Author's note: Okay, so I've got a long chapter here that will hopefully make up for the short one. And not worry, this isn't the end of the story. Remain calm.

Disclaimer: Hell no.

Chapter 10

It felt like his heart had been ripped from his chest.

Killian had heard of such things. That the heart could removed and crushed, killing someone instantly. He had never seen it. But if this was what it felt like, then he never wanted to see it.

It was worse than when Liam had died. Because Liam's death had been final. His brother was gone from the world and there was no way to bring him back. Emma, on the other hand, was out there, somewhere, and had left him. He was sure she had her reasons, but they should be dealing with this together. But she hadn't trusted him enough, hadn't loved him enough to let him come with her. He'd follow her to the ends of the world, but it seemed that she didn't feel the same. He wanted to hate her so much for leaving, for not giving them a chance, but he couldn't. Killian could never hate the one he loved so much.

He stood at the helm, like he had for seeming hours now, unsure of what to do. His instincts told him to go after her, to find her and make her see reason. That they could get through this. But she'd asked him not to. She knew that's what he would want to do and she'd made it clear she didn't want him to follow her. Yet Killian couldn't shake the feeling that wherever she was, Emma needed him.

"Cap'n?"

Killian sighed heavily. He still hadn't forgiven his first mate for helping Emma off the ship. "What is it, Mr. Smee?"

"Um, sir, this...bird arrived. I think it's looking for the princess."

Killian's brow knitted in irritation. Another reminder that Emma wasn't where she belonged, at his side. "And what am I supposed to do with some bloody bird that's lost its way?"

"Well, there's a message attached, sir. It has the princess's seal."

Killian frowned, snatching the bird—a dove in this case—from Smee and tucking it carefully under his arm to untie the message. As soon as the scroll fell into the palm of his hand, the bird flew off, its mission completed.

Killian shooed Smee away, then broke the seal on the scroll. His hands were shaking. What if it was from her parents? What if it was from her? Telling him she never wanted to see him again or worse, that she was dead and gone from the world. Only one way to find out. He took a deep steadying breath and unrolled the message. As he read it, he didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.

Dearest Emma,

You can imagine our relief when we received your message. Your father has been searching everywhere for you, while I remain here hoping against hope that you'll come home. He blames himself, even though I am just as much to blame. For not fighting harder for your happiness. For that we are sorry.

I understand your reluctance to see us. We behaved abominably and rightly deserve your censure. But please, Emma. We just want to know that you are truly happy. If you've found such happiness with the...pirate...well, I trust your judgment, Emma. As much as it pains me to admit it, you have grown to become a wonderful and astute young woman. You are no longer my little girl and your life is your own.

If you can find it in you to forgive us, please come. We'll be at the tavern in Cornwall on Tuesday next. A neutral site away from prying eyes, where you can bring your pirate. I'd like to get to know him better. I promise your father will be on his best behavior.

Please Emma. We miss you and we love you.

With hope,

Mother

Killian must have read the blasted message nearly twenty times, hoping to make some sense out of it. The sentiments were not unlike those in the King's letter they had intercepted a few days ago. Gods, had it only been a few days? It felt like a lifetime ago. But there was no mention of the Dark One or his attack on their kingdom. It was very strange. Was it a trick? Were they in trouble, already under the Dark One's control? Emma was already gone, but something definitely wasn't right. Nothing added up. Killian warred with himself for a long time. He couldn't shake the feeling that Emma needed him. Maybe this was what it was? To look after her parents, to let them know what had become of her. Why did he even care? The King and Queen had sentenced Killian to death; he owed them nothing. In fact, if he showed up without Emma, they'd probably arrest him or kill him on the spot. And without Emma, he just might let them.

She would want you to go, the voice that sounded suspiciously like Emma reminded him. You need to find out the truth.

Killian rolled up the message and shoved it in his pocket. "Mr. Smee!" he called.

The still half frightened man came running. "Yes, Cap'n?"

"What day is it?"

"Monday, I believe, sir."

Monday. They could be to Cornwall by tomorrow afternoon. Then perhaps he could get some answers.

The tavern was much cleaner than the establishments Killian was used to frequenting. Which was to be expected, considering the royalty that awaited him. He came armed, just in case. He didn't think Emma's absence was going to earn him any favors, but as he'd thought about it in his bunk the night before...he realized he had common ground with the King and Queen. They all wanted Emma to be happy. Surely, they would agree that Emma's chosen course was not a happy one.

He looked around the tavern, his blue eyes seeking the green ones that looked so like Emma's. He found them in a far corner, a hood almost completely obscuring the Queen's face. Her husband sat next to her nursing a tankard of ale. They seemed nervous. Now or never, Jones.

Killian strode across the room, plucking a tankard of his own off one of the bar wench's trays. When she huffed at him, he tossed her an extra copper to make amends. In laws or not, he was still a pirate, albeit an honorable one.

