A/N: Here it is - the first epilogue for this story! For now, I have 4 different epilogues and I think that I will stick with those.
Thank you so much for your reviews, for following this story and pressing that favourite button. I love you all!
If you haven't already checked her out, go and visit presstheemmabutton on here now as she has moved from Wattpad to our little family! Plus, she has her first story up on here and it is brilliant - as is she! If you haven't already, go and give her some love!
Oh my the new episode... I was losing a bit of hope but Queen Jane pulled through! Killy would never abandon you Emma! Next week though... I know that Emma is going to end up helping Gideon... she will do anything to get Killian back, as would he to get back to her!
Keep Smiling!
"Do you need any assistance, lad, or are you alright?" Killian asks, watching Henry move around on deck of the Jolly Roger.
Killian had asked Henry if he would go sailing with him the previous evening and immediately agreed, looking forwards to going out on the ship and into the open water. It is something that Henry tries to do at least once a week in the past few months since the portal to Storybrooke had been closed. However, today, there is a reason behind Killian asking for Henry's company. Not just because Emma is busy with Regina, forming a new version of Regina's vault in the castle with essence of evil removed, but because he has something very important to ask the teenager; something that could, and would, change their lives even more.
"I'm good, I think." Henry calls out as he now stands behind the wheel now, guiding them carefully away from the docks and further into the water.
Killian watches Henry's movements as he treats the Jolly with respect, as if it was his own ship. He cannot help but see so much of Emma in her boy but also elements of his own personality. Henry's love of the water has considerably grown, as has his thirst of adventure which Killian knows all too well after hundreds of years proudly walking the deck.
The memories of the various times that he has gone sailing with Emma and Henry since being in the Enchanted Forest - including the few trips where they have spent a few days out on the sea to get away from the mayhem at the castle - bring a smile to his face but a tremor of anxiety to his hand.
"Killian?"
Henry's voice breaks through his thoughts and he realises that his gaze had drifted to the waves before them. He snaps out of his stupor and smiles, slightly sheepishly, at Henry.
"Sorry, lad. What was that?" he asks.
"I asked if we could eat lunch out on deck." Henry says, tilting the wheel two notches to port to keep them on course.
"Of course we can. Shall I fetch the food from the galley for us then?"
Henry nods with a smile. "Do you want any help with it?"
Killian shakes his head. "It's alright, lad. You just make sure we stay on course and not drift too far out."
Henry nods again and Killian makes his way below deck, going down the ladder into his quarters and slowly walks through the small corridors to the galley.
When he arrives in the room, Killian moves to the back of the galley where the basket of food he had placed there earlier sits on the counter. He removes the lid, double checking that all of the food is there before picking it up and turning to walk back out into the corridors. Killian stops inside his room, not going back up on deck just yet, and places the basket down on the surface of his large desk.
A sigh escapes from him as his hand moves to the small drawer on the top right hand side of his desk. His fingers grip the small box that has been pushed to the back for safe keeping and he brings it forwards. Using his hook, he flips open the lid.
His nerves build as he looks at the ring he designed a week after Gideon's initial attack - when Emma was stabbed - and could not bear the thought of losing her. The band itself has been forged from a gold coin that Killian had taken on top of the beanstalk; their first adventure together. Inside, he asked to have something engraved so Emma will be reminded that he will always find her; to the end of the world, or time. The modest, but still impressive, diamond catches the light that filters through the windows and an image immediately comes to mind.
Killian pictures the ring glinting as it sits proudly on Emma's finger after she has accepted his proposal. The happiness on her face melts his heart and he cannot wait to see that in reality. A smile forms as he closes the lid of the small box and places a kiss on top of it, lingering for a moment.
The sound of the anchor dropping encourages Killian to pocket the box in his coat. Footsteps on deck sound before Henry's head pokes down the hatch.
"Are you alright, Killian? It's been quite a while since you came below." Henry says, concern on his features.
