Hey guys! First of all I have to apologize to all of you. I did NOT abandon this story. I just was so irritated by the whole actual season (especially 6B!) - I decided NOT to jump on that train and tell you now, that this story won't include everything what happened in season 6!

I do not want to spoiler any one, so I just tell you that IF anything which is mentioned in season six of the first time is affecting this story, I will tell you.

no have fun, enjoy and as it's been a while, here a short list of the people involved:

Emma Swan
Killian Jones

William Smee - first mate
Cmd. Emmett Haddock - second mate

John Baskin - purser
Sam "Huff" Huffington - ship cook

Lt. Evan Ivory
Lt. Aelfric Forbes
Mr. Densworth

Eli

We are at Ariel and Eric's kingdom after Emma's first ball and another fight she had with Killian...


Emma woke when it still was dark around her. She patted next to her, but Killian wasn't there, his side of the cod cold. Slowly she sat up and rubbed her face.

After the events of the last days she felt beyond exhausted. Her nights weren't restful. She had made a decision and now she needed to tell Killian this decision. She sighed. Slowly she got up and went to Killian's desk lightning a lamp, sitting down and taking a quill, ink and a new parchment. She got up again, putting on a cloak as she felt a bit cold. When she sat down again she started to write.


"Smee, Haddock!", Killian's voice echoed through the early morning hours. His first and second mate went to him and looked at him eagerly. "Emma and I are going to have breakfast with their majesties. Be sure everyone is back from the ball. I will make sure that a carriage is sent to collect the prisoners and Baskin."

"Why Baskin?", Commander Haddock asked irritated and earned an annoyed grunt from his captain.

"Last time I checked, he was the purser and please correct me, Commander, but I think it is his duty to refill all the supplies we are missing, isn't it?"

Haddock ducked his head but nodded. "Aye, Captain."

"Will we stay longer than today?", this time Killian's first mate Smee spoke.

Killian sighed. "I hope we are able to leave this place by dawn or at least tomorrow morning. We have a mission and I don't want to waste any more bloody time."

Haddock and Smee nodded and went away, leaving Killian alone. He decided to go to his quarters to check on Emma. The carriage should be here in about an hour and he wanted to make sure she was okay. He slowly opened the hatch and climbed down, surprised to find a wide awake Emma sitting at his desk, sealing a letter and looking up at him.

"Good morning, beautiful", Killian said smiling and went to her.

"Good morning, Killian." Emma got up and put the letter into the pocket of her cloak. "Is everything alright on deck?"

"Aye", he brushed some hair out of her face, kissed her lovingly. "I hope I didn't wake you?"

Emma shook her head. "I am awake for a while. Couldn't sleep – especially when my pirate isn't in bed with me." She hugged him, snuggling closer and listened to his heartbeat.

Killian stroked her hair and kissed her gently. "The carriage will be here in about an hour. Smee and Haddock are in charge. How about we are getting dressed and talk?"

Emma sighed. She knew she had to talk to Killian but she surly didn't want to do it now. She couldn't be sure how the whole conversation would end and how long it would take, so she shook her head. Killian watched her with raised eyebrows.

"Killian, I don't want to have this conversation before we leave. Can we just... be together, sit here or on deck? I miss the quiet moments with you."

He nodded and pulled her closer, again kissing her hair. "As you wish, princess."

Emma sighed. She wasn't annoyed just curious, so she asked him one of the questions bothering her the last days. "Why are you always calling me princess? We tell everyone not to and you are doing it all the time. Also in front of Eli." She broke free, walking to the cod. "I know you want to be sweet and nice and you surly don't do it on purpose, but where is your "love" or "lass" or simply "Swan" or "Emma"?"

"Are you really asking me, why I call my girlfriend "princess"? Who is the one who told me she liked nicknames back in Storybrooke?"

Emma nodded, remembering the conversation. "I know, it's just... please stop the whole princess thing, okay? I really don't want to argue and I know you love me and as I said you surely want to be sweet, but I can't stand it. Not at the moment, okay?"

Killian sat down next to her, looking at her irritated, but he didn't argue. He nodded and kissed her temple. "Alright, Emma. I'm sorry, it never was my intention to make you feel uncomfortable."

She nodded and got up, getting clothes for both of them while Killian watched her. "Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Emma looked at him over her shoulder. "There is but I can assure you it has nothing to do with us or our love or being on this ship or our mission." She smiled, the first time a honest, bright smile. "I love you, Killian. Let's focus on breakfast with Ariel and Eric."

"Ah the mermaid who bewitched her prince", he mocked and took a pair of trousers from Emma.

"She did not, he fell in love with her like you did with me or Snow and Charming. She never bewitched him. That meant I bewitched you too."

"Didn't you?", he went to her and hugged her from behind, his hand and hook on her waist, leaning close and kissing her neck.

