A/N: Hello, all! I actually wrote this when we were getting the spoilers of Emma in ballgowns, so a lot of it isn't entirely 'canon'. I just had to write Eva's first ball, though! Enjoy!
I listened to 'Daughters' by John Mayer & 'For The First Time In Forever' from Frozen while writing this :)
"Mum?" Eva asked, cautiously walking into her room. Emma glanced to the door, smiling when she saw her daughter walking in.
"Hey, kid, what's up?" Emma replied, sitting up a little from her spot on the balcony.
"I'm nervous."
"For the ball?" Emma smiled, shifting her position and patting the spot on the railing next to her.
"Yeah."
"It's okay to be nervous-I was for my first ball, too." Emma said as she sat down.
"Really?"
"Yeah, especially because it was the night I married your father."
"Aww!" Eva grinned, "Was it romantic?"
"Do you know your father?" Emma laughed, "Of course it was."
"Are you almost ready? The ball starts any minute, Emma!" Snow exclaimed as she rapped on the door.
"I know, I know, I'm trying not to freak out right now," Emma sighed, pacing back and forth, "I need a minute."
"Can I at least come in?"
"No, just give me a minute, okay?" Emma snapped, and there wasn't a response. Emma ran her fingers through her hair, messing up her hair a little more than she intended. There was another knock at her door, to which she rolled her eyes and stormed to the door to open it.
"Look, I'm trying to-" Emma snapped, whipping open the door to see someone she didn't expect to see.
"Are you okay, Emma?" Killian asked, smiling when he noticed her expression, "A bit different, hm, love?"
He was in a long, tan coat with ruffled sleeves and a black collar. He wore a black vest and white shirt similar to Charming's usual. Leather pants were still there, of course, but his ratty, pirate boots were traded for fresh, black boots.
"Very different." Emma spoke, a smile growing on her face, "But, a good different."
"You look quite different yourself, love." Killian smiled, gesturing to her dress, "I don't believe I've had the honor of seeing you in anything but that red leather jacket."
Emma laughed at that, looking up and meeting his eyes.
"Oh, hush, I was just in a wedding dress."
"Aye, you were." Killian smiled, a smile Emma adored.
"I can't believe we're married. You, and me." Emma sighed, taking his hand in hers.
"It does feel quite like a dream." Killian grinned, moving some of her hair with his hook, "Now, you and I have a ball to attend, Princess."
"Still doesn't feel right. Or real." Emma smiled.
"It'll take time, love." Killian chuckled, "But, for now, let's go dance the night away, shall we?"
"Of course, Prince." Emma teased, laughing as he started down the hallway, his fingers still linked with hers.
"I wish someone looked at me the way Papa looks at you." Eva said, making Emma smile.
"You'll find him. He's out there." Emma spoke with sincerity, "You may think you've got it right a thousand times before you really do. And, that's okay. Because once you find him, he won't let you go."
"I'm still nervous."
"That's okay. We'll do this together, okay?" Emma smiled, "Have you tried on your dress yet?"
"No, I was scared to." Eva admitted, causing Emma to tug her close.
"It's okay to be afraid of the unfamiliar. I was afraid of all of this for a few years."
"I know. Papa tells me all the time." Eva smiled, causing Emma to roll her eyes.
"I'll have to speak to him about that one." She grumbled, then laughed, "C'mon, let's go try on that beautiful dress of yours."
She hopped off the edge of the balcony, taking Eva's hand in hers and leading her down to her room.
"Do you think I'll meet my true love tonight?"
"I can't predict the future, kid." Emma smiled, "But, it's always a possibility. And, that's the funny thing about true love. It comes out of seemingly nowhere."
Emma looked up to see Killian leaning against a column, reading a book. His face seemed to glow in the sunlight being cast on his face, and his hair looked fluffier and fuller than usual. Emma couldn't help but smile, not even noticing that their daughter had gone into her room. She was too focused on Killian. Without realizing it, she was suddenly standing before him, looking at him in awe.
"Oh, hello, love." Killian smiled, finally noticing her and closing his book, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I, um... You look different." Emma spoke, shaking her head.
"You can't fool me, love. That's a look of shock. What's the matter? Has my hand grown back?" Killian teased, looking down to his stump, "Ah, no."
