutters in a sad tone. It's weird – saying this fear of hers aloud for the first time. She doesn't know why she chose to share it with Belle though.

"Forgive me for saying this, Emma, but you're an idiot," Belle declares vehemently and Emma widens her eyes – it's strange seeing the always smiling girl so angry.

Then Emma's lips pull into a bitter smile. "Thanks, that's exactly the kind of encouragement I needed right now."

"Emma, you're not a bad person, but…I think you are a little lost. Which is no surprise, who wouldn't be with your past experiences? Killian is lucky that…" Belle freezes for a moment suddenly, then steps out from behind the register with a big smile. "Wait, I'll be right back!"

Emma watches with new foreboding as the brunette saunters over to a nearby bookshelf. "No, Belle, no. Please, I don't want it," Emma tries to stop her, but Belle's fingers are already gliding across the ridges of the books.

When Emma first visited the little shop to find something to read during the cold winter afternoons a few months ago, Belle gifted her with a book that she said "called to Emma". According to Killian, Belle has some sixth sense when it comes to books – she claims to know what people need to read.

Belle pulls off a heavy, hard-bound book from the shelf and steps back to Emma with a happy smile. "Here. It wants you," she offers the item to her, but Emma shakes her head.

This skill of Belle's actually creeps her out a bit. If a book wants a person, then there's probably a reason for it, right? But that doesn't necessarily mean that said person wants to face that reason.

"If you won't accept it I'm going to get offended," Belle insists and she doesn't seem like she will give up.

Emma grumpily takes the book and glances down at it for a moment – she's already read it, why the hell would this book want her?

"If you give away books to every customer, sooner or later you'll go bankrupt," Emma remarks in a slightly mocking tone. She can't be mad at Belle for thrusting a book into her hands, but that doesn't mean she's happy about it.

"We'll detract it from my salary," Belle says happily then her gaze becomes somewhat veiled. "Though, my husband is not too keen on this habit of mine."

"What am I not keen on?" says said man as he steps out of the back office.

Belle's face lights up at his presence and one could clearly read the true love in her eyes.

Emma also turns towards the man. To be honest, the first time she met Robert Gold she was kind of terrified of him at first. No, not terrified – more like intimidated. The man has his own derisive style which he doesn't exactly try to hide, (especially, for some reason, when Killian is present) and more often than not she is also on the receiving end of it. By now she's gotten used to it, and besides, if Belle loves him, he can't be that bad.

"To pay back the books that I give away as gifts."

"It's rather foolish since you are my wife and the shop is our shared property," he notes and his lips are already pulled into that characteristic mocking smile.

Belle shrugs her shoulders as an answer and continues to smile at Gold. At this moment, Emma thinks, they look at each other as if they are about to start their foreplay.

"Ok, thank you for the books. I think I'll get going and you two just…have fun," Emma cringes at her own words.

Belle flashes her a smile (Emma can't remember if she ever saw the brunette not smiling) and Gold lifts one of his eyebrows, clearly indicating that "having fun" is not amongst his favorite expressions. Emma grins and waves at them, and before Gold can retort with a biting comment she steps out of the store with a laugh.

She makes her way to the Music Hall in a light mood. A thought flits through her mind that maybe she could stop by Killian's apartment as she walks past his building, but remembering their phone call the night before and his clearly intoxicated voice, Emma is sure he's still asleep and doesn't want to be bothered.

Her stomach ties into a nervous knot now that she's so close to Killian – what happens when they eventually run into each other later this day? Would she turn into a blushing, shaky-legged teenager?

Emma surprisingly smiles at the thought – even if that will be the case, she doesn't mind.

She strolls through the park, her gaze delightedly skimming across snow-covered branches and bushes, and she feels a bit like she's in a fairy tale again. If it weren't so cold and the wind didn't pick up now and again and sprinkle the snow from the trees, then this day would be near perfect. Maybe it is.

It's strange how Emma feels so cheery today, but it's definitely a pleasant feeling. One she didn't get too much of in the past. And somewhere deep inside of her, she knows it's because of Killian.

As soon as she reaches the Music Hall, she turns to the doorman with a polite smile. "Good morning! I'd like to leave a book here for Killian Jones. Is that alright?"