"Is this seat taken?" he asked quietly, stopping in front of the little table.

Snow White's green eyes locked with his, then flickered behind him curiously, hopefully. She visibly deflated when she realized Emma wasn't there.

King David had no such restraint. "Where is our daughter, pirate?"

Killian sat on the bench across from the royal couple. "Might want to say that a little louder, mate. I don't think they heard you in Neverland."

Snow placed a hand on her husband's arm. "You'll have to forgive my husband, Captain. It's been...difficult since Emma ran away."

"Aye. That is a feeling I know all too well."

David swallowed, trying to regain control of his temper. "What would you know about family, pirate?"

Killian scowled. "As you're Emma's father, I'll let that particular insinuation go, your highness. But I'd warn you not to test my patience again."

"David," Snow said warningly. She turned back to Killian. He could see the strain that Emma's flight had put on her. The Queen was still beautiful, despite the worry lines around her eyes and mouth, the dark circles under those green eyes. He could see so much of Emma in her face; it made his chest ache. "Please, Captain. We just wish to speak to her. We need to know she's alright."

Killian took a long pull from his tankard, steeling himself. This was not going to be pleasant. "I would love to accommodate you, your majesty. But Emma's not here."

"Not here? Is she on your ship? Is very angry with us?" Snow sounded on the edge of panic. David put a protective arm around her, the hood slipping down.

"Emma was never angry with you, highness." Killian smiled at the memory of Emma's defiance. "Okay, perhaps a little. She just didn't understand why her parents, who had found love for themselves were forcing her to marry someone she didn't love."

"And you're saying she loves you? A pirate?" David spat.

"You were a shepherd, if memory serves," Killian retorted.

David looked shocked. "How did you...?"

"Emma told me. She told me all about your story. How it inspired her, how much she wanted that for herself." Killian looked away, pain lancing through his chest. "I want what you want. I just want to make her happy."

Snow frowned. "What's happened, Captain?"

"Emma's gone. She slipped off my ship almost two days ago. I think..." Killian swallowed against the sudden lump in his throat. "I think she's gone to the Dark One."

"The Dark One? Why?"

"We found this on board a merchant ship almost a week ago." Killian pulled out the letter that Emma had left, the one from her father. As he watched the King and Queen read it, his worst fears were confirmed. The letter was a forgery. A very cleverly written forgery. Written with just enough truth to make it seem real.

"I didn't write this," David said, a bit helplessly. "I mean, it sounds like me, but I didn't write this."

"So you're not ready to welcome the pirate into the family?" Killian said, his biting tone giving away his anxiety. Emma was still alive. He'd know if she were dead. He would. Even from where she jumped ship, it would still take some time to get to the Dark One's castle overland.

David moved faster than Killian would have given him credit for, given the king's age. The dagger pierced Killian's sleeve right next to his brace. "How do we know you didn't just make all this up? How do we know that Emma's not dead already?"

Killian didn't move or back down, just staring the King in the eye. Killian could see the concern for Emma, the guilt that drove the King and made him a bit irrational. "Do you know why I became a pirate, mate?" When David didn't answer, Killian continued. "A king, much like you, ordered me and my brother to procure a poison to fight his enemies. Only we were told it was healing plant, that we would be saving lives. When that poison killed my brother, my captain, I swore vengeance. I took our Navy's flagship and turned her into a pirate ship, unwilling to rest until those responsible for my brother's death paid dearly. It consumed my life, nearly bloody destroyed me, until I met Emma. She brought me back, reminded me of who I once was. I'm not asking you to trust me, your highness. I'm asking you to trust her."

David stared at Killian with wide eyes, as if seeing the pirate for the first time. Slowly, he pulled back, bringing the dagger with him. "I had a brother, a twin. You would have liked him, I think."

"Was he devilishly handsome like me?"

David smiled ruefully. "No, more like selfish and out for himself."

"I guess we'll just have to see about that." Killian couldn't force David to trust him. He couldn't will the King to believe that he loved Emma with all his heart and would die before he saw any harm come to her. The only thing he could do was show him.

Snow looked between them, wondering if she needed to step in and soothe egos. When both men settled into an uneasy silence, she spoke. "You're going after her, aren't you?"

Killian nodded. "Yes. She asked me not to, but I think we both know how stubborn Emma can be." He'd been right. He did like Snow, when she wasn't ordering his death.

Snow smiled ruefully. "Yes, she is that. We're coming with you."

"Milady, I'm not sure that's a good..."

"We're her parents," Snow cut in firmly. "We made a terrible mistake and we—I—want the chance to make it right. And I think you'll find I'm rather good at sneaking into places."

Killian considered that. He was sure now that Emma was headed to the Dark One's palace. She'd told him as much when they'd quarreled. Breaking in would be no small feat. And they had just as much right to go after their daughter as he did. "Very well. We'll take the Jolly as close as we can."