Emma couldn't help but laugh, smiling when she met his eyes again.
"Looking at you reading, the way the sunlight was beaming on you... It felt like that's how we should have met."
"Really? I quite like the way we met." Killian teased, earning a nudge, "Being tied to a tree is always a charmer."
"You know, I like this look on you."
"What? The pirate look didn't do it for you?" He chuckled, causing Emma to roll her eyes with a smile.
"You know I liked that too." Emma smiled, "This is just different."
"As is this." Killian grinned, gesturing to her Enchanted-Forest-Princess outfit.
"Yeah, I'm still not used to it. And it's been, what, ten, almost eleven years here now?" Emma laughed, "Some things never change, I guess."
"Not with us, it seems, Swan." Killian smiled.
"You used to call me that all the time." Emma replied softly.
"Indeed I did." Killian replied, brushing a curl behind her ear, "I still can, if you'd like."
"Of course I'd like that." Emma whispered, leaning forward and pressing her lips hard against his. She grasped for his coat collar, holding onto him like nothing else in the world mattered.
Until someone near them cleared their throat. Emma and Killian snapped apart, Emma letting go of his collar and Killian straightening his coat before smiling to their daughter.
"Hello, Eva." He grinned, trying to shake off his blush, "Ready for the ball tonight?"
"I think so." She smiled, twirling in her dress, "How does it look?"
"You look like a true princess, Eva." Emma replied, a grin spreading across her lips, "This dress is so beautiful on you."
"Really?" Eva beamed.
"Aye, love. I'll have to keep a watch on you so no boys can get a hold on you." Killian teased, taking her hand and twirling her once more, "My little princess is growing up."
"Please don't get sappy." Eva spoke with false disgust, "You two do that way too often."
Emma and Killian both laughed at that one, knowing there was some truth there.
"Being in love for a number of years does that to you." Killian grinned, glancing over his shoulder as the clocktower rang, "I ought to go get ready myself. I'll see you two later."
He leaned down to press a kiss to the top of Eva's head, then cupping Emma's cheek in his hand, tugged her close enough for their lips to collide. She tried keeping it tamer this time, to no avail. Finally, she tugged away, whacking the side of his head.
"Go get ready, Pirate."
"As you wish, love." Killian smirked with an exaggerated bow before turning and walking down the hall.
"Your father is something else, Eva." Emma chuckled, shaking her head as they started towards her room again.
"I know." Eva giggled, swinging their hands between them, "What dress are you wearing tonight, Mum?"
"Why don't you help me choose one?" Emma smiled, to which Eva excitedly nodded, "Alright, here we go."
Emma opened the door to her (and Killian's) closet, revealing well over fifty dresses, varying in length, fabric and color. There were riding outfits in the closet as well, alongside Killian's few shirts and pants.
"Oh my." Eva beamed, "These are all yours?"
"Yeah. I don't even know if I've worn half of them." Emma laughed, leading her daughter into the wonder that was her closet.
"Will I have this many when I'm older?"
"No clue, kid." Emma smiled, "Knowing you, probably more."
Eva giggled, still staring at all of the dresses in awe.
"Well, I guess I need to pick one out. Which one?" Emma asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
"I like that one." Eva suggested, pointing to the dress with a light blue bodice that faded into a gold tulle skirt. Small leaves and flowers trailed down the bodice into the skirt, and it was one of the dresses Emma hadn't worn before.
"You like that one?" Emma asked.
"I think you would look pretty in it." Eva smiled.
"Okay, I guess that's the one, then." Emma replied, "Why don't you wait on my bed while I put it on?"
"Can you braid my hair when you're done?"
"Of course." Emma smiled, shooing her daughter out and closing the door. It had been quite some time since her last official ball. Emma wasn't sure if she was ready for it yet.
Regardless, she changed into the dress that Eva picked out for her, smiling in the mirror. Eva chose well.
"Well, how does it look?" Emma smiled, stepping out into her room. Eva's eyes lit up, her teeth flashing with a wide smile.
"It's beautiful!" Eva beamed.
"You like it?"
"I love it, Mum! You look like a real princess."
"I am a real princess." Emma laughed, making Eva giggle along, "But, thank you."