The man nods – he doesn't seem a chatty one – and stretches his hand out for the book. Emma drops the item in his palm and she's about to take her leave, when a familiar, heavily accented voice reaches her ears.

"Hello, gorgeous."

She turns around, arches her eyebrow and flashes a sharp glance at Will. "Emma. My name is Emma."

"Aye, I know. I heard it enough from Killian yesterday," he gives her a smile, but there's no warmth in the gesture.

"Really?" she asks, and the smile that sneaks onto her lips is a genuine and happy one.

Will casts his eyes upward for a second, then glances back at Emma. "Oi, that foolishly hopeless expression is wounding me, love," his voice takes on quite a dramatic tone, but his face is shadowed by a somber expression. "Ye know his fancies you very much, don't you?"

"Why are you telling me this?" Emma narrows her eyes at him in suspicion.

"You seem like the kind of lass who needs reassurance."

"Am I really that transparent?"

"No, I wouldn't call you transparent," he says, pondering. "You are more like a mirror, that shows us what we don't want to see."

Emma is taken aback by his words. Is she really like that? And is it even good or bad?

"A bit strange opinion after a few minutes of knowing me."

"No," he shakes his head slowly. "When I look into your eyes, I see what I really am. A black-hearted scoundrel. You see me as such. If Killian didn't exist, you would maybe even find me attractive, but of course, I don't have a chance now. Which is rather good for you. After all, I really am a scoundrel," his lips pull into a narrow, humorless smile.

"Or you just see yourself too darkly," Emma notes quietly, because she knows the feeling. She used to do that too.

"No, believe me, I'm not. So thank your lucky stars that Killian found you first," he adds before turning his back to her with a dark smile.

At a loss, Emma watches his disappearing form down the hallway – she finds this man rather weird.

"Swan?" she hears behind her back and as she spins around, her heart rate picks up at the sight.

Killian, hands in his pockets, stands just a few feet from her, looking slightly tense. Obviously, he's not in his best shape – his eyes look tired, and his stubble is thicker and darker around his chin than usual. Emma finds his facial hair really attractive, and suddenly gets an urge to run her palm across his cheek. She wants to feel it rub against her skin, wants it to skim across her face…

She blushes at the thought – yes, this is exactly that shaky-legged teenager moment she was thinking about earlier.

"How are you?" she asks him in what she hopes is a neutral tone, but she can hardly conceal her excitement.

"My head is pounding like blazes, but I think I deserve it," he scratches behind his ear nervously, then lets down his arm and glances at her with uncertain and fearful eyes. "Did you…hate me very much yesterday?"

"No," she gives him a smile. "You were funny."

"Truth is, I can't stand plum brandy. Rum is a much better fit for me," he finally cracks a smile and the tension in Emma's body floats away.

But only now she realizes how on edge she was. She much better likes when Killian is happy and has his signature smirk on. Seeing him all worried filled her with uneasiness too.

"I like rum too," she shrugs.

It's strange how awkwardly they stand in front of each other. It feels like a first date, when you're all jittery, your heart pumps a mile a minute and dizziness – from happiness, expectation, tension and who knows what else - is threatening to take you over.

"That's good," he steps closer to her. "Would you like to have breakfast with me? My treat."

"Killian, it's way past eleven," Emma notes and is happy that her comment is seemingly breaking through that awkward wall they've built between each other.

"Lunch, then. It's a matter of opinion," he grins.

"I don't know…"

"Oh, come on, Swan! We certainly didn't run into each other on accident. Destiny wants us to have lunch together," he declares.

"Destiny?" she glances up at him with a raised eyebrow and she really has to force down a laugh.

"Maybe." He smiles at her with something resembling shyness.

Emma can't hold it anymore, her amusement bubbles up from her throat. "Okay."

Killian beams at her and reaches for her hand. Emma can't image her heart could beat any faster.

He doesn't say a word while he leads her up to the cafeteria. Despite it being a rehearsal day for the charity ball, there aren't as many people as she had expected. One person sleeps on a couch with a music sheet on their head, another one intently studies some lyrics by a table and two people are deep in conversation by another table.

