Note: This chapter contains enough sickly sweet fluffiness it will probably give you tooth decay. You have been warned. Please do not send me your dental bills ;-p
Killian stepped out of his office and stretched. He looked around the open and largely empty boat house and began to dream. He had plans for this space, big plans. Built to house smaller boats and canoes, this space was barely being utilized, the larger boats in the slips bringing in the bulk of his business. He had visions to add a restaurant on one side of the structure. Maybe he could expand his charter and pleasure cruise business, and put its headquarters along the other.
He had visions of years and years of growth and expansion, because he planned to put down some serious roots in this sleepy little town. As long as Emma Swan lived in Storybrooke, it would be his home.
His heart beat a little faster and his smile got a little wider as he thought of his lady. Was it really possible that it was only yesterday afternoon that they'd been trapped in the bathroom together and his whole world changed? Somehow, it felt like they'd always been together.
Everything was a little brighter today after Emma agreed to give him a chance to prove himself to her. The sun was warmer, the colors more vibrant. It was as though he'd been trapped in a black and white world all his life and had suddenly been introduced to color. It was a whole new world he'd never even knew existed.
Marco had been late coming to their aid yesterday, showing up closer to two hours after he'd called than one. Needless to say, he'd not complained…nor had his lovely Swan. They'd passed the time quite amiably. After Killian's emotional revelations, the mood had lightened considerably. They'd laughed, flirted….and spent long moments saying nothing at all, with words at least. Killian closed his eyes, savoring the memory of Emma's soft gentle kisses…her fevered passionate kisses…her reassuring caresses.
Was it possible to die of happiness? If so, he'd probably best prepare his soul.
They'd decided to take this slow. This wouldn't be a flash in the pan relationship, but a union that would take a lifetime to develop. He didn't want to gorge himself in a mad rush, but rather to savor each moment, each step along the journey.
"I see you're hard at work, pirate," came the teasing comment from behind him. Killian spun around, smiling like an absolute fool at the very sound of her voice.
"Just planning, Swan," he said, moving forward and placing a quick kiss along her jawline. "The business is quite sufficient for the moment, but it's brimming with potential. In a few years we could make this place into the destination for the discerning boater."
Emma's smile was filled with wonder. Moving to her tip-toes, she tilted her head and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
Killian touched the spot reverently as soon as she stepped away. "Not that I'm complaining, love, but what brought that on?"
"You're talking about the future," she said in a soft voice. "You talked about what you plan to do here in a few years. You really are planning to stay."
He reached up and smoothed a flyaway strand of blonde hair, securing it behind her ear, smiling tenderly. "Aye. I told you as much. As long as Storybrooke is your home, it's mine as well."
Emma moved forward and gave him a proper kiss, long and sweet this time. Killian wrapped her in his arms and abandoned himself to the moment. When they finally parted, Killian smiled and interlaced their fingers. Gently tugging, he led her toward the door and the sea. Nothing like enjoying your one great love with your other.
"So what brings you to my fair establishment, Swan, other than my dashing person, of course?"
She grinned and swatted him playfully. "I've come to ask you out. To dinner…or something."
He halted abruptly, suddenly at a complete loss. She looked up at him with curiosity, and something like concern. Was the silly woman really afraid he'd refuse her?
"I thought I was the one who was supposed to ask you out."
She smirked up at him. "Yeah you tried that once already. Didn't work out so well. I thought maybe I could manage to have more success."
He grinned. "And so you shall. Alright, Swan, I happily accept on one condition: you allow me to plan the evening."
Emma shot him a look of mock outrage. "I can plan a date!"
"Aye," he said, "but, this being our third date and all, I have hopes to make it a magical night to remember."
"Our third date? Did I miss the other two?"
"Oh no, you were certainly there, love," Killian said grinning. "The first was the gala and the second was the bathroom."
She laughed. "You're full of it, Jones!"
"Aye, but you wouldn't want me any other way."
They walked the beach for a few moments, and then Emma sighed. "I guess it's time I actually go to work. For some reason, Once Upon a Time Academy doesn't want to pay me to hang out with my boyfriend."
