A/N: This chapter is dedicated to our beloved Killian in the sneak peeks for 3x13 and those of us desperate to see him get some positive affirmation. Also, to my wonderful readers who are ready for Emma to come to the 'correct' decision. ;)

There are several references (inside jokes) to things from the OUAT canon in this chapter…if you are not as familiar with the details of the show, feel free to ask questions if anything seems confusing. Also, it is a pleasing coincidence that some of the events parallel the real show; I've had this planned out since early February - well before I knew what was going to happen. Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Parental Guidance

I let my hand drop a split second before my brain was about to give the order to open the door to Granny's. Instead, I reached into my pocket and took out my phone. My eyes glanced at Killian – making sure he was staying put – as I quickly typed out a message. Then, I mentally counted to ten before following through with my original intent.

I had the strangest sensation that I'd stepped into a hidden camera show as I entered the diner. The weight of everyone's eyes turning to inspect me was almost as heavy as the abrupt silencing of their conversations. I knew it was a small town and word spread fast, but damn.

Ignoring the other patrons, I tugged at the bottom of my coat before squaring my shoulders and walking up behind Killian. His attention was fixated on the phone in his hand, so he appeared not to notice my approach. He wore an odd mix of new and old: black v-neck shirt, dark jeans and his usual leather coat and boots. Every inch that brought me closer to him set that magical connection vibrating at a higher pitch, or was it just that my awareness snapped back into focus now that he mentally and physically occupied my thoughts?

His entire face started to react to my presence – lips tilted upwards, eyes brightened, brow quirked – before he quickly reset to his mask of measured caution. "In need of the pirate, eh Swan?"

I kept my gaze locked on his as I reached over and took his cell from his fingers, willing my body to ignore the tingle of pleasure elicited from his skin touching mine. Showing him the screen, I demonstrated the steps for opening his messages. As I'd thought, he'd been starting a new conversation each time he texted me, so my messages – and interestingly enough, one from David – sat unopened in his inbox. "Texting works both ways. You haven't read my message to you."

A glimmer of hope flamed brightly in his sea-blue eyes before being swiftly blanketed by trepidation as he turned to read the words I'd typed only minutes before. That I'd even momentarily caused him such worry dug at my heart, though hopefully, it would be the last pain I intentionally caused him. As he took in my message, relief chased that halting expression from his face.

"I had two secrets in Echo Cave. The one I didn't share was how terrified I was of the way you made me start to hope. I'm still scared, but I want that hope. More than ever."

When our eyes met again, I knew the scales were likely tipped forever. My pulse tripped over itself in its desire to coil around his absolute perfect faith in our love. "Emma…I can't…I feel…" he shook his head as that shy smile broadcasted his overwhelming emotion. "I need to be alone with you," he whispered, impressively aware of the other diners.

"I know. I feel it, too." I smiled, thinking about how he'd said the same to me not even two full days ago. "But, now isn't the right time. Not yet. I just needed you to know that I'm listening." I handed his phone back to him. "And that I don't want you to stop making me know you."

"There are much more expedient ways to uncover whatever you wish to have of me than that infernal little device, love." He cocked his brow and I suppressed a laugh.

"But you're getting so good at it," I quipped, my own brow raised in challenge.

I was rewarded with one of his gleaming smirks. "As if there were any doubt. I am a man of many skills."

The sudden clearing of a throat preceded the appearance of Granny. Her casual head nod drew my attention to the very interested observers doing a piss poor job of minding their own business. This was definitely one of those moments when I missed the solace of an anonymous existence. Killian and I assessed each other quietly, the levity of the moment helped to mend some of the raw emotion hanging between us, but I knew our path together still had a long climb ahead. "I'm sorry," I mouthed, speaking so softly I'm not sure he even heard me.

"I know," he replied at the same level. He held my gaze captive for a long moment and what could only be described as a healing balm spread through our link.

"I have to pick up Henry. I'm going to talk to him tonight. Maybe after, you and I can have a talk of our own?" I suggested as I stood.

"Are you asking me on another of your dates?" He couldn't hide the slight incredulity in his tone or expression as he stood to face me fully.