There are a variety of meals they can choose from, but they both pick the same: chicken parmesan. High school memories flash before her eyes as she places a tray in front of her and waits for the woman behind the counter to give them their food. When they take a seat by a table, a crackling voice fills the place.

Emma doesn't understand a word of it.

"What is that?" she glances at Killian.

"The caller."

"What is he saying?"

"The stage manager calls the performers, the decorators, property men for changes, so anyone who is needed on the stage at the moment…but are you really interested in it?" Killian glances at her curiously.

"The music industry kind of fascinates me," Emma shrugs. "It's strange that I get to see behind it now, if you know what I mean. I find it compelling."

"If you want, I can give you a tour after lunch," he smiles and Emma feels he likes that she shows interest in his work.

"Really?"

"Of course."

"And what do you rehearse today?" inquires Emma with curious eyes.

"Go Your Own Way and some other 70's songs."

"Go Your Own Way as in Fleetwood Mac?" she asks eagerly.

"You know them?" Killian glances at her in amazement.

"I told you I like older songs."

"You surprise me time and time again," he notes and admiration shines in his eyes.

Emma bows her head to hide her slight blush.

"May I sit?" a sharp tone interrupts them suddenly. Emma doesn't have to look up to know who's standing by their table, the woman's voice and arrogance take her back to the day she visited Killian's gig a couple days ago and watching this woman practically throw herself at him.

"Aye," Killian nods kindly and a sudden jealousy cuts through Emma. Why does he allow that woman to have lunch with them? Of course, saying no would be kind of rude and Killian is always a gentleman, but still…

"Hi! I'm Aurora," the redhead extends her arm towards Emma and flashes her a not-so-kind smile.

"Emma," she grudgingly shakes her hand. Emma really hates being fake-friendly. Why should she act like she likes someone, when she clearly doesn't?

The redhead eyes her with curiosity, then turns to Killian and starts chatting about all kinds of gossips about the performers. It's like she's deliberately trying to shut Emma out of the conversation. Even though Killian nods every once in a while, the disinterest clearly shows on his face, but it seemingly doesn't bother Aurora and the woman continues to babble animatedly. Emma glances furtively at Killian, who snacks on his lunch without looking up, so Emma decides to concentrate on her meal too.

They finish eating in a couple of minutes. Killian takes her plate with a smile and walks back to the counter with their trays.

"You know," Aurora starts as soon as Killian is out of earshot, looking at Emma coldly. "Killian is like a book that everyone wants to read. And then when you get it and read it, you eventually have to take it back to the library."

"Sorry, but your metaphor is pretty lame, and you know what?" Emma throws angry sparks with her eyes at the other woman. "If I want, I keep the book, especially if it's unique and special. I'd rather pay its price, which is I think in this case is you, being a stupid bitch because you can't get over the fact that you were only good for one fuck."

"He won't want you for more, either," the woman retorts weakly.

"If it wasn't clear, I don't give a fuck about your opinion," Emma states, and stands up with a defiant look on her face. She grabs her purse and coat along with Killian's and starts walking towards him.

"Is there something wrong?" Killian asks in an instant, sensing that something is not right with her.

"Let's just go," Emma mutters and not waiting for his answer, she starts to walk.

They reached the bottom of the stairs when she angrily (though, she's more angry at herself than at Killian – she's the one who couldn't restrain herself for what that skank said) turns her head over her shoulder. "You can cross out the "not swearing" part on the list."

"Why do you say that?" he asks quietly.

"Because a bet is a bet!" she snaps. It's unbelievable how she let that woman to ruin her good mood.

Killian suddenly grabs her arm and pulls her through a door. Emma has no idea where they are, the only thing she knows is that they are in a small, cramped room, but she can't see a thing in the darkness.

"What the…"

"They started a rehearsal," Killian explains gently. "No one will hear us this way. So what are you talking about?"

"Where are we?"

"The cloakroom," he informs her and switches on the light. He doesn't pull his arm back and rests it on the wall beside her head. Her heart starts to beat furiously in her chest at their proximity. She glances up at him and it surprises her that she sees worry in his blue eyes again.

"So?" he asks again.

"Well, if you're going to hate me in two weeks then it doesn't matter if I lose the bet or not because you don't want to go the ball with me anyway."

"Why would I hate you?" he frowns.

