Chapter Twelve:
The next morning, Emma awoke and her eyes landed on the travel book she had gotten Killian for Christmas and her eyes widened. She needed to wrap and it and get it to Killian before Sunday. Killian had said he wouldn't be able to see her til Christmas day, but she wasn't going to do the embarrassing thing and hand him the gift on the day, yet again, he hadn't gotten her anything.
Emma glanced at her bedroom clock and saw that it was already ten am. Groaning, she quickly made her way into her joining bathroom to take a warm shower, in hopes of warming herself up. Once showered and dressed, she grabbed Killian's present and made her way down stairs, to see her father and Neal colouring in at the table.
"Where's mom?" Emma asked, setting the book on the table.
"Grocery shopping. Apparently, she wants to make a fancy breakfast and lunch for Sunday." David answered, concentrating on the Power Ranger he was colouring.
Emma laughed softly at her father's determination to stay inside the lines, as though he was a small boy again. Neal was too concentrating hard. His tongue was sticking out, and his eyes were squinted, as he very carefully manoeuvred the red felt tip pen.
"What's that?" David asked, indicating to the travel book.
"Killian's Christmas present. I forgot to wrap and give it to him yesterday. I'm going to drop it off on my way to Belle's."
David nodded. "Well, Killian was clearly thinking along the same lines. He was here about an hour ago, dropping off yours. I think he was a little disappointed when I said you were still asleep."
Emma blushed and pulled out the wrapping paper. "Oh."
"Your present is in that fancy box over there." David said, pointing to the silver box under the tree.
Emma's eyes widened at the size of it and looked down at her book. "Maybe I should have gotten him something better."
"I think what you have gotten him is perfect." David said, as Emma carefully began to wrap the present. "Anyway, Killian won't be there when you drop it off. He and Alex are sailing for the day."
Emma smiled, but on the inside she felt a bit down. If Killian would be home, it meant she could more than likely get her kiss. The "kiss" she had spent the entire night dreaming about.
An hour later, Emma was driving down Main Street, heading towards Killian's road, her present wrapped up on the seat beside her. As she waited in traffic lights, she drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, her mind wondering about what Killian had gotten her for Christmas. On green, she set off, and another two hundred metres down the road, she turned right onto Killian's street. Emma parked in Killian's parent's driveway, and reached over to grab the present, before exiting the car and making her way up to the house. She knocked gently, but no answer came. Emma sighed, and contemplate for a few moments what she was going to do, and she ultimately decided to leave the present on the doorstep, in hopes that someone will see it when they come home.
Four hours later, she received a text from Kilian.
Present under the tree. See you Sunday : - )
Emma sent a smiley face back.
Sunday came quickly, and Emma was in hopes of a nice sleep in, but at six thirty am, all she could hear was Neal's fist pounding on her bedroom door.
"Get up!" Neal called. "Present time."
Emma groaned, but couldn't find herself to object to her younger brother's request, and she groggily climbed out of bed, and wrapped her dressing gown around herself, before making her way down the stairs, to see Neal sat happily amongst his presents, and her equally tired parents sitting on the couch.
"Merry Christmas." Emma mumbled, as he hugged both her mother and father.
"Same to you."
Emma sat down next to Neal, who was unwrapping a neatly wrapped present. Emma watched as he pulled out a fairy-tale book, Once Upon A Time, and his eyes widened with happiness.
"Who's that from?" Mary Margaret asked in a shocked manner. "I've been looking everywhere in this town for it."
Emma reached over and read the label, and she felt herself fill full of warmness.
"It's from, Killian." Emma smiled, ruffling Neal's hair.
"That was really nice of him." Mary Margaret smiled.
Neal clutched his book tight against his chest, before setting it aside and reaching for the next present. Emma's eyes glanced over to Killian's present to her, and very hesitantly, she reached out for it and pulled the box onto her lap.
"What do you think it is?" David asked, raising an eye-brow at his daughter.
"I don't have the slightest idea." Emma replied honestly, as she undid the bow and removed the silver wrapping paper. "Oh my god."
Mary Margaret's eyes widened, as Emma removed the lid, as Killian's gift came into view. Emma felt tears well up in her eyes as she pulled the soft material from the box, and stood, holding the dress up to her body.
"I can't believe it." She whispered, moving to look at in the mirror. "It's the dress I liked. How did he know?'
Mary Margaret too had a couple of tears rolling down her cheeks.
"It's beautiful, Emma." She whispered.
Emma twirled in front of the mirror, speechless. She was in shock, and right now, she could kiss Killian non-stop. It was the most perfect present someone had ever gotten her. She wiped the few stray tears from her cheeks, before hanging the dress up, and turning her attention back to the box. And to top it all off, there was a dainty silver, lace mask lay there.
"Oh my…" Emma whispered, reaching down to pick it up.
