In Which the Princess Attends her First Ball

As the ships sailed into the harbor they were tossed around in the choppy water. Emma was distracted by the sight when she felt something cold crash against her shoulder. Her head whipped around, her eyes focused on Elsa who was watching her with an arched brow, tossing and catching another snowball in her hand.

"Sorry." Emma scrunched up her face at the queen.

"I know you're worried, but from what you told me about Killian, I don't think you have to be. Maybe his ship was worse than he thought and needed a little bit of time before he could sail back."

Emma toyed with the ring that hung from her neck. "Yeah, maybe." She glanced again over her shoulder at the water. Dark grey clouds were rolling in from the west. It would only be a matter of time before a deluge started.

Killian had been gone for over a week and a half. He was supposed to have returned four days ago. Emma had thought of every possible scenario for his delay, from him getting hurt (again), to deciding he didn't want to be around royals, or even going after Rumplestiltskin without her.

During that week and a half she had become a decent rider, though she won't be entering and races anytime soon, and she had worked on her swordplay and archery. She also learned the bare bones of proper royal etiquette. Most importantly, she made great strides in learning how to control her magic from Elsa. She still had a lot to learn about her own brand of magic, but the advice that Elsa gave her was invaluable.

"Should we head back inside?" Emma asked as she eyed the clouds.

"How about one more round and then lunch?" Elsa asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Emma smiled as she got into position. Elsa readied herself, hands out, and she blasted her icy magic straight towards Emma. Emma jumped out of the way and shot light magic towards the Queen. Elsa's magic met Emma's in the middle of the pair. Emma concentrated on pushing Elsa back, but Elsa was still much more skilled than she was and she was. Outmatched, Emma fell backwards and landed in a pile of snow.

Emma laughed as she tried to move up and away from the cold seeping through her clothes. She heard Elsa run up to her. "Sorry about that!"

"At least you gave me a soft landing." Emma grabbed the hand Elsa offered her and pulled herself up. Emma felt a raindrop land on her forehead; she looked up and then back at Elsa. "Perfect timing."

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The rest of the day went by slowly. Emma and Snow took care of the last minute details for the ball the next day. Elsa tagged along to help, which was a blessing. They got along really well; Elsa had become Emma's best friend and she made the planning for the ball more bearable. Though she had met a new friend in Elsa, Emma truly missed Killian and his smart-ass comments. She could only imagine what he would have said and done during all these preparations. She missed a lot of things about him and it unnerved her.

They ate a late dinner in which they all spoke excitedly about the ball. However, as dinner went on, all of Emma's doubts about herself, the ball, and Killian came creeping back. Emma was exhausted by the time dinner ended and they all retreated to their rooms. It didn't matter how tired she was, she couldn't quiet her mind enough to sleep.

Emma sat in one of the chairs by her glass doors that leading out to the balcony. The storm from this afternoon grew into a foul tempest, the wind whistling through the cracks between the doors. If Killian was on his way to Misthaven, he was surely stuck in this storm on a damaged ship.

The door to her chamber creaked open; Emma turned to find her parents entering her room.

"Hey," her mother said as they both walked over and sat near her. "Is everything alright? You seemed a little… off after dinner."

"I'm fine, just nervous for tomorrow." It was a half truth. She was nervous for tomorrow, but much more worried about her pirate. Was he 'her's?' He gave her his ring, but they never actually put into words what they were to each other. Could he have just been appeasing her? Was he maybe in some tavern with another woman, forgetting about her? Emma's heart said no, but her mind was not on the same page. Lightning flashed from outside and her hand instinctively gripped Killian's ring.

"He will be back, Emma." Snow said as she reached forward to grab Emma's hand.

"How do you know for sure?" Emma didn't meet her eyes, she simply looked absentmindedly at their hands.

She heard Snow clear her throat. Emma looked up to see her giving her father a pointed look.

"Am I missing something?"

"If he didn't leave after his second day here, there is no way he would leave you now." David's voice was laced with regret as he spoke.

"Something happened between you two that day at the docks, didn't it?" She narrowed her eyes at her father.

"I was pushing him too hard. I didn't trust him, how could I after all the stories I've heard. I thought he was just using you to get information on the Dark One."

"What?" Emma gasped. "How could—"

David raised his hand as he cut her off. "I know, I know… And then you told us what happened in your tower and I realized how harsh I had been on him. I apologized after dinner that night." He looked truly sorry for his actions. "I know how much he cares for you now, that he's going after Rumplestiltskin on a rescue mission, that he wants to protect you."

Emma's heart fluttered in her chest at her father's words. "You know, he used to be in the navy," she smirked, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"I knew it! Why didn't he say anything?"