"Because I insulted your colleague?"

"I highly doubt that. Aurora can't be hurt easily. How did she piss you off?"

Emma twists her mouth but she can see it from his expression that he won't let this slide, so she reluctantly repeats what Aurora has said and what Emma replied to her. Towards the end of her short summary of the situation, his lips tremble from time to time, as if he's trying very hard to suppress a smile. It slightly relaxes Emma, because it means he's not angry with her.

"I don't understand why is she so offended that I'm with you," Emma finishes and can't quite hide the hesitant sadness from her tone.

"It doesn't offend her just...maybe she's a little confused," Killian shrugs. "I think she's only looking for happiness and she's disappointed that she won't find it with me. I don't think she wanted to hurt you personally, but rather she was trying to justify herself. Maybe she's angry at herself for sleeping with me and...she can only process that this way. She's not really a bad person and despite all appearances, she terribly lacks self-confidence."

"You always see the best in people, don't you?" she glances up at Killian with a faint smile on her lips.

"Why should I see the bad when I can see the good instead?" he asks back and his expression is so open and clear that her breath is momentarily caught in her throat.

Suddenly, he leans closer to her and gently, softly kisses her. Only their lips are playing with one another, but it is still so sweet that Emma feels her knees weaken.

"What...was that for?" she asks when he pulls away slightly.

"Because you looked like you were about to do a rather stupid thing. And I wanted it," he smiles and doesn't give her time to reply before he crashes his lips to hers again. This time, they both get lost in the feeling.

Passion is raging with a carefree energy in her body - in the narrow room the heat suddenly feels suffocating. Emma has no idea when their coats hit the ground as it falls from her hands, but all of a sudden she's hugging Killian, their bodies pressed together closer and closer. His hand is gripping her hip gently, then glides higher on her body until he reaches her cloth covered breast. She feels she's seconds away from joining their coats on the ground - her whole body is shaking and desire is scorching through her veins.

She doesn't know how she has the energy and will, but she breaks their kiss and pulls away. But Killian doesn't let go of her, his lips find the delicate spot on her neck and when his tongue tastes her, goosebumps erupt on her skin. She's all but clings to Killian in order to not fall to the ground, and his strong arms tighten around her and hold her firm against him.

"Are we really making out in the Music Hall's closet?" she moans with difficulty.

"We could be on the moon for all I care," he notes cheerfully and still doesn't pull away from her.

Every fiber of her flesh is tingling and begging for release. "There's no oxygen on the moon," she replies and there isn't as much jest in her tone as she would have liked.

He leans close to her ear and whispers "If I'm kissing you, I usually forget to breathe anyway."

Emma doesn't have time to mock his cheesiness because their lips are dancing again and she feels like their bodies are molding into each other and their existence is nothing but an endless euphoria.

She knows she's unable to pull away now, that they could make love to each other right here, right now for all she cares - it doesn't matter if they get caught, the only thing she wants is to feel him, to taste him, to—

But Killian pulls away.

For a few moments, they just stare at each other while gasping for air. Maybe none of them believes how much their passion took over them, how it possessed their bodies and erased their common sense.

"She's not right, is she?" she looks up at him suddenly and her question squeezes her heart.

His eyes soften when they fall on her and strokes her swollen lip with his thumb. "You know, Swan, that book has been discarded, put on the free takeaway shelf and you found it. Now it's yours. If you want."

˘. . . ° . . . ˘

Killian knocks on the door quietly and cautiously. He wants to surprise Emma and hopes she would let him in. Considering that how quickly she wanted to leave the Music Hall after the incident with Aurora this afternoon - for which he doesn't blame Emma - the tour of the building was postponed and he is very sorry for the lost time they couldn't spend together. In part, that is why he's now here: he doesn't think he can endure one more night without her.

"Open!" he hears from the other side of the door.

He feels the desire he tried to suppress this afternoon to come to life just from hearing her voice. It's insane how much she affects him.

"Hey," he cracks the door open just enough so he can poke his head in. "Can I come in?"

"Killian!" her tone is colored with happiness. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to see you," he states and steps into the room, closing the door behind him carefully.

"Why?"

"We're dating, aren't we?" he asks playfully.

"In my old room?"