"Emma there's more." Mary Margaret said, pulling up a black piece of card, inscribed with silver ink.
Merry Christmas Beautiful,
I didn't know what to get you. I spent half a day wandering in and out of shops. When I saw you come out of the dress shop, I could see sadness behind your eyes when you told me about the dress. Once you and Belle were out of sight, I knew what to get you. Flora told me what dress you were looking at, so here you are. You are going to look beautiful in it today.
Killian.
P.S. When you're awake, send me a text, I have something else for you, which needs to be done face to face.
Emma looked back at her parents and smiled softly. "I think I love him."
Mary Margaret and David knew she was joking because of the playful glint in her eyes, but it was no secret that Emma was overwhelmed. They watched as she pulled her phone out from her pocket and typed a message, before sitting back next to Neal.
It was another hour before a knock sounded at the door. Emma had freshened herself up, not wanting Killian to see her in her pyjamas and with morning breath. She answered the door already with a smile on her face, but when she saw Killian standing there, holding another small box, her smile widened even further if that was possible.
"Thank you." She whispered, before pulling him into a tight hug.
Killian smiled, as his arms caged around her too. "No problem, but I have something else."
Emma watched as he stepped back from her, before opening the box. Emma's eyes widened for the third time that morning, when she saw a dainty fake silver flower corsage sat there.
"I wanted to wait until you had received your dress." He smiled sheepishly. "I was wondering if you would like to be my partner tonight."
Emma smiled. "I'd be honoured to."
Killian took the corsage out from the box and placed it on her wrist.
"It looks perfect." He said, before kissing the back of her hand.
Emma chuckled, before stepping forward to hug him again, and pulling back.
"So, what time are you picking me up?" Emma asked.
"I'm not. It's a masquerade. We're not supposed to know who one another are."
"Then how will you find me?" Emma teased.
"I'll always find you, and uh, I know what dress, mask and corsage you will be wearing,"
Emma rolled her eyes, but gave him another smile.
"Well, I better get home." Killian said, touching her cheek gently.
Emma nodded and stepped closer, but Killian shook his head, and smiled at her in a breathtaking manner.
"You don't want to kiss me?" Emma asked, slightly hurt.
"Tonight." Killian whispered. "When I find you. It's tradition."
He wiggled his eyebrows at her, before retreating. Emma laughed a little when he tripped on a sprinkler, in the middle of the front lawn. He turned to face her and shrugged.
"When did that get there?" He chuckled.
Emma rolled her eyes, as she went back to the front of the house, but turned back to face him.
"How will I know which one is you behind the mask?" Emma asked, just as Killian went to get into his ute, having changed from his BMW.
Killian smiled at her. "I'll find you, plus, if you really like, you'll know who I am. Oh and thank you for my present. I love it. It's perfect."
He winked, and got into his car before driving away. Emma waited until his car was out of sight, before going back into the house to see Neal on the couch, Killian's present popped open on his lap.
"Did Killian leave already?" David asked.
"Yeah, he came to give me this." Emma held up her wrist with the corsage on and she could see her mother smile.
"You got to give it to him. He has good taste." Mary Margaret chuckled. "Come on, let's get have some brunch."
Six o'clock came around quickly. Emma had spent the last hour getting ready. The dress fit her in all the right places, and she couldn't have pictured herself in anything else. She made a note that when she and Killian finally kissed, she would pour all her feelings into it, as no man had ever gotten her something this special before as a present. After much debating, she styled her hair in a soft up-do, with a braid, before carefully placing her mask over her eyes. It was then she noticed that the mask had swan feathers on the side.
"You look really pretty, Emma." Neal said, as he made his way over to hug his sister.
"And you look very handsome little man." Emma chuckled, as she picked Neal up, settling him on her hip, before making her way into the living room.
As always, Mary Margaret looked beautiful. She had on purple ball gown, with a gold mask, whilst David had opted for a black suit and a purple tie, the same shade of Mary Margaret's gown.
"You could me a model." Mary Margaret as she looked at Emma, who rolled her eyes in return.
"Yeah, yeah." Emma joked. "Come on, let's go."
Both David and Mary Margaret could tell that Emma was eager to see Killian, but they didn't comment on it.
Once at the ball, Emma was surprised to see that most of Storybrooke had turned up, especially considering it was Christmas Day. She glanced around from behind her mask, but couldn't see sign of Killian anywhere, but her eyes landed on Belle who was by the refreshments table, pouring herself a glass of bubbly champagne. Emma smiled and made her way over, Belle's eyes widening when she saw her.
"Emma you bought the dress after all!" Belle exclaimed, pulling Emma into a hug.
"Actually, Killian got it for me as a Christmas present." Emma smiled, twirling in front of Belle. "It's beautiful."
Belle nodded eagerly and reached over, grabbing Emma's wrist and examining the silver rose corsage.