The world "boyfriend" warmed him more than the sun at the height of summer. He took her hand and slowly brought it to his lips. "Until tonight then, my Emma."
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Emma paced the living room of the apartment, feeling like she was ready to fly apart and scatter into a thousand pieces. When was the last time she'd been so ridiculously nervous for a first date?
"This was a stupid idea," she said, panic evident in her voice. "What was I thinking asking Killian out like that?"
Mary Margaret, gave her a quick hug. "You were thinking it was time you enjoy the good moments for a change."
"But what if this is a flop? What if he doesn't enjoy himself tonight? What was I thinking? Why did I wear this dress? Maybe he'll hate the dress. What was I thinking?"
"Wouldn't worry about the dress," Ruby said with a smirk from her perch on the couch. "I'm sure Killian will find it gorgeous pooled on his bedroom floor."
Emma shot her an exasperating look. "Ruby, you are not helping!"
Ruby got to her feet and came over to her. Steering her toward the full length mirror on the far side of the living room, she pushed her forward. "Emma, look at yourself."
Emma did as she was told. Hair curled, and tied up in a high pony tail, soft, sleeveless pink dress with a full, knee-length skirt, cute heels.
"You are going to blow him away," Ruby continued. "He's not going to know what hit him."
Impulsively, Emma turned around and hugged her irrepressible roommate. "Thanks."
*click* Emma turned around to find Mary Margaret at her side, polaroid camera and big smile at the ready. She laughed.
"What's that for?"
"Documentation," Mary Margaret said, grabbing the photo that emerged and waving it back and forth. "I plan to have lots of photos to choose from when you decide you want me to put together a 'history of our relationship' slide show to play at your wedding."
Emma grinned and rolled her eyes. "Will that come before or after your 'See, I told you so; you should have saved us all some time and just gotten engaged that first day I tried to set you two up' speech?"
Mary Margaret shrugged. "We can play that by ear."
There was a knock at the door, and suddenly the butterflies that her roommates had managed to calm came fluttering back to life in a big way.
Ruby gave her a little push in the right direction. "Time to welcome Prince Charming."
"Hey!" Mary Margaret said, hands coming to hips indignantly. "I happen to be engaged to Prince Charming, thank you very much!"
Ruby rolled her eyes. "Have you read fairy tales? Pretty much every princess's prince is named Prince Charming. Fairy tale kings and queens must have all been under some kind of curse of bad naming skills."
Emma shook her head, smiling, as she headed to the door, wondering how she'd possibly made it twenty-eight years of her life without Ruby and Mary Margaret.
Emma opened the door, and then she had no thoughts at all. There he stood, fully decked out in the attire he'd donned for his first attempt to ask her out. Dark jeans, tight enough to be painted on, dark blue button down (the color of his eyes), black vest, and black leather coat. He stood still, slightly bashful look on his face as he took her in, perusing her from head to toe.
"You look stunning, Swan." His admiring gaze warmed her, made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Thanks," she said, holding onto the door (to keep from melting into a little puddle at his feet). "You don't look so bad yourself."
He stepped forward and swept his left arm forward, presenting her with a single red rose. "Wow, you really went all out, didn't you?" she asked, taking the proffered offering, and bringing it delicately to her nose.
He smiled tenderly, cupping her face in one hand. "I'd go to the end of the world for you, or time, Swan. Procuring a simple rose was mere child's play."
"Ugh, you two!" Ruby said rolling her eyes and sighing theatrically. "Just haul off and start making out already. You know you want to."
Emma shook her head, gave her roommate a look of mock exasperation and then turned back to her date. "See what I have to put up with around here? I don't get a moment's peace."
"Oh, I don't know, love," Killian said with a grin. "I must admit your roommate's suggestion has merit."
"Maybe," Emma conceded, "but I'd rather not have an audience for that little activity."
"Emma, you're no fun at all," Ruby grumbled, crossing her arms and dropping to the sofa next to Mary Margaret.
*click* "One more photo for my scrap book!" Mary Margaret called.
Emma laughed. "Killian we better get out of here before they start planning our wedding…or worse, our wedding night."