"Sailing? Are you sure that's wise?" David cut in.

Killian bristled at the implied insult. "She's made of enchanted wood, mate. Fastest ship in all the realms. It might be our only chance to beat her there."

"Whatever you think is best, Captain," Snow said, getting to her feet.

"Snow, you can't seriously be considering this," David argued.

"I'm going, David. You can stay if want." It looked like it pained her to say it; Killian took it that the couple didn't quarrel often. Much like he and Emma.

"That's not what I meant."

Snow's face softened. "This is the life our daughter chose," she said gently. "We have to trust that we raised her as best we could and that she knows what she wants. I...I don't want my baby to hate us forever, David."

A silent tear slipped down the Queen's cheek. Killian got up, looking away as her husband stood and hugged her close. "We raise anchor in a half hour," he said quietly to David. He saw the other man nod curtly, his face a mask of pain and sadness. Killian exited the tavern and headed straight for the Jolly, ignoring the dull throb in his leg. He began giving orders as soon as he stepped on board, to prepare for their guests and the upcoming journey.

Twenty five minutes later, Snow and David stepped up the gangplank, each with a pack and bedroll. Snow had a bow and full quiver, while David carried a broadsword. If Killian hadn't known better, he would have taken them for a simple village couple. There was no trace of royalty in the way they were dressed.

"I haven't worn this in years," Snow said apologetically. "I'm surprised it still fits."

"Even dressed like a bandit, you were the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen," David replied fondly.

Seeing them together, knowing that Emma should be here with them, with him, made Killian's heart clench. Because he felt the same way about his princess that David felt about his. Maybe one day he and the King could come to some kind of understanding.

Snow squeezed David's hand, then turned to Killian. "Now, Captain, is there anything else you need from us? Anywhere we need to be? Or do?"

"No, milady. Now that you're aboard, I'll have the crew shove off. Let me just..." He got cut off by a seizing pain in his chest, right where his heart was. Killian staggered, hand pressed to his chest. It was agony, worse than when he'd lost his hand.

Only one word flashed in his mind. Emma.

Killian barely registered Snow kneeling beside him, hand skimming his forehead for fever. Just as quickly as it came, the pain was gone. But it left an echo, a hollowness in it wake.

"What the bloody hell was that?"

"I know." It was David, looking grim. Killian locked eyes with the King and knew he wouldn't like his next words. "It's Emma. She's been put under a sleeping curse."

Next to Killian, Snow let out a soft anguished gasp. "David, are you sure?"

The King looked at his wife apologetically. "The same thing happened to me when Regina asked you to eat the apple. And I just knew something had happened to you. Something bad."

"You never told me."

"Well, I woke you up. It didn't seem important anymore."

Killian staggered to his feet, grabbing the King by the collar. "What. Is. Going. On. With. Emma?"

"What's going on, pirate, is that my daughter's been cursed by Rumplestiltskin," David spat. "And if you feel the way I pray you do, then you are the only one who can save her."

It had been nearly two days since they'd left Cornwall. Nearly forty eight hours of agony. But the Jolly was going as fast as she could; not even the fastest ship in all the realms could teleport. He'd been such a fool to think they had time to catch up to Emma before she did something rash. She must have stolen horses all the way from where she'd come ashore to Rumplestiltskin's domain. Killian cursed his detour to treat with her parents; if he'd just gone after her, he might have been able to reach her in time.

But then, he'd have been going in blind. The Dark One was the most powerful sorcerer in the Enchanted Forest; everyone lived in fear of him. He had no idea what the Dark One wanted with Emma, but it had to be a good sign that she'd just been cursed, as opposed to murdered like Killian had originally feared. That was until Snow had explained about the effects of the sleeping curse. It gave the appearance of death from the outside, but inside...it was a netherworld filled with fire and pain. And it could only be invoked willingly. That meant, Emma had done it on purpose. Rumplestiltskin could only have invoked the most compelling of threats to ensure Emma did what he wanted. And Killian was under know illusions as to what that threat had been.

"I will find you, Emma," Killian swore quietly, standing in the bow of his ship. "I will bring you home, Dark One be damned."

"You really do love her, don't you?"

Killian turned; David stood a short distance away, hand on the hilt of his sword. "Come to challenge me to a duel, mate?"

"You didn't answer my question."

"Aye. I love her. More than I ever thought possible."

"Why didn't you let her come home?"

"Highness, I think you and I both know that Emma doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do. When she found that letter, I begged her to let me take her home, that we would find you and work this out. If at any point, she'd have asked to return to you, I would have brought her to you. She was afraid of what your reaction would be."

For a moment, Killian thought the King would start crying, but the moment passed as quickly as it came. "I'm counting you, pirate. Be the hero she thinks you are."