"Maybe. I mean, there are so many other clichés we've yet to experience," I replied deadpan, though his nearness was starting to overload my circuitry. The leather of his jacket brushed against the back of my hand and I wanted nothing more than to slip it under the cotton of his shirt to feel the contours of his lean abdomen. My eyes strayed to his perfect lips just in time to witness the emergence of his wicked tongue coming out to moisten them. I swallowed and his expression shifted. Awareness dawned in his eyes and he stepped forward marginally. He knew I was caught in his spell.

Granny cleared her throat louder and I stepped back. "I'll call you," I mumbled as I started for the door. "Stay out of trouble," I added for good measure.

"As you wish, love," I heard him reply just as I slipped through the door.

My footsteps unconsciously matched the rhythm of my still pounding heartbeat as I walked purposefully toward the school. It was a solid two blocks before the fog that is Killian Jones' affect on me cleared enough for my thoughts to start scrambling. I could scarcely believe what I'd just done. That text was so out of character for me, but I didn't regret it, even if I knew I wouldn't have been able to actually say the words to his face. God bless modern technology.

My phone chirped as soon as I reached the school and I didn't even try to hide the hopeful smile rising to my face. Examining my text inbox, I saw his reply to my message:

"I've not the words to express the joy your secret has inspired. I will endeavor to soothe your fears and tender your hope for the rest of our days if you let me. Until later, my love."

Suddenly, my own confession – as brave as it had felt at the time – was entirely eclipsed by Killian's declaration. If I'd been afraid of hope before, I was now ready to trap it and chain it to my side.

Henry found me moments later, the stunned expression no doubt still decorating my face. "Hey, Kid; how was your day?" I managed to ask, trying to be as normal as possible.

He peered at me, quite clearly assessing my mood. "Interesting."

I blinked slowly and tucked my phone back into my pocket. "How so?" I responded as we started on the short walk toward home.

"Did you go on a date with Captain Hook last night?"

My pulse spiked as my head whipped in his direction. I hadn't even considered that the rumor mill would spin just as quickly with Storybrooke's youngest residents. I studied Henry's face for a sign of his feelings, sighing with measured relief as his lips twitched in amusement. "Sort of," I started cautiously. "What do you think about him?"

He tilted his head. "I think he's pretty cool. I mean, now that he's on our side and all."

It amazed me how trusting Henry was even after the events of Neverland. Sure, I was certainly trusting Hook a lot more lately, but Henry hadn't really interacted all that much with him. "How can you be so sure?" I challenged.

He snorted. "Easy. Your superpower. If you trust him than so can I." A thoughtful expression crossed his face before he looked over at me again. "So, is he like your boyfriend now?"

I hedged. "I don't know. I wanted your opinion before I made any decisions."

"But you like him?" He asked softly.

"Yes."

He nodded slightly. "Do you love him?"

I nearly coughed and stopped walking completely. His face was a mixture of hope and curiosity. "It's not always that simple, Kid."

"Sure it is. If he's the one that your heart wants, and he wants to be with you, too, then you should be together," he spoke with a resolution reserved for only the truest of believers. "You deserve to find your happiness." He stepped ahead of me and waited by the entrance to the apartment building.

"When did you get so wise?" I muttered, unlocking the door and following him up the stairs.

He grinned but stayed silent, understanding it was a rhetorical question. Smart kid.

With David and Mary Margaret gone, the apartment retained a bit of that unnatural quiet I'd experienced hours early. Luckily, Henry didn't stay silent for long. He dropped his book bag on the table before getting himself a glass of milk. After chugging the contents – boys – he decided to reopen our conversation. "Have you told my Dad?"

"Told him what?" I sucked at playing innocent. Remember who you're talking to, Emma! As if hearing my internal monologue, Henry simply stared at me. I sighed. "He knows."

When he spoke again, his voice was softer, more hesitant. "I bet he was pretty mad."

I moved to stand by him and placed my palm on his shoulder. "If he was, it's not anything you need to be worried about. As wise as you are, some things are grown-up stuff. You know you've got a lot of people who love and care about you, your Dad and I included, right?"

Henry smiled. The first true, full-fledged smile I'd seen on his face since we returned from Neverland. "I know. I still can't believe you all put aside your differences to save me."

"Believe it, Kid. You're worth it." Caught up in the moment, I ruffled his hair affectionately and pulled him to me for a hug. "You'll always come first."