"Oh my god, Emma. He's a total sweetheart." Belle exclaimed smiling. "I wish you guys had gotten on sooner, you could have been a couple all this time. It's evident that he really cares of you."
"Geez, couldn't see that." Emma laughed, as she poured herself some champagne as well.
The two friends made their way over to a table, before sitting down.
"Where's Robert?" Emma asked, looking around.
"Not here yet. He sent me a message that he was running late and would fine me when he arrives." Belle answered, taking a sip of her drink.
Emma nodded her understanding. "Well, I have no idea if Killian is here or not. He said he'd find me."
"Trust me, as soon as he catches wind of you being here, he'll come." Belle whispered, prodding Emma's leg with her shoe.
An hour later, Belle now with Robert, Emma found herself stood on the edge of the ballroom, watching people sway to the music. Killian hadn't made a move and she had looked for him, but hadn't seen him.
Emma sighed, as she picked up her champagne glass, re-filled it, before heading out into the courtyard, which was empty. She set the glass down on an empty table and closed her eyes, breathing in the cool air. She felt a little sad that Killian hadn't sought her out, and she began to think that he was running extremely late, and she wouldn't know because she didn't have her phone on her.
She sighed again, before she raised her arms as though she was in a dancing position, and began to waltz by herself, picturing Killian was with her, buzzed by the alcohol. A few seconds later, she felt someone take her hand and waist, and as soon as the spicy rum smell settled in her senses, she knew it was Killian.
"Hello love." He whispered, twirling her outwards.
"Took you long enough." Emma answered, opening her eyes as he pulled her back against him.
"Aye, sorry. My dad was introducing me too people and I couldn't get away." He held her against his chest as they swayed to the music. "You look absolutely breathtaking."
Emma blushed and buried her face in to the crook of his neck, breathing in his smell.
"You are the most beautiful woman in that building, Emma. I could see many men turning their heads. I didn't like it."
Emma chuckled as his grip tightened on her again, as though he was scared of her going off with one of those other men.
"Well, they'll just have to stick to looking, won't they?" Emma asked, as she pulled back, looking into his blue eyes.
"Aye." Killian whispered, resting his forehead against hers.
Emma smiled at him softly, ignoring the slight drizzle of rain. Killian pulled back from their embrace and lifted his hands tentatively to her face, before gently removing her mask. His gaze was of a loving manner as she repeated the same actions with him.
"You found me." Emma teased, as his hands cradled her cheeks.
"I always will."
Emma leant closer to him, her eyes slowly fluttering shut. Killian briefly watched her move towards him, before he too closed his eyes. Very gently, he pressed his lips against hers, and she smiled into the kiss.
Immediately, one of her hands rested on his waist and the other winding round his neck. He had one hand in her hair, gently playing with the golden locks, the other on her cheek still. The rain started to come down harder, but they didn't break apart. Killian only pulled her closer and wrapped shared his jacket with her, their lips still moving against one another's. Killian was mildly surprised when he felt the tip of her tongue trace the outline of his mouth, asking for entrance, an entrance he was more than happy to give. Their tongues began to move in sync, and Emma moaned when he nipped the bottom of her lip, Killian smirking into the kiss. Another few moments went by, and Emma pulled away, breathing heavily.
Killian didn't break eye contact with Emma as their breaths slowly came back to normal. Without warning, Emma giggled, something she never did. Killian laughed at her nervous attempt to cover up her blush.
"Wow." She whispered.
Killian tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "Worth the wait?"
Emma nodded and shivered slightly. Killian removed his jacket fully this time, and wrapped it around her. Emma pulled the jacket closer, as Killian wrapped an arm around her shoulders, before heading back inside, Emma taking her empty champagne flute with her.
Once inside, a few eyes looked at them, and Emma blushed furiously when she saw Belle standing off to the side, giving her the thumbs up. Killian nodded at someone Emma didn't recognize as he guided her to the warm fire which was going. Killian was standing beside the refreshment table, as he searched for two clean glasses.
"Did everyone just see us kiss?" Emma chuckled, as she removed the wet jacket.
"Yeah, and we're not wearing our masks. Speaking of which, I'm sure they are getting soaked outside now."
Emma laughed softly, as Killian poured them each another glass of champagne, Emma losing count now on how many she had had. Emma knew that come tomorrow morning, she would definitely regret every sip of alcohol.
"So are you excited to see New York?" Emma asked, idea's of where to take Killian already fluttering crazily through her mind.
"Yeah." Killian said, scratching his ear nervously. "I'm excited because my girlfriend will make sure everything is okay."
Emma raised an eye-brow and gave him a playful look. "Girlfriend hey?"
"Aye…" Killian sheepishly smiled. "I thought after the kiss just then, you know…"
He was silenced when Emma's lips met his, right in front of the entire room. After a few moments she pulled back and smiled at him softly.
"Stop mumbling, boyfriend."