Emma shrugged. He was too humble for his own good, and yet still an arrogant ass. That balance was one of the things that just made him Killian. "His king sent him and his brother's crew to Neverland to find a cure to all ailments, but it turned out it was actually the most deadly poison imaginable. So, they both left the Navy and dedicated their lives to stealing from the king's ships and giving the goods to those who needed it."

David was dumbfounded by her story, which made Emma snicker. Talking about him reassured her that Killian would come back to her. He was an honorable man, and she loved that about him.

Loved?

Did she love Killian? Is that why she hasn't felt right since he left? She knew she would miss him, but this was different from what she expected. It wasn't the same way that she missed Graham. No, there was no way she could love him, it was too soon.

"Emma?"

"What?"

Her mother was looking at her questioningly. "Are you alright? You look like you've just seen a ghost?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine, just got really tired all of the sudden." She looked between her parents. They were both watching her with questioning eyes.

"Are you sure?" David asked.

"Yeah, I should probably get to bed. Thanks."

Her parents got up and each gave her a hug and kiss goodnight before they left her chambers. Emma closed the curtains and extinguished the candles in her room, save the one on her nightstand until she was in her bed.

She sat there in the dark, focusing on her realization. It couldn't be true though, there's no way. It was probably just him being away that made her think she loved him. The next time she saw him, whenever that was, everything would be fine and back to normal. She kept telling herself that until she finally fell asleep.

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Emma woke up late the next morning and had to rush to meet Elsa for brunch before they both had to get themselves ready for the ball. Emma sat with Elsa as her hair was styled into an intricate braid that wrapped around her head. She truly looked like a Queen. Meanwhile, Emma's hair was done up in a bun, a few of her bangs swept to the side.

"Are you excited for your first ball?" Elsa asked as she waited for the handmaiden to finish Emma's hair.

"Nervous, a little excited, but mainly nervous. How were you at your fist ball?"

"My first ball was when I was very young, and it was for my parents, not me, so I thought it was like a dream come true. But, the first ball that was for me was post-coronation. I had to face the people as their Queen. I was still struggling with my magic at the time. I was a wreck." Elsa laughed a little at herself before continuing. "But, it became easier as time went on. Don't worry; you don't have to do this alone."

"Thank you," Emma said as she played with her dress. "I'm just worried about what everyone expects of me."

"Just be you and most importantly, try to enjoy yourself. Yes, everyone is here to celebrate your return but that doesn't mean you have to make yourself miserable trying to please everyone. Maybe dance a little, mingle a little, but if you need help, I'll swoop in."

"You are a lifesaver."

They both went their separate ways to get dressed. Snow met Emma in her room to help her finish dressing and placed a small tiara upon Emma's head.

"It was mine. My mother gave it to me at my first ball, I'm glad I can now give it to you." Snow's eyes grew watery as she looked at their reflections in the mirror and took Emma's hand.

"So am I." Emma smiled at her mother in the mirror. Snow was wearing a white ball gown with purple accents along the trim. Emma was wearing a light silvery-blue gown. The small cap sleeves were adorned with a few feathers and the corset was beautifully embroidered. The skirt of the dress was a light fabric that shimmered as the tiny sparkles caught the light.

"Are you ready?" Snow asked as she quickly dabbed at her eyes.

Emma nodded, she was ready as she'd ever be, but thought it best to keep that to herself.

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Emma was about to be introduced into the ballroom when once again she desperately missed Killian. She didn't need him by her side, but she wanted him there. She wanted to banter with him and listen to him make quips about all the absurd customs. She missed her friend, even though she was dealing with feelings that suggested more.

She ran her thumb over the band settled on her pointer finger. It was the only finger Killian's ring would fit on, after putting a little ribbon around it to fit it snug. Her mother had insisted that she not have that chunky chain around her neck in favour of a more elegant necklace given to her by her Aunt Ruby.

At the sound of her name, Emma appeared on the top of the stairs. When she came into view of the crowd in the ballroom, they all erupted in cheers and shouts. She was able to make out a few people yelling, "Welcome home!" It was sweet, but more overwhelming than she expected. She spotted Elsa to her right as she made it down the stairs and quickly walked over to her friend.

"Emma! You look beautiful! How are you holding up?"

"Oh, you know, fine."

"I know it's a bit overwhelming; come over here and I'll introduce you to my sister and her fiancé. We can escape the crowd that way."

Relieved, she and Elsa walked over to the alcoves along the side of the ballroom all the while greeting everyone she passed with smiles that were more like grimaces and polite 'thank you's.'

