Sorry for the wait, things have been super busy! Here is the next chapter. I'd love to know what you think.

They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. The whole world stopped around her, the noise of the crowded pub almost disappeared; a million questions flew through her mind, but mostly just the startling realisation that he was here, Killian was here! She couldn't tell you how long they stood there like that, eyes locked on each other, unmoved, and unaware of people bumping into them. Emma was the first to break the silence.
"How...w...why? What are you doing here?!" She barely got the words out.

Killian didn't break eye contact, "I needed to talk to you" it wasn't much of an explanation but it was the best he could offer trying to talk over the noise around them. "Can we go outside?" He asked tentatively, holding his breath waiting for her answer.

To his surprise Emma didn't hesitate, "follow me!" She took his hand and led him out of the pub.

In true Belfast fashion it had been raining, now just a misty haze remained, the air was cool and damp, Emma released his hand and hugged herself realising she left her coat inside. He watched her carefully, not entirely sure how he should act around her, he'd come all this way, the last thing he wanted to do was scare her and make her run again. She was trying to hide the fact that she was shivering, if she was honest though, it was only partly due to the cool temperature. He wanted to pull her into his arms, but decided just to offer his jacket, he still wasn't sure if she was happy to see him. He shrugged it off his shoulders, "here, wear this" he said.

Emma shook her head, "no I'm fine"

He sighed and held it out to her, "Emma, take the damn jacket!"

She obeyed, slipped it on and folded her arms sulking.
Killian racked his brain trying to think of what to say, he'd played this scenario over in his mind countless times but now, when it mattered, he was drawing a blank!

Emma looked up at him, biting her lip. He was just standing there looking at her with an expression she couldn't quite make out. She'd thought about him every day, about that kiss every damn day and tonight he looked so good it hurt. She waited a moment for him to speak but he appeared to be struggling to know how to start. She had to know why he came, so she licked her lips and began,
"How did you know I'd be here?"

Killian glanced down at her, trying to gauge her mood, he decided honesty was probably the best policy at this point. "I asked Mary Margaret" he answered truthfully.

"I should have known she had something to do with this!" She made a mental note to kill her friend next time she saw her.

He thought she sounded annoyed. "Are you at least a little happy to see me?" He asked hesitantly.
Her face softened into a smile, "of course I am, you're my friend...I've missed you..." She admitted "I just wasn't expecting you...why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I wanted to surprise you!" He smiled, "and...Mary Margaret thought it might make you more nervous if you knew I was there…in the crowd."

Emma suddenly remembered the song, it was about him! Did he know?! Now she was really going to kill Mary Margaret, she knew that Emma was going to perform the song she wrote about Killian! She felt so vulnerable, him hearing her pour out her heart like that. God, this was mortifying!
"I see" she said in a small voice, her walls shooting up around her heart, swallowing the panic rising in her throat.

"I liked your song..." it was true, the song was bloody brilliant, he had no idea she was that talented! His chest had swelled with pride watching her up on that stage looking beautifully raw as she sang her heart out. He wondered if the song was about him, he hoped it was.
Emma thanked him quietly, her cheeks flaring red, she stared at the ground, brows furrowed, and refusing to look at him in case her eyes betray her and he knows it was about him! He nervously scratched behind his ear, he just had to go for it, and before he could talk himself out of it he said, "I wanted to talk to you Emma about how we left things...it didn't feel right...not…you know...talking about what happened..."

Emma continued to stare at the ground, "what does it matter Killian? It was just a kiss!" She couldn't bring herself to look at him, she couldn't bear to see his eyes confirm her fears that Killian regretted kissing her that night.

Killian was hurt, but continued; he had to tell her how he felt, that's why he came after all! If she decided to kick him to the curb well that was up to her but at least he'd know that he tried. "It wasn't just a kiss to me Emma, it revealed something...I never thought I could fall for someone else after I lost Milah...that is", he swallowed the lump in his throat "...until I found you." There it was, the truth, he'd laid it all out now.

Emma stared at him in disbelief. "What are you saying?" She whispered.

He thought for a moment, "I'm saying, or rather asking you if you would go on a date with me?" he said, more confidently than he felt.

Emma smiled, "I'd like that"

Killian mirrored her smile, "tomorrow night? I fly back to Dublin the next morning"

"I'll need to find a babysitter but..."

"I'll do it!" Mary Margaret squealed and they both spun around.

"How long have you been standing there?!" Emma asked.

"Long enough!" Mary Margaret hugged them both at the same time, "I'm so happy for you!" Both Killian and Emma laughed awkwardly.

"Ok! You're embarrassing me now!" Emma playfully shoved her friend, and then looked back at Killian, "tomorrow night then?"

"Pick you up at 7?"

"It's a date" she replied softly, biting her lip.

She started to shrug off his jacket; he held his hand up signalling her to stop, "Keep it! I'll get it tomorrow! Goodnight ladies", with that he left.

Emma tossed another dress on the growing mountain of clothes on her bedroom floor.

"What about this?" Mary Margaret picked up a short black figure hugging dress with a high neckline.

"I dunno, it's a bit sexy!" Emma held it up against herself.

Her friend rolled her eyes, "yeah, that's kind of the point Emma!"

Emma blushed, "ok, the black dress it is!" She picked up a pair of black ankle boots and Killian's leather jacket. It smelt like him and just feeling it against her skin sent shivers through her body and set the butterflies in her stomach off again. The doorbell rang; making those butterflies immediately begin to wage war as Emma walked up to the front door, took a deep breath, and opened it. Killian was standing there oozing sex appeal in black jeans, a light blue shirt and duffle coat.

He looked at Emma in wonder and said in a soft genuine voice, "You look stunning, Swan!"

Emma blushed, bit down on her lip then looked up at him and said "thanks, you look..."