Eva smiled from where she sat, fluttering her eyelashes. She wanted something. Right, Emma thought, braids.
"Let's do that braid for you, hm?" Emma smiled, motioning for her daughter to sit at her vanity. Eva hurried over, beating Emma to the punch.
Eva sat primly in the chair, waiting for Emma to start.
"Tell me if I'm pulling too hard, okay?"
"Okay." Eva smiled, "Mum?"
"Yes, Eva?"
"How did you and Papa meet? I don't think I've heard the story before." Eva smiled.
"Oh, god, kid," Emma laughed, "It's a long story.
"Can you tell me a shortened version?"
"I'll try." Emma smiled, "Your grandmother and I found him in a clearly pillaged area of the Enchanted Forest. He wasn't giving us answers we needed, so we, um.."
"What?"
"We tied him to a tree and almost left him to be eaten by ogres."
"Mum!"
"I know, I know." Emma smiled, "We didn't know who to trust."
"He obviously gained yours eventually though, right?" Eva questioned as Emma finished her braid.
"He did." Emma smiled, patting Eva's shoulders, "You are all set to go, kid."
"Thanks, Mum." Eva smiled, hugging Emma tight. She blinked a few times at the action before hugging her daughter back.
"Any time." Emma smiled, gently tightening her grip. Eva tugged away shortly after, smiling when Emma gently tugged on her braid.
"The ball starts soon," Emma smiled, "Want to go ahead, and I'll meet you down there?"
"Where are you going?"
"I need to do something before the ball." Emma spoke with a half smile.
"Okay. I'll see you at the ball!" Eva beamed, lifting up the skirt of her dress and taking off down the hallway.
Emma shook her head with a smile, taking off in a different direction. She smiled as she felt the breeze through the corridor, closing her eyes. She knew exactly where he would be-his favorite spot in the whole palace.
The balcony that overlooked the harbor.
"Evening, sailor," Emma smirked as she walked up behind him, hurrying to cover his eyes with her hands, "Guess who?"
"Hmm.." Killian humored her, "I would venture to say a certain princess I'm wed to."
Emma giggled and turned him around, not wasting any time to pull him close enough to kiss.
"Mm, kisses." Killian mumbled, making Emma laugh and break her lips from his.
"You are so weird." She giggled as he held her at arm's length.
"And you're gorgeous." Killian breathed, taking her hand and spinning her once, "Is this new?"
"I've never worn it before, if that's what you're asking." Emma smiled as he tugged her close.
"You're a mirage, love." Killian spoke softly, their eyes meeting and silencing both of them. All that could be heard was the sound of their breath between them and their rapidly beating hearts.
Until laughter erupted by them and seemingly passed. The two jumped at the noise, finally laughing it off.
"I don't even want to know what the children are getting into." Killian chuckled, linking his fingers with hers.
"I don't either." Emma giggled, "I guess we should go find out."
"I guess so." Killian smiled, leading her away from his sacred spot and down the corridor. She bumped into his side, making him smile.
"What's making you smile so much today?" Emma asked.
"Would you prefer I brood?" Killian teased, earning another hip bump.
"No, I like the smile." Emma grinned.
"And honestly? You're making me smile, love." Killian smiled, breaking his hand from hers and pulling her into his side.
"I'm glad. Your smile is my favorite."
"And, yours is mine." Killian grinned, pressing a kiss to the side of her head.
They finally arrived in front of the doors to the ballroom, making Killian tug away and bow before Emma, holding his hand out for her.
"My princess." He spoke with a smile, his eyes never leaving Emma's.
"Prince." Emma smiled, offering her hand. He brought her knuckles to his lips, pressing a long kiss there before standing up straight and leading her inside.
There were far more people in the room than Emma had expected there would be, making her smile a little.
"Any sign of our little pirates?" Killian asked, glancing around.
"Nope. I'm sure they're with Henry, James and Roland, causing all kinds of trouble." Emma spoke with a chuckle.
"Let's find your parents, then." Killian smiled, beginning to lead her through the crowds of people.
"Lots of people here tonight." Killian whispered into her ear as they neared the thrones.
"I know." Emma replied softly, gripping his hand just a little tighter. She watched him smile to Belle and Rumple, offering a smile of her own as they passed.