"There they are," Elsa said, pointing over to a young redhead in a green dress standing next to a tall blonde man. "Anna, Kristoff! I'd like you to meet Emma!"

"Oh, it's so nice to finally meet you! Especially after all the praise Elsa has given you. And she's a tough nut to crack!" Anna said excitedly.

"It's a pleasure, your Highness," Kristoff said with a small bow.

"Thanks, It's great to meet you both." Emma shook both of their hands, Anna then pulled her into a quick hug.

"I warned you she can be quite excitable," Elsa mumbled under her breath to Emma.

Before she could respond, a man was asking her to dance, and whatever ease she felt at being able to relax with Elsa and her family disappeared.

"Sure," Emma responded to the request, shooting Elsa an apologetic look.

-/-

The lights of Misthaven were finally in view. It was just after dusk, when the ball was supposed to begin and Killian was minutes away from docking. His clothes were still wet from that storm, his hair a mess. He was going to make quite an impression at the ball.

It felt like it took hours for him and his crew to dock the ship. As soon it was secure, he sprinted down the gangway.

"Sir, your clothes?" One of his men called after him.

"Doesn't matter!" Killian yelled over his shoulder. His heart raced in his chest as he ran as quickly as he could to the castle. It's been too long since he'd been with Emma and he didn't want her worrying for a second longer than she had to.

He finally reached the castle and a wave of relief washed over him as he stepped through the threshold. One of the guards nodded at him and Killian couldn't help the smile that crept on his face. He was not expecting a warm welcome back from the guards. He swiftly made his way towards the ballroom but was stopped short by the King appearing right in front of him.

"Bloody hell, mate!"

"It's about time you came back." He had a raised brow as he looked him up and down.

"Aye, and I would've been back sooner if my good for nothing crew actually worked while I was gone, instead of letting my ship fall further into disrepair. Now, where's Emma?"

"I think you should change first," David said looking at Killian with amusement colouring his features.

"I think—"

"—You're soaking wet and a complete mess," he cut off Killian's retort in disbelief. "Besides, I had them put some clothes out on your bed."

Killian sighed aggravated as he turned and walked as quickly as possible towards his room, earning a laugh from David.

"You know a 'thank you,' would be nice," David called after him.

Killian turned around and bowed. "Thank you, your most royal and kind highness."

As soon as he entered his chambers, he shed his wet clothes and dressed himself quicker than he had ever before. The clothes were tighter that he would have liked; the brown coat restricted his movement, but it would have to do. Killian switched out his hook for the fake hand. He glanced at himself in the mirror and attempted to fix his hair. It was useless.

Downstairs, Killian looked around from the alcoves that lined both sides of the ballroom. It was crowded and he had a hard time finding Emma. He looked more closely at the dance floor and found her dancing with some prat. Jealousy and fear crashed into him. What if she found someone while he was away?

He swallowed hard before he walked over to her. It had been too long.

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Emma was passed from partner to partner, her mind spinning from all the small talk. Emma's eyes kept darting towards her parents and at Elsa's table. It appeared as though she was enjoying herself, and Emma yearned to join in on the fun, and be with her family.

During the sixth terrible dance, Emma felt yet another tap on her shoulder. Emma took a deep breath, readying herself before she faced her next dance partner.

"May I have the honor of the next dance with the Princess?"

Emma's heart stuttered at the accented voice. She turned quickly to see Killian standing before her. He was dressed like a prince; brown quilted coat with black accents, white shirt, and black vest. His hair was messy and damp in his face, but still looked so good.

"Killian!" Emma said a little too loudly as she jumped towards him and enveloped him in a tight hug, completely forgetting about the man she was just dancing with. She felt him squeeze her back before she gently pushed away from him, keeping a hold on his arms.

"Where have you been?"

"I'm sorry for my delay, love, hit a nasty bit of weather on both legs of the trip. I told you I wouldn't miss the ball. You look absolutely stunting, Emma." His eyes roamed her face with an infectious smile on his lips.

Emma felt like her stomach was doing flips. Suddenly, the idea of her being in love with him crept back into her thoughts. However, she couldn't think about that, it was too much to process when she just needed to get through the night. So, she pushed the thought down.

"A-are you hungry?" Emma asked quickly.

"I'm bloody famished, love."

She beamed at him and grabbed his hand, leading him to the table where Elsa and her sister were sitting. Elsa spotted them and quickly stood to greet them.

"Emma! Have you enjoyed dancing?" A knowing smile on her lips as she glanced at Killian.

"It was a nightmare, but Elsa, I want to introduce you to Killian. Killian, this is Queen Elsa of Arendelle. She has been teaching me how to control my magic."