His smile remained as he pulled back. "I think Dad will get over it. I was reading a new story this morning and I think it's only a matter of time before he finds his true love, too."

Hold on, too!? "Oh, and why's that?" I asked, choosing not to pick at his turn of phrase. He was probably just referring to Mary Margaret and David, anyways.

"I haven't quite figured it all out yet. But I think it's someone we haven't met yet." He shrugged and moved to pick up his bag. "I'll keep you updated on the details. But, for now, I've got homework." He pretended to groan and disappeared upstairs.

I poured myself a glass of water and relaxed on the sofa, looking out the window at the gathering clouds over the town. Without any distractions, my thoughts were free to drift from topic to topic, yet they insisted on settling on Killian. Or rather, Henry and Killian. Henry had been my last outpost, my last line of defense against giving the pirate a chance. With his blessing, I really was out of excuses.

I yawned and stretched out along the cushions. The soft patter of rain sounded on the roof and against the glass panes of the living room windows. I closed my eyes and let my subconscious take the reins, content to seize this moment of perfect accord and just…be.

E&K&E&K&E&K

The scruff of his beard bristled against the tender flesh of my thigh as he placed feather-light kisses higher and higher on my skin. His tongue flicked out to trace the path his lips had made, stopping with the tip of his nose nestled in the short curls at the juncture of my thighs. He breathed deeply and moaned, setting my core ablaze with frantic desire His hand moved from where it rested over my breast and slid down to spread my lower lips. One long finger swept through the gathered wetness before circling over that spot which ached for him in almost tortuous want. My own fingers twisted into his dark locks of hair, urging him to settle where I needed him most.

A loud bang jolted me awake. My breaths came in heavy pants and unresolved lust coursed through my veins, making my heart pound and my head a bit dizzy. I smoothed my hands through my hair and tried to orient myself to the conscious world.

"We're home," David's booming voice called through the open door. "And we've got company."

I turned reflexively to David's pronouncement, though I was admittedly only half-listening until my brain recognized who it was sauntering in behind my parents. "Killian!" I snapped into action, bolting from the couch and straightening my shirt. The lingering desire from the apparent dream he'd just starred in flickered at his presence.

"Long time no see, love." He winked. And grinned. And he was soaking wet. Damn him.

"We found him walking through town in this downpour, and thought it would be nice if we all sat down to dinner together," Mary Margaret commented oh-so-helpfully as she shook off her own wet coat.

My eyes refused to leave his person. His dark hair was somewhat flattened to his head, tiny beads of water trickling down his fair skin. I had a sudden errant thought about using my tongue to wipe them away. "How nice of you," I responded a bit woodenly; my mind too occupied to be bothered with language.

"Lend a man a dry cloth, would you lass?" He spoke directly to me, his own sapphire eyes penetrating beyond the simplicity of his words. The connection forged between us sprang as tightly as a well-oiled trap with just as many implications.

"Um, yeah, sure. Be right back." I forced my feet to move and made my way to the second floor bathroom. I rested my head against the cool, tile wall and ordered my body to calm down. What the hell was he doing here? I knew I wasn't really angry, but being yanked from that kind of dream only to encounter the object of my desire with my parents as a buffer? Yeah, kind of makes a girl cranky.

With one more cleansing breath, I grabbed the first towel I saw and turned to head back to the stairs only to run straight into a pair of solid arms. Killian pushed me back into the room and closed the door behind us. His mouth was on mine before I could take another breath. Every cell in my body trembled in pleasure at the touch of his lips – it had felt like twenty-four days, not hours since we'd connected – but my brain was surprisingly still aware of where we were.

I shoved him away, panting again. "Are you crazy? Henry's room is right next door and my parents-"

"-are the same age as you, love. Not to mention just as insatiable if the tension radiating between them is any indication. I've missed you, Swan." He leaned in toward me again, and lord help me I let him. His kisses had the unique ability to render me both sated and hungry. The taste of him alone was quickly addicting me, but when his hand cradled my head to hold me to him, I felt more cherished and wanted – just from a simple kiss – than I'd ever felt in my life.

