Cold. It was bloody cold on his ship. Maybe it was because he'd spent to many years in Neverland, but he didn't know who the citizens of Storybrooke could tolerate the frigid Maine weather.

Killian sighed, left his ship and headed towards Granny's diner, with the intent to buy a hot beverage. Since their return from Neverland, Emma had introduced him to coffee and hot chocolate.

The bell rang when he opened the door. He sat down at the counter and ordered a hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon. This was Emma's drink of choice, and drinking it made him feel closer to her. She had chosen him, so to speak, once they'd returned to Storybrooke.

She still had a lot to work through with Neal, but Emma Swan was not one to give people false hope or toy with their feelings. He'd told her that she'd have to make a decision somewhere down the road when they were back in Neverland. Then they were on the docks, and Emma had been completely honest with him. She didn't know yet how she felt about him, but she did know that she didn't want him to leave her. She told him that she wasn't going back to Neal and that she wanted him, Killian Jones, to be in her life.

The memory warmed his heart more than the hot chocolate.

Emma wanted him in her life. It was more than he could've hoped for after the Echo caves. Now, over the past couple of weeks since they'd returned, Killian had begun to hope that maybe one day Emma would come to feel for him what he felt for her.

The bell rang again, and a moment later, Emma's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey Killian," she said, taking the stool next to him.

"Hello, love," he said. "Another long day of keeping the streets of Storybrooke clear of crime?" He glanced down at the badge on her jeans.

"Yes," said Emma. "Life as a sheriff is exciting."

"It can't be good chasing down people in this bloody cold."

"You'll get used to it," she said with a smile. "Although I'd imagine the cold is worse on a ship."

"You'd be correct then, love," he said.

Emma's lips turned up in a small grin. "Well Henry is with Regina tonight, and my parents are staying at Granny's for some much needed alone time. How about you stay at the apartment tonight?"

Killian raised an eyebrow. "A gentleman would never turn down such an invitation from a beautiful woman."

"Great," said Emma, eyeing his hot chocolate. "Are you going to finish that?"

"Be my guest, darling," he said.

-/-

"Perms are bad," said Killian, sounding offended.

They'd spent the night watching Disney's Peter Pan and the movie Hook, cuddled together on the sofa. Emma had lit a fire, made popcorn and took a bottle of rum from the liquor cabinet.

"Yes they are. Luckily, for me, they got the story wrong. The real Captain Hook is a much better, and more handsome, man than the film counterpart," said Emma, looking up at him though her lashes. Gosh, she thought, she never flirted like this with anyone else. Only him. Only Killian.

He grinned at her. "I'm glad you think so, love," he said pulling her closer to his side. His hand rose to caress her cheek.

Emma shivered beneath his touch. She felt hot all over and it wasn't because of the fire. They'd only kissed twice since returning to Neverland. At the docks after their safe arrival, and then on his ship the previous week.

Emma leaned in closer until her lips were a mere inch from his. She could feel his warm breath on her flesh. "Emma," he said softly.

That was it. She closed the distance and kissed him. It was unlike any other kiss they had shared. It was warm and loving and gentle. Emma pressed herself against him trying to close every inch of distance between them. He held her tightly in his arms as they continued to kiss. After several moments their hands began to roam. Her fingers ran along his back, and his hand tangled itself in her hair.

When they finally pulled apart, Killian could barely breathe. But he did manage to say, "That was certainly much more effective in keeping me warm than hot chocolate, love."

She grinned at him. "I have an even better way," she said, "It's getting late anyway." She took his hand in hers and led him to her bedroom.

-/-

Killian couldn't sleep. He glanced over at the clock on Emma's bedside table. 4:30 AM.

Killian shivered. His shirt lay discarded on the floor. He got out of the bed carefully as not to wake Emma up. He slipped the shirt on, but his movements had awakened Emma anyway.

"What's the matter, Killian," she askied blearily.

"Apologies love," he said quietly. "It's still rather cold."

"Come back to bed," she said patting the space beside her.

He obliged, and Emma wrapped her arms around him, pulling him to her, and pressing her warm body around his. She pulled up the thick comforter to cover them completely. "Better?" she asked.

"A vast improvement," murmured Killian.

"Good," she said, nuzzling her face into his shoulder. "Now go back to sleep.

-/-

"Mom? Mom? Are you awake?" called Henry, the next morning. Regina stood at the doorway. She had a business matter to discuss with Emma, seeing as she was the Sheriff.

Henry set down his backpack. "I wonder where she is."

Regina shrugged and followed her son as he wandered over towards his mom's bedroom. "Maybe she's still asleep."

Henry opened the door to find Emma and Killian curled together beneath the covers. Regina hurried to cover her son's eyes, even though they were fully clothed as far as she could tell.

"Miss Swan," she said sharply.

Emma's eyes snapped open and she sat up. She and Killian had overslept. She felt herself blushing, not because she regretted having Killian over, but because they'd been caught in bed. It would have been different if Henry had walked in while they were eating breakfast together.

"I'm sorry, Regina," said Emma, getting out of bed. "I didn't realize how late it was. Did you have fun last night?"

"Yup," said Henry, hugging his mom.

"Apparently you did as well," said Regina. "I'm surprised it's taken this long."

Emma rolled her eyes and shooed Regina and Henry out of the bedroom. She went back to the bed and gazed at Killian for a moment. For once he looked peaceful, completely at ease. It was a good look for him. Emma bent over and kissed him lightly. She learned something new about him today. The man could sleep through anything.