She told him about the burst pipe in her apartment complex and how she has moved back to her old room for the time being and "listen to the lovebirds being gross and overly cheerful all day." Killian thought he could stop by and distract her.

And besides, he really wanted to see her.

"The place doesn't matter. What matters is that we're together. After all, that's the point of dating. And I have a surprise for you," he declares as he takes off his messenger bag from his shoulder.

"What is it?"

"Do I detect a little curiosity on your expression?" he teases and sits down on the carpet, placing his bag in front of him.

"Maybe," she smiles.

"How was the rest of your day?"

"Are you seriously stalling now?"

"Aye, and until you answer, you won't know what's inside this bag," he pats the aforementioned object in his lap.

"It was good," she frowns and slips from her bed to settle in front of Killian on the carpet.

"In more details?"

"It was really good,"

"Swan!" he says her name warningly.

"Okay, fine," she gives in but crosses her arms in front of her chest defiantly. Killian glances at her with a smirk. "Mary Margaret offered me a temporary job at her new gallery and told me and David in detail how she wanted to furnish and decorate it. We start it tomorrow. It will be beautiful, I mean really. It will be just as mesmerizing and mysterious as her paintings. If we can do what Mary Margaret has envisioned, it will be amazing."

"When does she want to open?"

"After the charity ball. Did you know that she offered some of her paintings for the auction? She said it would be a masquerade ball. You didn't exactly mention this when we made the bet."

"I thought I still have time for that," he shrugs. In truth, he is now confident that he won't lose the bet. But if it will be the case...No, he doesn't want to finish that thought.

"Allegedly, it will be a pretty grandiose event," she tells him. "One or two of her paintings will function as decorations too. It's going to be a great advertising for the gallery. So we have two weeks to make Mary Margaret's dream come true."

"Do you think you would tolerate me popping in from time to time?" he peeks at her playfully.

"You want to help?" she asks in surprise.

Clearly, she doesn't assume that he would willingly muck about with all kinds of decorative elements and things, which is true, but that's not his goal anyway.

"Aye."

"Why?"

"Because then I get to be with you," he states simply.

A sweet smile creeps onto her lips and he can almost see the blush adorning her cheeks. "I don't think Mary Margaret would mind."

"Then it's settled," he nods, satisfied.

"Okay, now you can show me what you brought." Impatient, she clasps her hands together, resembling a child who is unable to wait for their present.

Killian suppresses a smile. "Patience is not one of your virtue, is it?" he can't help but laugh.

"No, so get used to it," she retorts with an identical smile.

He unzips his bag and takes out a few books. He bought them all at Belle's shop this afternoon and truth to be told, he needed some help with selecting them out. After retrieving the books, he pulls out a flash drive, a set of alcohol markers (in every color of the rainbow, not just black) from a smaller pocket.

Emma watches him with a frown.

"So here's everything," Killian starts. "Now we only need pants."

Emma still has no clue what he wants.

"We're going to make you a 'happy-jeans'," he announces triumphantly.

She lets out a bubbly laugh - Killian never heard her like this, so carefree and happy. Her laughter flows through his body and fills him soaring happiness.

Even though he expected some resistance from her, she doesn't protest at all at his idea. He insists that only those quotes can get on the jeans which he approves first. In turn, he has to concede that the colored markers will only be used to draw smileys and the black ones used for the texts.

"There's one I already found for you," he informs her when she lays out a still completely blank jeans on the floor. They sit cross-legged from another and Killian switches on his laptop to allow them to select lyric parts from the many songs he saved to the flash drive.

"If you like it, I'd love to have this on the jeans first," he continues and looks up at Emma a bit anxious, but she only smiles at him encouragingly so he quickly rambles on. "There can be miracles, when you believe. Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill."

"Okay," she nods with a smile and reaches for the markers.

Killian blows out a breath with relief - he was afraid of Emma's reaction.

"Will you dictate it?" she glances at him expectantly and that brilliant smile is still adorning her lips.

They laugh a lot while selection different quotes. Of course, Emma comes up with a couple of darker ones, but Killian vetos all of them. They spend hours reading through the lyrics and poetry Killian brought, sometimes out loud to entertain each other. Then when they eventually get tired, they sprawl on the floor side by side and continue to select through the songs.