A hero's journey. That's what he'd said to Liam when they'd gone after the Dreamshade. Perhaps he'd been right after all, it had just taken longer than he'd expected. And this time, he wouldn't fail.

They crept through the forest, weapons raised. To Killian's surprise, the Queen insisted that she be allowed to lead, as she had the most experience in tracking and scouting. Killian thought about arguing, but after seeing that steely jade glare, so like Emma's, he'd relented. And been pleasantly surprised. Emma had told him about her mother, the princess turned bandit. But it was another thing to see her in action. The years had not diminished her skills; she moved silently through the forest, much like a cat. David and Killian followed in her wake, mindful of twigs and the falling autumn leaves. Killian's leg was throbbing dulling, but he ignored it. He wasn't still quite fully healed from his encounter with the arrow, but he had to be strong. Emma was counting on him.

Snow White held up her hand, signaling for them to stop. The three of them waited with baited breath for whatever it was that had made the Queen pause. Through the underbrush, Killian could just make out a patrol of about five men, all wearing the Dark One's livery. Once they passed, Snow urged them forward, the castle looming ahead of them.

The foundations were coated in ivy, hanging thickly from the walls, clearly meant to cover a hidden entrance of some kind. It was a tactic Killian had seen before.

"So where's the door?" he asked quietly.

"How do you know..." David began, but he got cut off by his wife.

"There's a door," she said, equally quietly. "This castle used to belong to a friend of my father's, King Edward. The Dark One took it over when the old king died without an heir."

"That's how he became all high and mighty," Killian grumbled.

"Indeed," Snow agreed. "If I remember correctly, the door is this way." She led them to the left, occasionally pausing to part the ivy in search of the mysterious door.

"Snow, are you sure?" David asked. "I mean, you were a child then..."

She glared at her husband, who promptly closed his mouth. Killian could sense the anxiety coming from the King; he felt it too. Every moment he thought about Emma in that hellish fiery room, he felt like he was going to throw up. She's done that for him, he knew she did. Threatening loved ones was a classic tactic, something Killian had indulged in in the past. It made him sick to his stomach now.

"Here it is." All three of them stopped. Snow and David carefully pulled the ivy away, revealing the heavy oak door. Killian reached for the handle, but the Queen yanked back on his hand. "It's probably booby trapped. Let me." She drew her bow, knocking an arrow. The Queen stepped back a few paces, drew the arrow back expertly and let it fly. The door erupted in magical flames, which would have burned them alive.

"Thank you, highness," Killian said.

Snow gave him a rueful smile. "At some point, you're going to have to start calling me Snow." David huffed behind her derisively. Killian decided that this wasn't really the time to tell them about the other title Killian could be calling them. That could wait until they saved Emma.

Killian reached out again for the door, turning the knob. It was locked. He jammed his hook into the mechanism; there was no finesse, just brute force as he pried it open. Turning the knob again, the door swung open, admitting them to the darkness.

"Do you think we should split up?" David asked as the door closed behind them.

"No, that would just give Rumplestiltskin the chance to pick us off one by one, mate," Killian said.

"Is there someone there?" a somewhat timid voice called. "Please. Help me."

Killian was tempted to ignore it—it could be a trap, after all—but David was already lighting a torch. As the King got closer to the sound of the voice, he stopped short. "Baelfire?"

"K-k-king David?" the young man asked incredulously. "What are you doing here?"

"We're here to rescue my daughter Emma. Do you know where she is?"

Baelfire shook his head. "I'm...not sure. She punched me. She begged me to let her go and when I wouldn't she punched me!"

"Good for her," Killian said, stepping into the light. "Now tell us everything you know about my princess and maybe we'll consider helping you."

Baelfire stepped back, disgusted. "You're a pirate."

"Observant," Killian said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "You were going to marry your only daughter to this, Dave?"

David looked like he wanted to slug Killian for the informal address, but then thought better of it. Snow stepped between them. "Have you seen Emma, Baelfire?" she asked kindly, but determined. "We just want to bring her home."

"I'm not answering anything around him." The young man gestured violently at Killian. "Pirates can't be trusted."

Killian's patience snapped, his jaw clenching. "As Emma's husband, I assure you I can be trusted. Now where is my wife?"

Both Snow and David looked stunned. "Did you say wife?" David exclaimed.

Killian ignored them. It was not his preferred way of them finding out, but the longer Emma was under the Dark One's curse, the more angry and scared he got. He had to find her and bring her back.

"You're her husband? She told me about you." Killian merely raised an impatient brow at the young man, waiting for him to continue. "I don't know where she is exactly. She showed up here and I brought her to the dungeons as my father asked. I wasn't supposed to talk to her, but I couldn't help myself. Later, I found out the she had escaped and went looking for her and my father. I found them in the vault, the one I'm usually forbidden to enter. She pleaded with me to let her go and when I didn't, she hit me. I don't know what happened after that. I woke up down here."