I pulled back hesitantly, mourning the loss of his lips as soon as we parted. Licking my own unconsciously, I took in our appearance. His heavy coat had protected most of his clothes, though the soaked fabric of his cotton shirt and the droplets clinging to his exposed skin had done a number on my blouse. "You're getting me all wet."

The devil was in his eyes. "Oh I do hope so, Swan."

I slapped at his chest and thrust the towel at him, feeling the telltale red shading my face. "Dry off, Captain; and remember whose house you're in." His deep chuckle did nothing to assuage my blush. "Give me a few minutes before you follow me. You can hang your coat over the shower rod to dry."

Incorrigible pirate! I shook my head as I made my way to my room, pulling on a sweater to cover the watermark left by our embrace. You wouldn't want him any other way and you know it. I didn't justify my thoughts with a response.

I passed David in the hall as I headed back to the main floor. "Here. I thought Hook might want a dry shirt." He held out a blue long-sleeved shirt, and I did not miss the way his gaze lingered on my own change of attire.

"He's in the bathroom. You can take it to him." I smiled and stepped to the stairs before he could argue. No, this fly would not step into the spider's parlor again no matter how tempting the idea seemed.

Mary Margaret was busy stirring something on the stove when I returned to the kitchen. Her face possessed the oddest little contented smile. "What are you doing?" I asked quietly.

"Getting dinner ready," she replied swiftly. My eyes narrowed. We were both well aware that my question held a heavier meaning.

"Yeah, I can see that. I meant Hook. Why is he here?" I suppose I didn't exactly mean to sound so upset by the situation, but suspicious? Yeah, suspicious would do.

She moved to the counter and started finely chopping an onion. "I told you. We passed him on our way home. He was walking to his ship. We offered him a ride, but then I thought it would be kind of nice if we all got to know each other better, you know, given our talk this morning."

I frowned, but couldn't really comment with the appearance of all three boys. I was immediately drawn to Henry's laughter, seemingly in response to something Killian had said. The two of them were standing side-by-side, grinning like fools. "What's so funny?" I asked more gently than I felt.

Henry snickered. "Hook was just telling me his opinions about our modern clothing."

"Well, lad, I hardly see the protective benefit of such insubstantial fabric, and forgive me for being dubious at allowing a fastening which quite resembles metallic crocodile's teeth so close to my…sensitive bits."

My eyes flicked to the pirate in question, widening at the impact of seeing him in a blue which matched his impossible eyes. Focus, Emma! "Yes, we all know how you feel about crocodiles."

His lips twitched, but he let it drop. "Something smells most appetizing, milady. Might I inquire as to our evening meal?" Killian stepped nearer to where Mary Margaret had just added the chopped onion and a seasoning mix to the pan on the stove.

"We're having tacos. Do you like spicy things?" She replied in a far too chipper tone. David and I both coughed. Once again, I was reminded that my mother – the supposed epitome of innocence and grace – was just as wily as the next modern woman.

"I can't say I've had the opportunity to experience much variety of the pallet given my history, but I suspect I am in for a treat with your cooking, milady."

I rolled my eyes at his overt courtly manner, but Mary Margaret was already wise to him.

"Thank-you, and I think it's okay for you to call me Mary Margaret, or Snow. We're not in the Enchanted Forest anymore, and even if we were, I'd like to think we're all friends now?"

He bowed his head slightly. "I'd like that as well, Mary Margaret."

I felt like I was standing in a really surreal dream. Did my mother just make nice with the pirate? Could she be more obvious in her attempt to welcome him to the family? I had no frame of reference to process my feelings. I'd never even considered what it would be like to bring a boy home to meet the parents, let alone the parents picking up the boy to help him court their daughter!

I cleared my throat again and turned back to Henry. "Help me set the table?" He nodded and headed for the condiments while I gathered the dishes.

"Care for a beer, Hook?" David asked from behind the refrigerator door.

"Thanks, mate. I dare say this is a much better occasion to share a drink than the last time."

The fridge door snapped shut, matching the abrupt way I slammed the plate in my hands to the tabletop. "Wait, so you were the reason David got called to the Rabbit Hole?"

He held his hand and hook gently before him in supplication. "What can I say, love, it had been a very trying evening."

David opened the three bottles he'd taken, and passed one to me and one to Killian before tilting his own toward us in silent cheers. His eyes flicked gently toward Henry, noting the interest with which my son was observing our every word and interaction. "To new friends," he emphasized.