Killian guided her toward the door with a hand to her lower back. "As you wish, milady."
"Have fun, kids!" Ruby called after them. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do…at least without telling me about it!"
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"You brought me back to the mansion?" Emma asked in amusement as he pulled up at their date destination for the night.
"Aye, that I did," he said, unfastening his seat belt, hopping out of the car, and hurrying around to get her door for her. "And quite a few strings I had to pull to book the establishment on such short notice. Leroy was planning an anger management seminar for this evening, and it took some serious wheedling to get him to change his venue."
"Killian, you are a braver person than I!" Emma said laughing and then taking his proffered arm. "What'd you have to do to get him to agree?"
"Nothing much," he said looking down at her. "I promised to take him sailing any weekend of his choice, free of charge. If he likes, he can bring his fellow angry compatriots."
"Remind me to stay far, far away from the docks on that particular day!" Emma laughed.
Killian jogged forward and pulled the heavy door open, ushering his lady inside, hoping his efforts met with her approval. She was an absolute vision tonight, all soft frills and femininity. A delicate lilac scent surrounded her like a cloud.
They entered the ballroom, and Emma gasped. "We've made it back to Caribbean Shores?" she asked, eyes sparkling up at him.
"Aye," he said, leading her to the single table in the middle of the floor. "As this is where it all began, I thought it would be a good place to begin our relationship in earnest."
He'd gone to Ruby the moment Emma left for work this morning, knowing the perky brunette would be more than happy to help him with his undertaking. With her help, he'd gathered and set up each and every decoration that had decked the mansion on the day of the gala. She'd even used her party planning connections to book The Dwarfs for the night.
"It's beautiful, Killian!"
The Dwarfs began a soft ballad in the background, as Killian pulled out Emma's chair, seated her, and then took his own across from her. Reaching across, careful to avoid the sea-inspired centerpiece, Killian took both of her hands in his. "I thought perhaps we could try this night over again. Without the fiasco that was your roommates' ridiculously overt attempt to matchmake."
"Killian, this is amazing. I can't believe you did all of this for me."
"Emma," Killian said gently, "you've had a lifetime of people failing to recognize the priceless treasure you are. I intend to spend the next sixty years or so doing all in my power to remedy that situation."
He saw the tears come into her eyes, as she leaned forward. He met her halfway, letting her soft lips speak thoughts too tender for mere words. She deepened the kiss, and it threatened to go from gentle and loving to desperate and passionate. With reluctance, Killian pulled away. "There will be plenty of time for that later, love. First dinner and dancing. Besides, I'd hate to scandalize the Dwarfs."
"Wouldn't want to do that," she agreed with a smile. Killian was pleased to hear how breathless her voice had become. "So when will we get that dinner? I'm starving!"
"Patience, love," he said, rummaging around in his coat pocket. Producing a long, rectangular box, he placed it before her. "First, I've something to give you to commemorate our first official date."
She looked up at him in surprise, and then reached for her gift. Removing the lid, she pulled out a delicate silver chain on which hung a graceful swan pendant, fashioned of silver and pearls. She ran delicate, fingers over the bauble then turned shining eyes toward him.
"This is beautiful."
Killian got to his feet, took the necklace from her, and draped it around her neck. "This is more than a mere trinket. It's a symbol of hope, possibility. Lovely and resilient, much like you." Killian leaned down, peppering gentle kisses along her jawline, down the soft column of her neck, over her collarbone. She tilted her head, granting him further access. After a quick peck to her lips, he returned to his seat.
"Thank you," she said gently. "Remind me to find a better way to show my gratitude later, when we're alone."
His eyes sparkled. "That, love, you can count on."
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Emma ambled up the steps to her apartment, wondering if her feet were even touching the ground anymore. Killian Jones certainly knew how to sweep a girl off her feet when he wanted to.
The date had been nothing short of magical. After a sumptuous dinner and an hour or two of dancing (well, to be fair, it could probably better be described as holding each other and swaying while gazing deeply into each other's eyes), Killian had driven her back to town and invited her to take a moonlit stroll along the beach. Shedding her heels, she'd walked barefoot, savoring the soft feel of the sand beneath her feet, the gentle tide that washed over her toes again and again, the warmth of Killian's shoulder beneath her head, the gentle thudding of his heart beneath her hand.