Emma stopped her motion and closed her eyes, overwhelmed by the sensation of his mouth on her neck. She tilted her head to give him better access and moaned softly when he started to suckle on her pulse point.

"Hmmm, always that responsive, pri... love." He kissed her neck again, his hand and hook wandering over her curves, her stomach and towards her breasts. Emma shifted and searched his lips, turning completely to pull him into a heated and passionate kiss.

About forty minutes later they both stood on deck, Emma's hair braided into a fishbone braid, wearing a pair of trousers and a plain shirt while Killian wore his typical Captain outfit. Black leather pants with a black linen shirt and a red vest. Killian was also wearing his black coat while Emma wore the cloak from the morning.

They passed several sailors and Mr. Smee who wished them a pleasant breakfast with their friends. He assured Killian to prepare everything to his perfect satisfaction. Some minutes later they were stepping into the royal carriage heading towards the castle.


The whole ride Killian was watching Emma who was lost in her thoughts. She didn't look unhappy or uncomfortable but she looked a bit lost.

When he grabbed her hand intertwining their fingers she looked at him and smiled. She shifted closer and placed her head on his shoulder. "I love you, Killian."

He kissed the top of her head, his other arm rested protectively on her waist.

He also missed their quiet moments. Since their journey began they always had to deal with anything. Now he hoped that this would change. He didn't know what Emma wanted to talk about, but he felt that this conversation would be kind of a release. He trusted Emma and he believed in her and their relationship.

Since he met Emma there hardly were any quiet times. They hardly had time for themselves, never the possibility to learn to know each other the way they did the last year. For the first time they had time for themselves, they didn't had to face any evil, they just enjoyed being together.

The moment he kissed Emma's hair again the carriage stopped. Emma looked up and smiled at him. She kissed him briefly on his lips, staring into the depth of his blue eyes. "I can't wait being back on the Jolly with you." Her sudden confession irritated him but he also was happy about the fact that his princess still wanted him. And how much she wanted him, relying on their actions about an hour ago.

They stepped out of the carriage, a young man greeting them vigorously. He looked around a bit irritated. „May I help you, lad? You looking for someone?"

The man blushed. „Well I was looking for Mr. Densworth to be honest. Wasn't he supposed to come as well?"

Emma raised her eyebrows a minute before Killian did the same. They didn't expect someone waiting for Densworth. „Sorry, mate. He is still on the Jolly Roger, but feel free to send someone to pick him up. I doubt he wouldn't be pleased about this."

„Thank you, Captain", the young man bowed, looking at Emma briefly, before he led the two of them inside. Emma took Killian's hand, interlacing their fingers again. They followed the young man until they stood in front of a huge door.

„Their Majesties are awaiting you. If you need anything, let me know. I am Harrington", he bowed again. Emma felt a knot in her stomach which she wasn't able to explain. „Captain Jones, Princess Emma", Harrington opened the door for them, making a slow movement with his left arm to show them to enter.

„Thank you, Harrington", Emma said and passed him, still holding her pirate's hand. She didn't miss the look on the young man's face. It was a mixture of disgust, false sympathy and anger. She didn't understand but also was not willing to ask.

A second later they were welcomed by Ariel and Eric. They hugged, sat down and started to chat and eat. It was such a light and friendly atmosphere. Ariel and Killian shared some stories from a long time ago, later Eric and Killian discussed some naval issues while Ariel and Emma tried to get to know each other better.

Time flew by quickly. At midday Eric and Killian went to their vessels while Ariel and Emma stayed at the castle. The men decided to make a race after a heated discussion if the Jolly was or was not the fastest and finest vessels of all realms. The women continued their earlier chat but also started to talk about their men. The tension, which still was present, finally vanished after sharing some familiar stories about them.

It was the first day in months that Emma felt like talking to a friend who was not judging or having a "good" advise. It was relieving and Emma had to admit, that after all the jealousy of Ariel's and Killian's past, she felt stupid and wanted to apologise.

While the women drove to the port to meet their men Emma started to speak when suddenly Ariel was quicker. "Emma, I know we are not really friends, but I wanna thank you."

Emma was stunned. "For what exactly?" She looked at the mermaid confused.

"Well, you are the first one who doesn't judge or want to show me your world or who feel obliged to include me in everything. You know, I still explore and learn everything about the world above sea and sometimes people treat me like a child. Okay maybe sometimes I act like a child but that doesn't mean I am a child and I... sorry, I'm babbling...I am always babbling when I am nervous... anyhow, thank you, Emma."

She beamed at her and Emma couldn't do anything else than smile back. "Ariel, I also do have to thank you and maybe I also have to apologise too. Eventually I was a little bit jealous of Killian and your past?!" Emma blushed, feeling ridiculous the moment she said it out loud.

Ariel still smiled. "But you do know, that there was nothing going on between us, that we just were and are friends. There were some times I wanted to kill him or he me", she looked at Emma a bit bewildered and surprised but then shrugged and continued smiling. "Killian is very happy with you. Do you think you two will marry?"