Killian took Elsa's hand, bent down, and placed his lips briefly on it. "Pleasure to meet you, Your Highness." Killian came back up to his full height and sent Emma a warm smile.

"The pleasure is mine, I've heard so much about you."

"Oh, have you?" Killian side-eyed Emma and tugged on her hand. Emma just rolled her eyes and hoped her blush wasn't as visible as it felt.

"Don't let your head get too big, pirate." Emma tugged on his hand right back.

The three of them sat down to eat as Anna and Kristoff came back from the dance floor to join them. After another round of introductions, Anna and Kristoff were the entertainment of the table, regaling them with tales of their various adventures. Emma made a mental note to look into these rock trolls they spoke of.

Killian shared a few of his pirate stories, which had them all laughing. Emma didn't think she was going to enjoy herself this much, but with Killian at her side surrounded by family and good friends, she didn't want to be anywhere else.

She was interrupted from her thoughts by a young duke who had come over to ask Emma for a dance. Emma glanced around the table, not wanting to leave, but she felt like she had to oblige. As she got up she looked towards Killian, who was looking down at his plate, his hand gripping his fork a little tighter than necessary.

The dance with the duke, was incredibly dull, he bored her with talk of their kingdom's long history. He wasn't a good dancer either. He stepped on her foot, twice. After what seemed like an hour-long dance, Killian was at her side with a stoic look on his face.

"Mind if I cut in?"

The duke bowed and left Emma and Killian alone in the middle of the dance floor.

"Thank you, you don't know how tortuous that was." Emma grabbed his hand and they started to dance.

Killian smiled, but it looked forced and his movements were stiffer than usual. Things felt strange between them, which made Emma wary. "Did you have any enjoyable dances tonight?" His question sounded harsh.

Was he jealous? Emma couldn't help the small smile that grew on her lips. "I am now."

Killian eased at her playful tone, but she could see that something was still bothering him. They twirled around the dance floor for the remainder of the song, but Emma couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"Swan, would you care to go outside for a minute?" He let go of her hand in favour of scratching the spot behind his ear. She missed that little quirk of his while he was gone. Emma nodded and followed his lead.

Killian snagged her hand as he led her out to the balcony overlooking the gardens. He found a spot that was private enough for them to talk. Killian raked his hand across his face, and Emma's stomach dropped at the sight of him looking so uncomfortable.

"Killian, what's wrong?"

"I don't— I just—" He let out a deep sigh, glancing towards the ground. He looked so young and scared. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she reached out to squeeze his hand. "I'm sorry Emma, I've never really done this, and I don't even know what this is exactly because we've never talked about it. But, seeing you dance with those prats tonight…."

"Killian, I— I was being polite," Emma stammered, confused. Her own doubts racing back into her mind and she went on the defensive. "But, what about you?

"What about me?"

"You were gone for a while and I didn't know if you were, I don't know, with someone else or something," Emma stammered. She felt so stupid as the words left her mouth, but this question had been haunting her. She wrung her hands together as she waited for him to respond. He looked taken aback.

"What? No! Not once did I think of seeking out another woman. What would make you think that?"

"What would make you worry about those prats I was dancing with?"

"Because, Emma… You're it for me. You were bloody brilliant on that dance floor and every bit as royal as I thought you could be. I may be a pirate, but I will try my best to be the honourable man I once was, one my brother and you could be proud of."

Emma's eyes widened in shock. "You're it for me too," she breathed. Killian looked at her wide-eyed as she placed a hand on the side of his face and kissed him desperately. Killian tightly wrapped his arms around her, drawing her even closer to him.

"I've missed you," he whispered against her lips, breaking their contact.

"I missed you too." Emma chased his lips again.

"Emma?"

They jumped apart and Emma looked for the person who called after for her while fixing herself. She found Ruby outside looking around.

"Yeah?" Emma asked breathlessly, as walked over to her.

"You're parents are looking for you." Ruby had a soft expression as she looked at Emma, like she knew something Emma didn't.

"Okay, I'll go to them." Emma turned and placed a quick peck on Killian's cheek and walked off to find her parents.

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Killian's check tingled from where Emma's lips just were. He watched her as she disappeared back into the ballroom. Ruby was watching him closely and he felt a blush creep into his cheeks. He was suddenly self-conscious, aware of just how messy his hair had become and how breathless he still was. Over a week away from Emma, and although they had kissed a number a times before he left, he forgot how debilitating her kiss could be.

"I'm glad you're back, Captain." Ruby smirked at him.

"As am I."