"Killian, Emma!" Mary's voice called from behind them. The couple turned around quickly, smiling at Mary and David.
"You look gorgeous!" Mary exclaimed, holding Emma's arms before hugging her tight.
"You look lovely, too!" Emma laughed, returning the hug. She heard Killian and David exchanging 'hello's, making her smile. Mary pulled away and bit her lip as she smiled.
"I wish we could have seen you grow up." She spoke softly.
Emma offered a half smile.
"I know. You gave me my best chance." Emma promised, "I'm glad you did."
Mary smiled, and before she could reply, a hand was whisking her away.
"Killian-oh, Henry!" Emma laughed, falling into Henry's arms.
"I wanted a dance." He smiled.
"And you couldn't just ask?" Emma spoke with a smile and a raised brow.
"You're my mom, I figured I was guaranteed one." Henry smiled, making Emma giggle.
"Of course you are." Emma replied with a grin, "Always."
"So, how are things with you?"
"Okay, what do you want from me?" Emma laughed.
"Nothing!" Henry smiled, twirling her, "I'm just making conversation."
"Mm." Emma giggled, "Something tells me you're lying."
"You caught me, as usual." Henry sighed with a smile, "I want to go with David and Robin to Wonderland."
"Henry, you know that's-"
"Please? They both said it was okay." Henry pleaded, "I want to go so badly."
"Henry, let me think about it, okay?" Emma asked.
"Okay." Henry replied, clearly disenheartened.
"I'm trying to look out for you, kid." Emma added, "I want you to have adventures, I swear. I'm just... I don't want to lose you again."
"Mom, I'm twenty-two."
"I know you are. I get that. I'm still your mother." Emma replied, "Let me think about it, alright?"
Henry nodded, pressing a kiss to his mother's cheek as the song came to a close.
As soon as Killian had finished his conversation with David, there was a tug at his sleeve.
"Papa, can we dance?" Eva smiled up to him.
"Of course we can." Killian smiled, then took a step back and bowed, holding Eva's gaze.
"Princess Eva, will you have this dance with me?" Killian asked, his smile growing as his daughter nodded feverishly.
"Of course, Papa!" She giggled, smiling when he took her hands in his and started dancing with her to the song.
"You're growing, love. I don't remember you being this tall yesterday." Killian smiled, making Eva giggle.
"I think I grew, too! Maybe you can measure me before bed tonight!"
"I would be honored." Killian grinned, laughing when she stepped on his foot.
"Sorry, Papa!" Eva shrieked.
"No, lass, you're fine. Light as a feather." He spoke with a ressuring grin, "Promise."
"Papa?"
"Yes, love?"
"When did you dance with Mum for the first time?" Eva asked curiously, making Killian grin.
"It's a long story, love. We were... sort of on a mission. An undercover mission, before your mother realized her feelings for me." Killian smiled at the memory.
"Aww." Eva beamed, "I hope someone loves me as much as you love Mum."
"Someone will, love. I promise." Killian smiled, chuckling as he spun her once, "You are quite the dancer, Eva. Where'd you learn?"
"Roland practiced with me earlier." Eva grinned.
"Well, it seems he's done a lovely job." Killian smiled.
"It was fun." Eva giggled.
"I bet." Killian chuckled as the song came to a close.
"Thank you for dancing with me, Papa." Eva spoke with a curtsey.
"Of course. Anything for my little princess." Killian smiled, bowing to her and watching her disappear in the crowd. He stood up straight again, only to be pushed forward by a figure bumping into him.
"I'm sorry!" Emma exclaimed, making him laugh as he regained his footing.
"Not a problem, love." Killian grinned, taking her hand in hers and beginning to dance with her.
"I'm such a klutz."
"That's okay. You're my klutz." Killian smiled, tugging her closer.
Oh, how he wished he had his hand, so he could feel hers. Currently it was resting on his hook, which wasn't quite as romantic.
"I wish I could feel your hand in mine." He whispered as he drew closer.
"I'm sorry, Killian." Emma whispered in response, "I wish I knew how to get it back."
"It's not your fault." He replied softly, drawing closer to Emma.
"I love you, Killian." Emma assured him, setting her head on his shoulder.
"I love you, too, my dear Emma."