"To new friends," we echoed, though I'm sure David knew I wasn't done with our discussion about him keeping secrets from me. If he'd been with Killian last night, then he must have been the one teaching him the art of texting. So basically, my Dad is Hook's wingman? I just shook my head.

"Let's eat!" Mary Margaret exclaimed, setting the fixings for soft-shell tacos on the counter. "How do take yours?" She asked Hook, either fulfilling her role as hostess and mom, or genuinely realizing how challenging it would be for someone with one hand to make tacos. Well, he is a man of many skills, Emma. My mind was officially in the gutter. If I could've mentally slapped myself I would've.

"I leave it to your good taste, as I've never enjoyed this particular fare."

Oh my god, so not helping! A quick check out of the corner of my eyes revealed David's mind was just as deeply rolling in the innuendos as mine was; only he seemed to be enjoying my immense discomfort rather than being victim to it. "I'll just make double of mine," I mumbled, hastily throwing together a plate of food and taking a seat. Killian sat down next to me – naturally – and I moved two of the tacos onto his plate.

"So, tell us about the house you found," I asked, settling on a neutral topic. I hoped the accusation in my eyes made it clear to my parents that I was on to their joint efforts of getting me hooked to the man beside me, pun most definitely intended.

"It's perfect! It's an old Victorian just past the B&B with four bedrooms and a large backyard. The owner said it's available to rent immediately, and if we like it, we can think about buying in the future."

"You guys are moving?" Henry asked around a mouthful of food.

"We'll be just down the road. This apartment is great, but it's a bit crowded. You can come visit us anytime. In fact, there's a tree in the backyard that's just begging for a tree house." David explained with his most reassuring tone.

"Cool," Henry commented, seemingly more interested in his dinner than the conversation as he piled on more sour cream.

My eyes drifted to the unusually quiet man next to me. He held one of the tacos in his hand, a touch of confusion on his face. I picked up my own and took a bite, not so slyly demonstrating for him.

That displaced, standing-outside-of-myself feeling returned as I watched Captain Hook sample his first taste of Mexican food while dining with my family in our home. I'd experienced many bizarre things since that fateful night when Henry had dragged me kicking and screaming into this fairy-tale existence. But never – not even in my wildest dreams – did I imagine that I'd find such peace aside some of Disney's most famous characters, or that I'd start falling in love with this pirate-turned-hero.

A hum of delight sounded from him as he swallowed his first bite. His sinful tongue licked along his bottom lip, catching some of the sauce. "Delicious, Mary Margaret. Highest compliments to the chef." He then turned to me, the puzzled look once again gracing his perfect face. "Something wrong, Swan?"

"Huh?" I replied stupidly. He gestured toward my food. Sauce was dripping down my hand from where I held the falling-apart taco aloft, completely forgotten. "Oh," I cleared my throat, set down my food and reached for a napkin. "It's fine. I guess I'm just not that hungry." Not for food, anyways.

The slight tug of the corner of his mouth gave him away. I suspected he knew what had distracted me, but was wise enough to let it rest, given the company we kept. He returned to eating, making it into a performance of sorts with the lazy way he moved his jaw and the intermittent swipe of that devil tongue. When his leg shifted to press against the length of mine, I realized he wasn't letting it rest at all. He was just playing the game in a more underhanded, pirate sort of way.

Two can play this game, I promised. I waited until Mary Margaret and David had engaged Henry in a discussion about what type of tree house they should build before making a move. I reached over the table for the salad bowl, letting my thigh rub fully against Killian's. A shiver of feeling crossed our link and I bit back a grin. I turned, making sure my arm brushed against his, and spooned some of the mixed greens onto his plate, accidentally letting some of the lettuce drop into his lap. "Oops, sorry," I mouthed. Using my napkin, I plucked the innocent green leaves away, making sure the backs of my knuckles brushed against those 'crocodile teeth' he'd been complaining about earlier before shifting back to focus on my own meal. A slow burn of desire unfurled through my body. I really couldn't tell if it was mine or his, and frankly, I didn't much care at that point.

The conversation between the rest of my family never faltered, though David glanced several times between Killian and I from across the table. I picked up my beer and took a sip, watching as his eyes narrowed and settled on Killian. I could only imagine what expression was currently occupying my pirate's face.