"Sorry, my boy. I must have lost track of the time." Killian says, nudging the drawer closed with his hip and grabbing the basket of food in his hand.
He climbs up the ladder and hands over the basket to Henry when he is up on deck. Killian moves around his beloved ship, ensuring that everything is in order so they can relax without worry. Satisfied, accompanied by a mixture of pride and feeling impressed swelling in his chest at how Henry has sorted everything, Killian returns to Henry who is now sitting down on deck.
He moves to sit beside him, gratefully accepting the plate of food that Henry has fixed for him.
They eat in a comfortable silence, Killian's mind constantly drifting to his thoughts of Emma and the future they could build together. Henry notices the faraway look in the pirate's eyes and becomes concerned. More so when he talks about completely random and ludicrous things - colouring the Jolly's sails bright pink, for example - and Killian simply nods along.
"Killian... Killian!" Henry's voice grows in volume which captures Killian's attention once again. "What is going on?"
Killian shifts slightly. "What makes you think something is amiss?"
Henry places his empty plate back into the basket. "Killian, you keep zoning out and haven't listened to a thing I have said and you may have hoped that I haven't noticed, but your hand has been shaking as if you're nervous."
Killian sighs, places his plate down himself. "I..."
"Killian, you can talk to me. I might be young but I know that something is bothering you. You have told me in the past that I can talk to you and I offer the same. Clearly, this is something that you cannot talk to Mum about so, talk to me."
Killian smiles tightly, his gaze moving to the water in front of them. He takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. His hand reaches into his pocket and he extracts the box, his eyes falling to it.
"Henry," he starts, looking up at the boy. "I brought you out here today because I wanted to ask you something very important." Killian takes another deep breath, steadying himself. "Henry, may I have your blessing to ask for Emma's hand in marriage?"
Henry is silent for a moment before laughing. Killian immediately looks away from him, hurt at the reaction from the boy. His jaw begins to tick and Henry's laughter abruptly stops.
"You're serious, aren't you." Henry says, sobering.
"Aye, I am." Killian answers, his voice almost a whisper.
"Why me? Why ask me and not Grandpa?" Henry asks and Killian looks up at him.
"I will also ask for David's blessing but you, and your opinion, are more important to me. You are Emma's son and if she agrees to marriage, then you will have me as a big part of your life. It would be completely unfair of me to leave you out - especially as I like to consider you as... well, as my own."
Henry smiles widely at Killian. "Killian, of course you have my blessing. It will be amazing to finally make it official... Dad."
Killian's jaw goes slack before he surges forwards and pulls Henry into a hug. Henry holds him back just as tight and as fiercely. When they draw back, Killian has tears on his face.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." the pirate says with a gigantic smile on his face. "I promise you, Henry, I will not let you or Emma down."
Henry smiles, wiping away tears of his own. "Can I see the ring?"
Killian uses his hook to lift the lid and hands the box over to Henry. He explains the significance of the ring for him and Emma and Henry reverently hands it back. Killian places the box back into his pocket.
"I'm surprised that you were nervous to ask me." Henry says, taking a swig of water from his flask.
"I wasn't necessarily sure how you would react. When I moved in with Emma, it was very different for both of us. I don't intend for what we have to change when your mother and I marry, if we do, but it is a big step that could lead to bigger steps in the future."
Henry places his hand on Killian's shoulder. "You've been in our lives for a long time now, Killian, and I am sure that you will be here for the rest of our lives. Whatever happens in the future, I am happy for you; you both deserve this after everything you have gone through."
Killian smiles wider and removes the traces of tears from his face.
"Truly, Henry, thank you." he says and clears his throat. "So, how are things going with the Lady Violet?"
Henry's deep crimson blush is all the answer Killian needs.
...
"Killian, Henry! This is a surprise!" David says as the two of them walk into his study later that afternoon. "What do I owe the pleasure?"