"We have reason to believe your father put Emma under a sleeping curse."

Baelfire shook his head. "No. He wouldn't do that."

"Just like he wouldn't lock his own son up?" Killian shot back.

"I...I..." But Baelfire appeared to be at a loss for words. Killian knew it was hard to have the image you had of your father shattered right in front of your eyes. What it felt like to have that father betray you, his own flesh and blood. But he had more important things to worry about.

"Can you help us get to that vault, Baelfire?"

The young man's eyes flitted between the three of them for a few moments, then he nodded. Killian worked the lock on his cell, freeing him. He silently decided to keep an eye on the boy, still not certain this wasn't some elaborate ruse by the Dark One.

The quartet left the dungeons, Baelfire leading, through the maze that was the Dark One's castle. They saw hardly anyone, which struck Killian as suspicious. Although, who would willingly visit the Dark One? It didn't seem like he kept much in the way of staff either. What could have it been like to grow up in such an environment? No wonder Baelfire seemed like such a sniveling whiny brat. Which, incidentally, was also why Killian didn't really trust him.

"You married her?" David hissed as they crept through the hall, pulling Killian out of his thoughts.

"Is this really the place you want to have this conversation, mate?"

"I can't believe it."

"Well, believe it. I'm a ship captain and can marry anyone I like."

"You're a pirate."

Killian rounded on David. "I asked Emma to marry me because I want to spend my life with her. I know this may be a difficult concept for you to grasp, but she said yes. Feel free to take it up with her once we've saved her, my lord."

David's jaw clenched. "I should have been there."

"If it makes you feel better, she wanted you there."

Killian turned back around, moving quickly to catch up to the others. He breathed a sigh of relief when he heard David following him. He didn't have the patience to deal with the man's bruised ego right now.

Baelfire stopped in front of a large oaken door. "This is it." The young man was shaking, clearly the stress was getting to him. Stress from fear of his father's wrath or stress from trying not to get caught...well, that remained to be seen.

Killan and David both drew their swords. "That was far too easy."

"I agree," David replied.

Baelfire scowled. "Do you want my help opening the door or not?"

"Go ahead," Snow said encouragingly.

Baelfire nodded and reached one of Snow's arrows. Killian eyes him suspiciously, watching as he pricked his finger with the tip and brushed it against the stone. Nothing happened.

"I don't understand. It's supposed to work..."

"Looks like Papa took away your key," Killian snarked, getting more and more anxious.

"We should all try," Snow said briskly. She promptly repeated the gesture with her own finger, but the door remained firmly closed. Not until Killian pressed his bloody palm to the door did it open.

"Bloody hell..." It made no sense, but he wasn't about to argue. He stepped through the door, Snow and David following. No sooner were all three of them inside, than the door snapped closed. "I knew it. I knew that boy would betray us!"

"I could have sworn he was right behind me," David argued. But he was interrupted by his wife.

"Captain," Snow said quietly. "Look."

Killian turned his eyes to where Snow was pointing. Up on a dais, under a halo of light, lay Emma. She looked peaceful, her head laying on a soft purple pillow, her shirt and breeches replaced by a golden gown. All he had to do was get to her and she'd be with him again.

Killian was moving before he could even think. He ran across the vault, weaving through Rumplestiltskin's collection as if his life depended on it. Until he was abruptly brought to a halt, unable to move a muscle.

"The knight has come to rescue his princess, I see," a voice that could be none other than Rumplestiltskin said. "I've been expecting you, Captain."

Killian felt the force that was holding him loosen, just enough for him to speak. "Fight me fair, demon," he spat.

"Ah, yes." Suddenly, Rumplestiltskin appeared in front of him. Killian tried to flinch, but couldn't. The green scaly look of the monster unsettling, even to him. "You and your precious good form. I've heard all about that."

"It's always nice to make an impression."

"Yes, well, we'll see just how good your impression is, Captain. If you can defeat me, I'll let you have your princess."

"Killian!" Snow shouted. "Don't!" Killian caught sight of Snow and David prowling around them in a circle, weapons raised, even though they would be useless against the imp. But Killian knew he didn't have any other choice.

"Very well. Crocodile." He looked at Emma one last time, just in case. No matter what happened, he couldn't bring himself to regret the decisions that brought him here. Emma was worth it.

Abruptly, Killian could move again, nearly losing his balance as he regained the use of his body. He turned wildly, searching for the Dark One, who reappeared in a purple puff of smoke, armed this time with a sword.

"Shall we, dearie?"

The imp moved faster than Killian could blink; he parried the blow just in time. Rumplestiltskin was stronger than he expected—fueled by magic no doubt—and not unskilled with a blade. How much of that was the man and how much was the magic was anybody's guess. It was all Killian could do to keep up; still, he was slowly giving ground, doing just enough to keep the blade away from his throat. His bad leg hindered him, made it more difficult to change direction. He could see David and Snow out of the corner of his eye, looking worried.