Killian doesn't realize how quickly the time flew - it was dark outside when he arrived and it's still dark now. He simply doesn't glance at his watch because Emma takes up all of his attention. The way she laughs and goofs around, as she teases him again and again at his choice of music. He discovers that she has like a million faces, but he adores each of them equally.

"Done. My eyes feel like goo," she announces after she finishes writing a quote Killian chose. "Let's finish it tomorrow, okay?"

"So can I visit you tomorrow?" he asks with a grin.

"Of course," she replies, a secretive and playful smile is tugging at the corner of her lips. Their slow but sure relationship feels like they are teenagers again, but he enjoys every minute of it.

Killian is happy to see Emma like this. He always wants her to be this happy and cheerful. He believed he would do anything just to make her smile like this.

"Can I stay the night?" he asks suddenly. He really doesn't want to go home now, it's late, and if he stays, he can maybe comfort her when she has a nightmare. But on the other hand, he really doesn't want to push her, but sometimes he just can't help himself.

"I don't see why not," she grins.

"Wonderful," he smirks back at her.

Emma gets up from the floor reluctantly and steps to her bed. She pulls dark blue boy shorts and black tank top from under the plaid covering the blanket. "Turn around."

"Absolutely not," he shoots back.

"Killian!" she scowls at him.

"Just imagine that we are at the beach. I would see you in a bikini there."

"I don't go to beaches," she informs him brusquely.

Killian surrenders and turns away from her with a laugh. Of course, he can't help himself and a few moments later he takes a peek over his shoulder. Emma's just slipped out of her pants. Her back is to him, giving him a perfect view of her rounded arse and he can't stop his head from turning all the way to her.

Naturally, she chooses that exact same moment to test his chivalry and her eyes widen as he gets busted. "Killian!" she spins around, looking daggers at him.

Killian blinks up at her with an apologetic look. "I couldn't resist the temptation. And you have a magnificent ass."

Emma blushes and quickly pulls on her shorts. She turns away from him again and yanks off her shirt in a flash. He really, really wants to touch her back, to drag his fingers up her delicate skin.

A soft groan escapes his mouth at the thought and his name leaves her lips in a warning tone. But when she turns around in her black top to face him, she smiles. He shrugs his shoulders boyishly and tries very hard to look innocent.

She reaches behind her back to unclasp her bra and pulls it out from under her top. He eagerly drinks in the sight as the black fabric fits perfectly to her body. It doesn't escape his attention how her hard nipples straining against her top.

"I think it's better if I go to bed," she mutters slightly flustered and practically jumps under the blanket in an escape.

Killian collects the forgotten markers off the floor and places them neatly on her writing desk. He switches off the light and takes off his jeans and socks in the darkness. He opts out of pulling off his shirt too - it would be dangerous for him to be so close to Emma and feel her heated skin against his.

He climbs beside her on the bed with a shiver. She chose the side closer to the wall so he is left with the one closer to her door - he doesn't mind though, it's like he's protecting her, shielding her from the outside world. As if he is the only who knows she's here. As if she's his, and only his.

Emma turns her back to him and nestles close to him. Killian's body immediately reacts to her closeness. He doesn't move and tries to take a breath as slowly as possible. Maybe Emma will fall asleep and doesn't notice-

"I can't sleep like this," she whispers.

"Like what?" he asks back quietly

Emma suddenly turns around and strokes down his stomach until her palm lands on his erection. Killian tries to hold back a groan.

"Like that," she declares.

"Well, I can hardly be blamed for that," he claims in a hoarse voice. "Your proximity has this effect on me usually."

"Then maybe we should remedy this problem," she murmurs cheerfully and sits up.

"Swan?" his eyebrow is raised in silent query.

Emma turns to him and his eyes already got used to the darkness enough for him to be able to make out the playful glim in her eyes.

"Don't worry, we won't have sex," she states and Killian doesn't know if he's happy for it or not. Because if they do have sex tonight then there is the risk that she won't want anything more from him come next day, just like all the women before. He tries very hard not to think of that and tells himself that Emma is different...but the thought is always swimming in his head cunningly.