"So, Hook, what are you planning to do now that you're stuck in Storybrooke? Not much call for pirates around here." Henry suddenly asked. I nearly spat out my drink in surprise. Leave it to my eleven year old to start the interrogation.

Killian seemed to straighten in his seat, his leg moving away from mine. "To be honest, I haven't much thought about it. I am still quite the fish out of water in this land of yours, so I'm not sure what occupations are available to one such as I."

Mary Margaret's face turned thoughtful. "You don't have to figure things out right away. We're all still a bit out of sorts." I suspected she was reminiscing about our conversation that morning.

"Being a pirate I bet you've got lots of treasure, right?" Henry asked animatedly.

Killian smirked. "I've amassed a fair amount," he reached for his own drink, clearly more comfortable with this question. "…though, I've yet to discover its value in this realm."

"I think you'll find gold holds its value no matter the realm," I commented drily, thinking back to the coin he'd gifted me with.

"Do you think we could go back out on the Jolly Roger sometime? I was just starting to get the hang of steering the helm," Henry said, his eyes filled with childlike hope.

Killian's smirk softened and a surge of pride swept through our bond. "You'd make a find co-captain, Henry. I believe more lessons could be arranged, provided your mum has no objections?" Blue eyes and hazel eyes both turned to seek my approval.

I nodded my head, "I don't see why not. But you'll have to wait until the weekend."

"Excellent!" Henry exclaimed. "See, maybe you don't have to stop being a pirate after all," he commented to Killian before standing to bring his plate to the sink. "I've still got some homework to finish. See you later, Hook!"

A comfortable silence settled around the table after Henry left. As David and Mary Margaret had said, we had been through a lot together, and I supposed that did warrant a type of friendship. But beyond that, my parents had done everything aside from send out a banner message with a plane to let me know they truly did support my choice in pursuing something with Killian.

"I suppose it is time I took my leave as well. My sincerest gratitude for the meal and the fine company."

"You can't leave yet; it's still pouring!" Mary Margaret objected.

"I'll give you a lift," David chimed in.

"Actually, I had some things I was still working on at the station. I can drop him off before heading back." I interjected. It was a bold-faced lie and all four of us knew it. For once in our strange life together, I was acting exactly like a teenage daughter trying to sneak behind my parents' back. I should've been able to just tell it like it was, – I was going to take Killian home because I wanted to spend more time with him, alone – but I suspected we were all more comfortable hiding behind euphemisms and white lies for now. "Do you mind watching Henry again?"

"Sure, you take all the time you need," Mary Margaret smiled, her eyes darting between me and Killian. Yep. I was definitely the teenage daughter in this scenario.

"Thanks," I turned toward Killian, noting the spark of humor and something much more sinful residing on his face. "Are you ready?"

"Aye, love. Let me just retrieve my coat and we can be on our way."

"I'll get it," I said as I headed for the stairs. Once in the bathroom, I quickly brushed my teeth and dabbed a bit of perfume on my pulse points. I grabbed Killian's coat, inhaling the thick scent of leather and sea that I'd come to attribute to him, and willed my suddenly frantic heart to relax. I'd come to a decision about him – about us – over dinner, and I was ready to see it through. I wanted him; and not just because I'd bound his soul to mine. I wanted more dinners together, more teasing with my parents, those planned weekend sails with Henry. I told him earlier that I wanted hope. I saw that in him. It was time I let myself explore what it meant to hope with Captain Killian Jones.

"Are you coming, Swan?" His voice called up the stairs.

Oh I certainly hope so, my conscience purred. "Yes, be right there!" I smiled at my reflection in the mirror, seeing a lightness to my features that had been missing for eleven years. I draped his coat over my arm, snapped off the light, and headed toward what I hoped would be a night that would set the course for our future together.

A/N: Thank you again for your support of this story. I cherish your thoughts, and am highly motivated by reviews. *pathetic hint*

Shout-out to Yettoseeyoufail for her continued guidance and 'musing' and OnceUponSomeChaos for the lovely messages. They are both fabulous authors and you should run to their stories immediately! (Just be sure you come back for Hollow's next update!)

I bet you can guess what's coming next. ;)