He leaned in and smiled wickedly, "I know". She giggled then rolled her eyes.
"I'm glad you kept the jacket, it looks better on you!" He wet his lips.

Emma wanted him right there and then but those thoughts were immediately interrupted by tiny feet running downstairs. "Killy!" Henry jumped into his arms, squeezing Killian with all his might.

Killian laughed and hugged Henry tightly back, "hey kid! I've missed you!"

"I missed you too! Are you staying?" he asked hopefully. Emma's heart broke.

Killian set Henry down then squatted to his level and looked him in the eye, "not this time buddy, but I'll hopefully see you again soon." He ruffled the boy's hair.

Emma gave her son a hug and kiss on the head, "Ok kiddo, you be good for Mary Margaret, I love you!"

"Love you too Mum!"

Emma watched her son run back into the living room then turned to Killian, "shall we?"

"Please!" He smiled and opened the door for them.

As they were leaving Mary Margaret shouted after them, "Have fun, don't rush back!"
Emma rolled her eyes and she and Killian both laughed.

They walked hand in hand into the restaurant, just that action alone felt so new and so exciting, she was almost reluctant to untangle their fingers when they reached their table. Killian must have had the same thought because as soon as they sat down he reached across the table and took her hand in his again, gently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. It surprised her how such a small thing made her feel so at ease, she was on a date with Killian Jones, freaking Killian Jones, she should be freaking out but for some reason being here with him having a nice quiet meal felt like the most natural thing in the world!

The waiter took their orders and left, Killian looked over at Emma, she was a goddess, not a day had gone by that he hadn't thought of her and now she was here in front of him, he craved her, he wanted to touch more of her...but instead opted for talking. "You were amazing last night Emma! I...didn't know you wrote songs too..."

'Shit!' Emma thought, 'he knows!'
She pulled her hand away instinctively, she could feel the blood rising to her cheeks but there was no denying it now, "um, yeah" she cleared her throat and tried to act casually, "I actually prefer it to performing, it's...therapeutic...but, standing pouring out your heart in front of a room full of strangers is slightly terrifying!" She chuckled.

Killian looked into her eyes and said hesitantly, "and friends...?"

Emma couldn't look away, losing herself in his blue eyes.
"Well...I didn't know you were there, if I did...I probably wouldn't have..."

Killian took her hand back in his.
"I'm glad you did..." He said softly, "I'm glad I know." The confession scared them both a little, he smiled at her but before he could say anything else the waiter brought their food.

Over dinner they talked about their kids, filling each other in on their day to day lives. They finished dessert and Killian asked for the bill. He flashed Emma a charming smile and asked, "wanna go for a walk?" She nodded her head; he helped her put his jacket back on then took her hand in his as they left the restaurant.

They walked down the street hand in hand then he stopped under a streetlight and turned to look at her, basking in her glow, she looked up at him expectantly wetting her lips, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, sliding his hand round her back, drawing her in closer, she opened her mouth letting his tongue slide in and massage hers. Emma's fingers combed through his hair, then she slid her hand down until it was resting on his chest, she could feel his heart beating faster as he deepened the kiss. They reluctantly broke apart for air, panting as they still clung to each other. Emma licked her lips and it took every ounce of self-control Killian had to not take her right there. Instead he put his finger under her chin, raising her head until their eyes met; they could see the desire swirling in each other's eyes.

She exhaled and said, "You may look like a gentleman but you kiss like a pirate!"

He cocked his eyebrow and one side of his mouth rose into a sly smirk, "Is that so?"

He kissed her again, slower this time, taking the time to explore her mouth, gently stroking the length of her arm with his hand, taking both her hands in his as he pulled his lips away.

"I don't want to scare you by telling you how I feel...so...I'm just going to ask, will you go out with me again Emma?"

She was taken aback by his honesty; she knew she loved him, she'd never been more certain of anything in her life but he was right, this was technically their first date, and that declaration could wait for another time. So instead she leaned up and gave him a chaste kiss and hovering there whispered, "yes".

He kissed her back, and then groaned, "I suppose I better take you home."

They walked up to the front door and stayed there, fingers intertwined, neither one wanting to leave the other.
"Emma..." Killian turned to her, she looked up at him and he continued, "I've been nominated for an IFTA..."

"Killian that's amazing!" Emma interrupted him excitedly.

He smiled at her enthusiasm,
"I was wondering if you would come with me...as my date?"

Her eyes widened in surprise.
"To the IFTA's?! Are you sure? There are cameras there..."

"I'm well aware" he said amused by her sudden panic.

"And a red carpet...what would I wear?! I'd need to get hair and makeup...oh God, what if they ask me questions, like who I'm wearing and how we met and if I'm your girlfriend..."

Killian laughed placing his hands on her shoulders to calm her, "whoa there! You'd look stunning in anything Swan, I can get hair and makeup organised if it'd make you feel more comfortable, you wouldn't have to walk the red carpet...unless you wanted to...and they probably wouldn't ask you questions..."

Emma thought for a moment,
"When is it?" She asked.

"In 2 weeks, you could fly down the morning of and then leave the next day if you needed to...or...stay longer?" He said the last part slowly, his voice full of hope.

Emma's mind was going 100 miles per hour, only yesterday she thought she'd never see Killian again and now he was inviting her to an award ceremony as his date.
"Where would I stay?" She asked.

He scratched behind his ear, "I was hoping you'd stay with Liam and me...we did live together for 3 months..."

'Yes but that was different' she thought to herself. She cupped his cheek with her hand, smiled at him and said, "I'd love to come support you." She kissed him again then asked, "Can I keep your jacket...for now at least?" She needed something to remind her that this wasn't a dream when she woke up tomorrow.

"As you wish, love"