The pirate and the author move into the room until they are in front of David's desk which has maps of the kingdom strewn across it. Killian feels Henry's strong presence beside him and feels his nerves ebbs away slightly.
"David, I have something important to ask you." Killian says, his fingers playing with the tip of his hook.
David notices Killian's anxiousness and stands from his chair, walking around his desk so it isn't between them like a foreboding barrier.
"What is it? Is something wrong?" he asks.
Killian shifts on his feet, gaze dropping for a second. Henry places his hand on Killian's arm, squeezing reassuringly. Killian looks at him, shooting him a grateful smile.
"David," Killian says, turning to face him fully. "may I have your blessing for Emma's hand in marriage?"
David stares blankly at Killian. The pirate takes a slight step backwards, shrinking beneath the prince's calculated gaze. But he releases a breath in relief when David slowly smiles.
"What are your thoughts on this, Henry?" David asks his grandson, not answering the question just yet.
Henry suddenly smiles, looking at Killian with bright eyes.
"Killian asked me earlier when we were out on the Jolly. I'm looking forward to making our family official." Henry says honestly, looking back at his grandfather.
"I'll be honest, I was expecting this a while ago." David says, leaning back against his desk.
"I designed and had the ring made not long after Emma had been stabbed by Gideon." Killian says.
David frowns. "Why have you waited this long?"
Killian shrugs slightly, hand moving to rest on his belt. "I was focusing on helping Emma heal and then we came here and I wanted to let her settle so I didn't overwhelm and potentially scare her."
"Are you worried that she will refuse?" David asks, raising an eyebrow.
"Doesn't every man have that fear niggling in the back of their mind when it comes to something like this?" Killian questions. "All I know is that I love her with my entire being and would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her."
"Well there is only one way to find out, Hook. You have my blessing. And, I will keep this as a surprise for Snow."
"I appreciate it, David; truly." Killian says.
"Of course. Now, how do you plan on asking her?"
...
He feels her rest her head on his shoulder and he presses a kiss to her hairline.
The air around them is comfortably warm and the moonlight illuminates the gardens around them. This has become a bit of a tradition for the couple when one, or both, of them have something on their minds. It is Killian's request for them to take a walk this night and as they do, Emma is unaware of his reasons until he feels ready to share; which he will be doing in a way that Emma will not be expecting.
Since the weather has been so nice, Killian had planned for his proposal to be outdoors, beneath the stars that unite them regardless of where they may be. Grateful to have the help of David and Henry, his proposal has been perfectly planned out and he prays to whatever Gods may be listening, that it all goes perfectly; not for his sake, but for Emma's and her happiness.
Currently, they meander through the gardens, dressed in their pyjamas with their boots on top. Emma is wearing her red flannel pyjama bottoms with the pirate ships on them and Killian is wearing his navy blue version with the white anchors; mainly due to the pockets that are there where he has placed the ring. They are both also wearing white t-shirts - both of them Killian's as Emma insisted on being comfortable; which Killian cannot help find both endearing and incredibly sexy.
Killian leans his head against Emma's, his stomach twisting in knots in his anxiety. He knows in his head that Emma will accept his proposal but the dark thoughts in the back of his mind, villains don't get happy endings, make him panic.
"I can practically hear you thinking, Killian." Emma says, forcing them to a stop. She lifts her head from his shoulder so she can look at him properly. Her hands drop to grip his hand and hook. "You know that you can tell me what is going on."
Her eyes are soft and Killian cannot help but feel captured and be in awe at the sight of her love for him in her eyes.
"But," she continues, a smile on her lips. "you can tell me in your own time - that is why we have these walks now, after all."
"Not just so I can gaze at your exquisite beauty in the moonlight?" Killian asks cheekily. Emma giggles at his antics.
"You're impossible." she mumbles once her laughter dies down.
"And you love me for it." Killian replies immediately.
Emma's gaze softens even more and the most tender of smiles sits on her lips.