As they'd strolled along, talking about nothing and everything, the wind had picked up, and Emma shivered, regretting the thin material of her dress. Killian noticed immediately, shed his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. It smelled of leather and rum and the sea and him, and wearing it made her feel as though she were wrapped in his embrace.
Finally, he'd brought her back to her home, and they stood, hands clasping and unclasping. Emma was reluctant for the night to come to an end. "This actually turned out pretty great," she said finally.
He leaned in close. "Don't sound so surprised, Darling. I told you I know how to plan an evening."
The smile she turned his way was radiant. "You wanna come in and have some coffee…with a couple of roommates who are nosy and meddlesome as hell? I really need my own place!"
He grinned. "Maybe next time."
"Next time?" she flirted. "I don't remember asking."
"That's because it's my turn," he suddenly turned serious, his voice dropping to little more than a whisper. "Will you go out with me again."
She leaned forward and captured his lips in a kiss guaranteed to curl his. Carding her fingers through his hair, turning her head this way and that deepening the kiss further with each passing moment she inflicted sweet torture on him, on herself. Eventually, she pulled back, resting her forehead against his. "That was a yes, by the way."
He chuckled softly. "I'd gathered as much."
Groaning softly, she stepped away, shrugged out of his coat and handed it back. "Goodnight, Killian."
She heard his soft "Good night, my love" as she disappeared inside.
Leaning up against her closed door, she shut her eyes, and reverently touched her lips, savoring each feeling, each memory, each moment of the date. Letting Killian in, giving him a chance to prove himself was the best decision she'd made since…well, ever.
"So how was it?"
"Where did he take you?"
"Was it romantic?"
"Was there a goodnight kiss?"
"Details, we want every teeny tiny intimate detail."
"Well, maybe we don't want every detail."
Emma startled at the sound of the rapid-fire barrage of questions her roommates lobbed her way. She turned and barked out a laugh. There they sat on the couch, looking every bit like anxious, excited parents waiting up for their teenage daughter after the prom.
"Did you guys seriously wait up for me?"
"We're just excited for you, that's all," Mary Margaret said, beaming. "We hoped everything went well and you had a good time."
"It went beyond well," Emma admitted, thinking privately that she'd probably never be able to stop smiling. "It was perfect. Look, I know I gave you a hard time for the whole matchmaking thing, and I'm kind of surprised you put up with me and my crap for as long as you did, but…I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for setting me up with Killian. I have a feeling my life is never going to be the same, and I have you to thank for that."
Both roommates got up and enveloped her in a hug. "I'm just glad to see you happy again, Emma. You deserve it," Mary Margaret said.
"Now, maybe next time you'll just go along with it, remembering that we're always right," Ruby said.
"Ruby," Emma said, "I have the distinct feeling that there will never be a need to matchmake for me again."
Notes:
-And they lived happily ever afterward. The End!
-I don't completely discount the possibility of adding little one or two shots to this world I've created, but for now, I'm considering this story finished.
-Well, there you go. I did warn you about the nearly obscene levels of fluff! But, hey! I figure Sunday's 4b finale will probably be equal parts breathtaking romance, slapstick insanity, and terrible pain. Knowing the writers, they'll end on a cliff-hanger painful enough it'll feel like they ripped our hearts out, so I figured we could all use a little pure, unadulterated fluffy romance to cushion the blow!
-Thanks to everyone who's read, favorite, commented and reviewed! Your encouragement has really given me the boost I needed to continue on and finish this little au venture. Unfortunately my own Caribbean Shores gala didn't result in a ridiculously romantic date with Mr. Perfect a week later, but such is life. Alas, Killian Jones only exists within the fictional world A&E created (and all the various and sundry fictional worlds we fanfiction writers have borrowed him for)!
-Anyway, go forth and enjoy the last couple of days before the imminent death the finale will undoubtedly bring us all!