"Don't interfere!" he shouted at them. "He'll kill Emma if you do!"

"Wise advice, pirate," Rumplestiltskin sing songed.

Swords clashed and clanged, sparks flying, as they went back and forth. Killian got the impression that Rumplestiltskin was merely toying with him, waiting for just the right moment to finish him. Killian surged forward, spinning on his heel, coat twirling, raining down blows thick and fast, trying desperately to find an opening. To his surprise, he found one, plunging the sword directly into the Dark One's heart.

Snow White screamed.

Killian looked down and saw Rumplestiltskin's arm sticking out of his chest; he could suddenly feel the fingers squeezing his heart.

"No mortal weapon can kill me, pirate," Rumplestiltskin spat. "As for you on the other hand..."

Killian screamed in pain as fingers squeezed his heart once again. He could vaguely hear Snow and David yelling, pleading, not for his life, but for Emma's, knowing that Killian was the only person who could wake her from the curse.

"No, I prefer the princess right where she is. And when the time comes, I'll have what is mine."

Killian sucked in a breath, his last thoughts of Emma. I'm so sorry I failed you, my love. Forgive me.

"STOP!"

Four heads turned to look. Baelfire stepped into the circle, looking a bit frightened but determined. Killian felt Rumplestiltskin's grasp on his heart loosen a fraction as the imp watched his boy, a look of astonishment on his face.

"Bae...son, what are you doing?"

"Something I should have done a long time ago. Let him go, Papa."

"I'm doing this for us, son. You have to trust me."

Baelfire shook his head. "No, Papa. You're doing this for you. Look at these people! All they want is the person they love back. Wouldn't you want the same if it were me? I trusted you. But you...you didn't trust me, Papa. Please. I'm begging you. Let him go."

Rumplestiltskin took a step back and suddenly Killian could breathe again. He stood up, backing as far away from the Dark One as he could. Baelfire walked up to his father and hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry, Papa. I hope one day you can forgive me."

"Oh, Bae..." Rumplestiltskin tried to move, but he was encased in an ethereal glow. "Bae! What have you done?"

Baelfire turned to Killian. "Go now. I'm not sure how long the squid ink will hold him. Go."

Killian stared at them for only a heartbeat longer, then ran. He ran up to the dais, coming up short at the slab on which Emma lay. "I love you, Emma," he whispered, his good hand skimming over the apple of her cheek. He leaned over her and gently pressed his lips to hers, praying that their love was strong enough.

He staggered back at the rush of magic, almost tripping. He righted himself and dashed back up the steps. "Emma..."

Her eyelids fluttered for a moment, then she saw him, green clashing with blue. "You came for me," she said, awestruck.

"Does that surprise you?"

Emma smiled. "No."

Killian closed the gap, kissing her again and again, even though there was no longer a curse to be broken. He never wanted to be without her again.

"You should come with us," Snow White said.

Baelfire shook his head. "I may be the only person who can try and reason with him. I'm through running, now that I see him for what he really is."

"Just...be careful," Snow said worriedly. "But if not...our home is always open to you."

"Thanks."

"Thank you, Baelfire. I will find some way to repay you," Killian said, arm wrapped tightly around Emma.

"Just be good to each other, alright?"

"Emma, Captain? We need to get going," David called.

"You heard the man, love," he whispered to Emma. Killian nodded once more at Baelfire, before helping Emma onto the horse. He climbed up after her, wanting her where he could see her. Killian nodded smartly at David and the three horses took off up the trail, toward the Jolly Roger and home.

When they got back to the ship, Killian reluctantly released Emma into the custody of her parents while he put them out to sea. He set a course for Emma's kingdom; there was no reason to avoid it any longer. And after her ordeal, he thought she'd like to spend time somewhere familiar. He had no idea what would happen now. Now that her parents knew about them, and could hardly deny what Killian and Emma meant to each other...what did the future hold? Killian didn't know; all he really cared about right then was having Emma back in his arms as quickly as possible.

He left the helm in the charge of Mr. Smee and went down to where Emma sat with her parents. She was a bit red in the face and had that stubborn look she got when she was angry.

"Is everything alright?" he asked, putting his hand and hook on Emma's shoulders.

"Everything's fine," Emma said tiredly. "But I think Ishould go change, maybe get some sleep. I'm exhausted."

"Of course, sweetheart."

Emma hugged each of her parents—David's hug was a little stiff—and took Killian's hand. He followed her wordlessly, shutting the door firmly when they got to their cabin. He shrugged off his coat, tossing it carelessly aside. Once they were finally alone, he wrapped her tightly in his arms and kissed her the way he's wanted to every since she'd woken up.

"Gods, love. You bloody well nearly scared me to death. Please don't ever do anything like that again," he mumbled between kisses, holding her firmly to his chest. "I can't lose you."