"Aye," she says quietly. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
Emma leans forwards, rising up on her toes, and gently presses a kiss to Killian's lips. She keeps it chaste, falling back down so her feet are flat once more.
"Shall we continue our walk?" she asks, releasing his hand and keeping a firm grip on his hook.
"Aye, love."
They continue walking at their leisurely pace when Emma notices a slight glow to her right. She furrows her brows.
"What is that?"
"Why don't we find out?" Killian asks, a smile on his face and an eyebrow raised.
Emma looks at Killian curiously before leading him towards the glow. They turn a few corners when Emma stops suddenly. Tears pool in her eyes at the sight before her and she cannot tear her eyes away. If she did, she would see nothing but adoration in Killian's gaze as he watches her reaction.
Candles line the path on both sides which leads to the grand gazebo in front of them. Killian places his hook on the small of her back, gently pushing her forwards. The white frame of the gazebo has Middlemist flowers woven together and candles are on every available surface, leaving a small gap in the centre for the pair of them to stand in.
"Killian, what..."
Killian smiles at Emma tenderly and guides her into the cleared area. Emma takes a closer look at the Middlemist flowers before looking up at Killian, her tears sparkling in her eyes. His hooked arm moves to drape ever so slightly around her waist, his hand raising to cup her cheek.
"Emma, you have no idea just how deep my love for you runs. Words are simply nowhere near enough to express just how much I love and cherish you." Killian starts, thumb brushing away falling tears. "The man I am today is because of you and the family that we have. I found my happy ending with you and I easily consider myself the luckiest man in all the realms."
"I found my happy ending with you too." Emma whispers, her hands coming up to hold his arm and wrist; keeping his palm against her cheek. "It's just you and me. No walls. No secrets."
Killian smiles. "You and me; forever, Swan."
Emma smiles lovingly. Killian reluctantly extracts his hand from his love's hold and reaches into his pyjama bottom's pocket. With a deep breath and keeping his gaze fixed to Emma's, he lowers himself to one knee.
Emma's eyes grow wide.
"Emma Swan," his voice is soft and he watches as a smile spreads across her face. Using his hook, Killian lifts the lid of the ring box. "will you marry me?"
Emma's smile broadens. "Yes, Killian!" she exclaims, hands immediately cupping Killian's cheeks. She kneels down quickly and kisses Killian. "Yes!"
Her arms go around his neck so their chests crush together. When their lips part, Emma buries her face into Killian's neck, laughing happily.
"I love you so much." Killian says and Emma pulls back so she can look at him; her fiancé.
"I love you too." she says, kissing him again. "It is absolutely beautiful, Killian."
Emma gestures to the ring and Killian quickly removes it from the box.
"Before I place this ring on your finger, I need to tell and show you something." Killian says, tilting the ring in the candlelight so the diamond glints. "Our journey has been a long and rocky one at times and I have been drawn to you since the second I met you. The ring that I am presenting to you is one of my own design. The diamond is one that I had bought as I thought it was perfect for you. The band is made from some of the gold that I took on top of the beanstalk."
"Our first adventure." Emma whispers in awe.
Killian smiles brightly. "Aye. I also had the liberty of adding an inscription. I know it isn't traditional or normal or-"
Emma cuts Killian off with her lips pressing against his. "You're rambling, babe."
"Sorry." Killian says, laughing nervously. "It is something that I said to your father in our trip to the past when we were going to get you from the Evil Queen."
He tilts the ring so Emma can see what has been engraved.
"To the end of the world, or time." Emma says aloud. Her gaze quickly snaps back up to Killian's. "Killian..."
Using his hook, Killian lifts Emma's left hand and slides the ring on her finger. He leans down and presses a kiss to it. When he lifts his head, tears are shining on Emma's cheeks.
"You and me." she mumbles, smiling brightly and bringing her right hand up to his cheek.
"You and me." Killian echoes, holding Emma closer. "Together."
End note: Please review! :)