Emma gulped and looked at her feet. She and Killian never talked about it, but she was ready. She wanted a future with Killian and as much as that fact scared her it also calmed her immensely. She looked up and met Ariel's look when they finally arrived at the docks. There was a small boat waiting for them, Smee and a naval officer Emma didn't know greeted them and told them that Eric and Killian were already on board of their ships.

Ariel sighed and stepped on the boat, followed by Emma. Both of them were silent while they were shipped to the Jolly Roger and the Melody, Eric's vessel. Emma and Smee hopped off first, they were greeted by Killian, who swept Emma off her feet and crushed his lips onto hers. Nearly overwhelmed she kissed and hugged him back, giving him what he needed at the moment. When he put her back on her feet, he smiled at her nervously. "Sorry, Emma, I am a bit excited. It wasn't my intention..." Emma pulled him down and kissed him again, not letting go of the lapels of his coat.

"Never apologise for kissing me again, pirate. I love you, Captain Jones." He beamed at her and kissed her cheek before he took her hand and went to the helm with her.

"Eric doesn't have the slightest chance", he said more to himself than to Emma who watched Killian in awe. She loved seeing him in his element and being the Captain, being in a more or less manly competition, was his element.

Suddenly they heard someones shout. They looked up, seeing the small boat, which brought Emma and Ariel, in front of the two vessels. There was a man standing on it, shouting and yelling. Suddenly Killian yelled at his men, he delegated them and waited for the start signal. "You better sit down, sweetheart. I don't want you to get hurt."

Emma rolled her eyes but did take a seat. She looked towards the Melody and spotted Ariel next to Eric who was also shouting at his men. Ariel didn't look happy, she looked at the horizon deep in thoughts.

Suddenly the man on the small vessel gave the start signal. At first it seemed that the Melody was in advantage but about five minutes later the Jolly Roger was in the lead. Emma looked back at the Melody which got tinier and tinier the longer the race went on. They reached a small island which they had to circumnavigate. On their way back they met the Melody again. Suddenly Killian's men started to shout and whistle and yell at the naval vessel. Emma spotted Ariel which still didn't look very happy. She wanted to say something to Killian but he already saw it too.

"Bloody hell, what's going on over there?" He tried find Eric, but the Jolly was too fast. They arrived the finish line over half an hour before the Melody appeared. Killian was happy about his victory, but he also was irritated and tensed. The two ships anchored next to each other, a gangplank was lined up between them. Emma got up and waited for Eric and Ariel but only Eric appeared.

"Are you alright?", Emma asked but Eric ignored her, he went to Killian and shook his hand.

"Well done, Captain. I have to admit that you have the finest and fastest vessel in all realms." He smiled but Emma and also Killian could see that it was a false smile.

"Thanks mate. Where is your lovely wife?" Killian answered, looking around.

"I'm sorry, it seems that Ariel and I got into a fight. She decided to go for a swim."

Oh. Emma's eyes went wide and even wider when Eric answered Killian's next question. "Will we meet her after her swim?"

"Well, it seems as if she is off to the Enchanted Forest, to Snow and David." Eric turned and looked at Emma. "I am sorry, I think it will be the best if we end our meeting here and now and we let you go on on your mission. It don't even know when Ariel will be back."

"Eric, I'm sorry. If the race has anything to do with it..."

Eric shook his head. "No, I think it was just the icing on the cake."

Emma looked at Killian and back to Eric. "It was good seeing you again and finally meeting your wife." She stepped closer and hugged the prince. Killian and he said good bye too. The gangplank was removed and the Melody sailed away. Killian pulled Emma into a hug and kissed the top of her hair.

"Let us sail back to the docks. We have a ship to load before we are able to move on." Emma nodded and went towards the railing but suddenly stopped and turned.

"Killian, what will happen to Eli? We never asked Eric and Ariel if we can leave him behind." She stepped closer, her hands on his chest.

He placed his hand and hook on her waist. "It seems as if the boy will stay a while longer." He smiled at her and pulled her closer. Emma leaned her head against his chest and smiled too.

They sailed back to the docks, Killian ordered his men to reload the cargo. Two hours later they were finished but it was too late to leave. Killian decided to leave early the next morning and gave all his men the night off.

He and Emma were the only ones who stayed on the Jolly, finally able to talk. And talking they did, involving tears, insults, hugs, kisses, more tears, silence, more kisses and finally a happy couple sitting in the crows nest, snuggled up closely, covered in blankets to shield the cold from their naked bodies.

It was dawn when they heard the last men return. They got dressed and climbed down the corded ladders. Smee and Haddock appeared a bit later, well rested and ready to take over and leave. Emma went to their cabin, tired, exhausted but also happy and content. Killian decided to cast off himself before he went to his cabin, joining Emma.