Emma looked up at him apologetically. "I'm sorry, Killian. I am so sorry. I was stupid and naive. I should have listened to you."

She looked so sad and worried, as if afraid that he wouldn't forgive her. "Darling, you have a good heart, a kind heart. You did what you felt was right. It took a lot of courage to face the Dark One like that."

"But it was all a trick."

"He took advantage of your kindness, your compassion. That is not your fault." Gently, Killian guided them to the desk chair, where he drew her into his lap. "What did he want with you anyway? He said when the time was right he'd get what was his. Most curious."

Emma swallowed uncomfortably, not looking him in the eye. "Emma, look at me." She obeyed. "You know you can tell me anything. I'll love you just the same."

"Rumplestiltskin says I have magic."

"What?"

"That's what my reaction was. But...but it's true, Killian." She paused, as if searching for the right words. "That's what he wanted to do...take my magic. He chained me to a table and did a spell, only it didn't work. So he got angry and...oh gods, he tried to take my heart." Killian's jaw clenched as he hugged her close, knowing exactly what that felt like.

"But you're...alright. Here in front of me, healthy and whole."

"Only because I...did something. Killian, I don't know what it was. There was this burst of light and then he was gone, thrown away from me somehow." She paused again. "Whatever it was destroyed the shackles too. I tried to run, but Baelfire...he wouldn't get out my way."

"Aye, he told us about that. I'd say you acquitted yourself quite well there, lass."

"Not that it did much good. His father found me shortly after. And gave me a choice."

"My life or the sleeping curse," Killian finished for her. "Oh love, I'm so sorry you went through that for me."

Emma caught his face in her hands. "It was worth it. You're worth it." She pressed her lips to his. "And our child it worth it."

She'd said it so softly, he thought he was hearing things. "Our what?"

"I was going to wait to tell you, but...I don't want to waste anymore time. We're going to have a baby, Killian."

Killian didn't think he'd ever been more stunned in his life. It had been something they'd talked about—and done nothing to prevent—but the reality was...more overwhelming than he'd imagined. He was going to be a father.

"Killian?" Emma asked, worrying her lip between her teeth. "Please say something. You're scaring me."

He shook his head to clear it, finally focusing on her with a huge smile on his face. "I love you, Emma. Gods, I love you so much." Abruptly, he got to his feet, keeping her firmly in his arms and spun her around, a joyous laugh tumbling from his lips.

Emma smiled in relief, laughing right along with him. When he stilled, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You know, for a minute there, I was a bit worried about how you felt. About the baby."

"Just a bit overwhelmed is all." He sat them back in the chair, brushing a kiss across her forehead. "Is it really true? Am I going to be a father, Emma?"

"When Rumplestiltskin tried to take my magic, the spell didn't work. Our baby protected me. Plus I have all the signs; I was too worried about the Dark One to see them for what they were. But I'm really pregnant."

Killian leaned his forehead against hers. "I can't believe I nearly lost you. Both of you."

"I'm never leaving you again."

"Good, I wouldn't want to have to chain you to the bed, love."

Emma gave him a mischievous grin, squirming a bit in his lap, causing his blood to run south. "Oh I don't know. That idea might have some merit."

Killian gave her a weary grin of his own. "Perhaps another time, darling. We have the little one to think of now." This was completely uncharted territory for him.

"I'm not an expert, but I think we'll be good for a while, a few months at least." Emma leaned forward, brushing her lips against his. "I missed you, Killian."

Killian let out a slightly strangled moan, knowing exactly what she was doing. And gods, he had missed her. Missed everything about her. She squirmed even more in his lap, her lips brushing over his jaw. "Emma, love..."

"I dreamt about you," she said, lips next to his ear now. "I wanted you so much. I should never have left you. Let me make it up to you, Killian."

A shiver ran down his spine. He tangled his hand in her hair, dragging her lips back to his, kissing her thoroughly. "Gods, yes," he murmured. He wanted to take care of her, keep her wrapped in his arms and never let her go. But he needed this as well, needed to feel her touch. This was the way they communicated best.

Killian curled his hooked arm around her waist, pulling her closer, urging her to straddle his hips in the narrow chair. Her golden dress bunched around her thighs as she pressed her body against his. Killian buried his face in her chest, kissing and sucking at soft swells of her breasts. He was sure it was far too early to tell, but he knew this part of her that he so adored would be getting even bigger in the months ahead, something he was definitely looking forward to. Killian slid his hand and hook up her legs, underneath her thighs to the firm flesh of her ass. He squeezed, hook tearing at the cloth at that covered her there.

"Missed you so much, love. Gods, I just need to feel you," he breathed, mouth leaving a wet trail over her exposed skin.

Emma clawed at his shoulders, rocking her hips in his lap, grinding against his still clothed cock. "Killian..." Fingers dove into his hair, tugging on it sharply. "I need you in me. Please."