"Yesterday you forgot to ask me," she continues as she pulls the blanket off their bodies, " what I think is a really important question: how loud I am in bed. I'll tell you: very. And I'm not so sure that I want my family to hear us."

"Then…"

"Be quiet, Killian!" she chides him, but her tone is light and playful. For the time being, Killian has no idea what Emma has in mind.

"But…"

"Shut up," she commands firmly and grabs the hem of his shirt. Killian sits up and helps her yank off the material from his body. She gently places her hand on his chest and pushes him back to the bed. His obedience earns him a satisfied hum and when her dainty fingers stroke down his chest, a longing moan flutters into the air.

Emma bends her head and plants a careful, open-mouthed kiss on his skin. It is sweet and agonizing at the same time a shiver runs through Killian, the desire coursing through his veins makes his heart rate spike.

Her lips draw a tender and feverish trail from his collarbone down to his belly button - every kiss gives him pleasure and agony simultaneously. His breathing is starting to become shallow. When her tongue finally grazes his skin, he shudders at the touch. She seemingly takes pleasure in tasting him which sends a wave of jolt through his body.

When she reaches his boxer briefs she pulls away slightly and without hesitation, she tears down the material. Killian watches as her eyes fill with hunger. Her fingers close around his erection - her skin is so hot and her touch is so soft and exploratory that he feels he's going to explode.

Then she suddenly bends over him and places a soft kiss on his head. His body tenses.

"Swan, you don't have to…" his whisper is strained.

She interrupts him. "But I want to. As I said before, though maybe you don't remember it clearly," she notes playfully. "I like oral sex."

"But it's not fair that you…"

"You gifted me on Saturday, now let me return the favor," she cuts him off. "Be quiet!"

"I want to touch you," he says in a yearning tone.

"You can't," she shakes her head. "We both know where that would lead. I don't want that now, not like this with my family being here a couple of walls away."

"They won't hear a thing," he stresses, though he is not exactly sure of that. But he wants her so much.

"Maybe, but I don't want to risk it," she gives him a smile. "Now...shut...up." Her every word is followed by a kiss on his stomach for emphasis.

Killian stays quiet but can't get his eyes off Emma. He watches as she scoots further down on his body until she reaches his erection again and places soft and short kisses on his member. A shiver runs through him and his eyes follow her shakily as she takes him in her mouth deep. Again and again.

What he feels is not anything he had ever experienced before. Swells of pleasure are flooding through him and he thinks he's going to perish any second. "Swan, I'm going to…" he groans in a faraway tone. "Emma…"

But she doesn't pull away at his weak words and instead, tightens her lips around him. And that is the moment he can't take it anymore. Sweet and intense relief drowns him in waves and he feels he's going to fall apart. His hands grip the blanket convulsively and clenches his eyes shut, trying extremely hard not to let out a moan but nevertheless, some kind of blissful sound still escapes his lips.

When his body finally relaxes, Emma strokes his cock with her tongue one last time before pulling away. Killian is unable to open his eyes.

"Breathe, Killian," she warns him softly while her fingers gently caress his chest.

He only then realizes that he indeed held his breath back. He exhales shakily and glances up at her with awe. She gives him a smile, happy and satisfied. He knows what she's feeling - the same thing he felt on Saturday evening.

He grabs her hand and pulls her to him. Their lips press heatedly and hungrily to each other and he tries very hard to tell her everything he otherwise can't with the kiss. He believes Emma understands him. She knows how genuinely he admires her, how happy he is in this moment. That no one has ever made him feel this way before her. How magical it was. He tries to tell her so many things that words would not be enough.

Panting, they separate. Emma pulls back his boxer briefs and shakes her head no when tries to reach for his shirt on the floor. She strokes through his chest one more time before settling down beside him, but instead of turning her back to him, she curls up against him with her face nestled in his neck. She pulls the blanket over them and places a soft kiss against his collarbone before wishing him good night.

Killian places his right hand on her waist underneath the cover and stretches his left under her head, engulfing her in his embrace. He whispers a good night in her ear and he knows it will be a while until he falls asleep. He watches Emma for a while as she lets out soft snoring noises he finds adorable and slowly he dozes next to her, the feeling of her in his arms painting his dreams all through the night.

What do you think? I'd like to hear your thoughts :)