"Soon, love." He brought his hook to the valley of her breasts, tearing through the material of her gown, ripping the layers of cloth from her body. As soon as they could they were burning that dress. He never wanted to see it again. Killian latched his lips to a puckered nipple, suckling vigorously at the flesh, drawing it gently between his teeth. Emma keened loudly, back arching.

"That's it, Emma," Killian growled. "Let me hear you." He didn't care if the whole ship heard them. They'd been through a hell of an ordeal and this was how they celebrated being together. Let the whole world hear just how good he made his love feel.

He supported her with his braced arm, mouth still firmly attached to her breast as his good hand pulled and twisted at its twin. Emma bucked in his hold, jolts of pure want racing down her spine. He could feel the heat of her against his pants, her soaked folds rubbing against his erection as she searched desperately for friction. The look of her naked and writhing in his arms was almost enough to make him come undone. She was so beautiful, warm and alive, and back in his arms where she belonged.

"Killian," Emma gasped, her voice cracking. "I need..."

"What do you need, Emma? Tell me."

"Gods, I need to come. Pleas just let me come."

He'd rarely heard her so crude, and he was helpless to resist her. Killian trailed his hand down her still flat stomach to the apex of her thighs. "Fuck, you are so bloody soaked." Gently, he slipped his fingers through her folds, teasing her entrance before moving back up to her swollen clit. He rubbed at her with his thumb, holding her more firmly as she started to shake and tremble, an endless litany of breathless moans spilling from her lips. "Come," he growled against her skin.

Emma cried out, nails digging into his linen shirt as the spasms wracked her body. He loved watching her come undone for him; she was exquisite, his own personal goddess. He finally pulled away when she went still, the only movement her heaving chest as she gasped for air.

Killian only gave her a moment's rest before picking her up and depositing her bodily on the desk. He tore at his own clothes, needing what she had wanted earlier, needing to bury himself in her warm willing body. He sighed in relief as his cock sprang free of its confines, stroking it firmly as he stepped up to her. He nudged her legs apart with his hook as he loomed over her, leaning down to nuzzle her hair. "Do you still want me, Emma? Do you still need me inside you?" he asked in a low seductive voice.

Emma leaned her head back, lifting her eyes to his, the pupils still blown wide with lust. "Fuck me, Captain."

Killian groaned, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. "As you wish, princess." He had her lean back, using her forearms for support, as he pushed her legs open wider. He dragged her to the edge of the desk, rubbing the head of his cock against her sodden flesh before finding her entrance and sinking inside her. She was so wet he slid in easily, all the way to the hilt. "Fuck." He couldn't properly describe what it felt like to be in her; he just knew he craved it the way he once craved vengeance.

Killian braced his hand and hook on either side of her hips and pulled back until just the tip of him remained. Then he thrust in quickly, deeply, not letting up, taking her again and again and again, loving the moans and curses that spilled from her filthy mouth. Her eyes were closed, head thrown back in ecstasy. He bent down to latch his lips to her throat, eagerly sucking a mark at her pulse point.

"Look at me, love," he commanded, still thrusting deeply into her. It was taking all his concentration not to come, wanting her to fall over the edge a second time. Emma lifted her head, looking at him with hooded eyes. "I want you to watch. Watch me fuck you, Emma. Watch my cock disappear inside you. Tell me how that feels."

Emma bit back a groan, chewing on her lip. He knew the moment she'd done as he asked, her walls contracting around him involuntarily. "So good, Killian," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "You always feel so good. So thick and long and full. Gods, I feel so full when you're in me."

"Fuck..." Her words went straight to his groin, making his hips jerk in response.

Emma moaned loudly, body shivering. "Oh fuck. Again."

Now that he'd rediscovered her sweet spot, Killian was relentless, his thrusts hard and deep, words completely lost now. All there was was primal need and desire. A desire to reclaim her as his. Emma screamed out his name as her climax struck, walls strangling him, body shaking, voice raw. Killian pushed through it, drawing it out until his own climax washed over him in a rush, spilling his seed inside her with two deep thrusts.

They each collapsed against the desk; Emma's head hitting with a soft thump. Killian winced through his labored breaths, his leg aching just a bit from all the vigorous activity. But he ignored it in favor of listening to Emma's slowing heartbeat, a reminder that she really was back with him. She wasn't a dream; she was very real.

They stayed that way, Emma stroking his hair, until his back started to twinge in discomfort. Killian managed to lift himself up, concern filling his features as he looked at his princess. "You still with me, love?" he asked gently, brushing his hand tenderly over her stomach.

"Yeah," she said quietly. "I wouldn't say no to a nap though."

Killian chuckled. "Then a nap you shall have." He helped her up and got them into their bed. He pressed kisses to her lips and stomach before pulling the blanket up over them. "Sweet dreams, my love."