She tilted her head as she studied him, "I don't have to threaten you about hurting Emma right?"

Killian huffed, he should have known that was coming. "I have no intention of ever hurting her. If I should, I would be more than happy to oblige to whatever punishment you all see fit."

"Good. Now come on, they want you inside too," Ruby said with a wink as she turned on her heel and headed back into the ballroom.

Killian shook his head and followed her lead. Inside was quieter than before. Only the sounds of anxious chatter and low music filled the air. Emma and her parents were up on one of the balconies. Ruby led him towards them. He wasn't sure why he was wanted by them, but if he was to be closer to Emma, well then, he'd be happy.

David and Snow gave him a nod and a smile as he came over to join them. Killian stood next to Emma, who blushed as his hand brushed hers. He felt her thread her fingers through his and he beamed at her.

His attention was drawn away from Emma at the sound of a fork tapping a wine glass. David and Snow turned to address their subjects below.

"Thank you all for coming to celebrate the return of our daughter, Emma." Snow glanced over at Emma and squeezed her shoulder. "We cannot tell you the joy we feel at her return. Despite all odds, she has turned out to be a truly wonderful, gifted, young woman."

"We no longer have to worry about the Evil Queen, we can look forward to what the future holds. And I'd like to thank Captain Killian Jones." David looked over to Killian, who felt his face grow red. He wasn't expecting this, he didn't deserve any praise. "Without him, we would still be searching for Emma."

"To Emma and to Killian!" Snow held up her glass towards the both of them. Killian was in shock. He knew Liam would smack him on the shoulder and tell him to shut his mouth, 'You're not a codfish, Killian!'

He glanced at Emma, who was as red in the face as he felt. She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek before taking a sip from her glass.

The royals came over to them. Snow and David both hugged Emma. David clapped Killian on the back before Snow gave him a hug as well.

"I'm so glad you made it back in time!" The queen said as she pulled away from him.

"As am I. Thank you both for the kind words."

The two of them smiled at him. He felt Emma wrap her arm around his and that feeling of not belonging in this world lessened greatly.

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"Emma, how would you like to dance?"

Emma's smile lit up her face at her father's question. They had been practicing the waltz, but they didn't get to have their father-daughter dance that night yet. Emma nodded and followed her father down to the dance floor.

"I knew he'd be back," David said, as they started to whirl around the dance floor.

"I'm glad someone did."

"Did you enjoy your first ball? I remember mine being overwhelming. And at the time, I was posing as Prince James."

"It was quite overwhelming, but I did have fun."

"I'm glad. Next time, you don't have to dance with everyone that asks. Maybe one or two for appearances, but unless you want to dance, don't feel like you have to."

"I thought it was what I had to do, what princesses do?"

"The only thing you have to do is be you and have a good time. Your first ball in another kingdom you'll see just how different it is here." David smiled at her.

"I guess I got in my head a little bit."

"Next time, it will be better." He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "Someone wants the last dance."

Emma turned around and saw Killian walking towards her, looking happier than he had all evening. "M'lady," he said as he extended his hand and bowed slightly.

Emma took his hand in hers and they shared the last dance.

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Killian had only planned on walking Emma to her room, but when Emma invited him in he couldn't say no.

"How are your nightmares, love?"

"Better," she yawned as she led him over to her bed. "Your tip with the candle helps," she said timidly.

"I'm glad to hear it." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I should get to bed…"

"Stay," Emma whispered, holding on to his lapels, while staring intently at his chest.

Killian had a moment of panic, surely she couldn't mean… He didn't think there was anyway she would be ready for that now, after all that time alone. And sure, he had experience, but this was different! This was Emma. They just got on the same page. The shy, rule-following lieutenant in him reared its head, hesitating as he did not want to rush things.

"No, I don't want to— I mean— just, will you just stay with me? I missed you so much and I don't want to say goodnight just yet."

His heart warmed in his chest as he leaned in and softly kissed her. "I will. Why don't you get in more comfortable clothes. "

"You too," she smiled before disappearing into her dressing room.

Killian removed his coat and placed it on the bench at the foot of the bed before removing his boots. He stood by the side of the bed and removed his fake hand from the brace, placing it on the bedside table. He was so tired from pushing himself sailing the past couple days that he wasn't sure if he would make it walking back to his room later.

Suddenly, Killian heard a muffled curse from the dressing room. "You alright, love? Need some assistance?"

"I'm fine," she said, her muffled voice carried through the walls.

"How has your swordplay been coming along? Surely your father isn't as good a teacher as me."

"Ha-ha," Emma came back into the room walking towards the bed in her nightdress and robe. "You ready?" She was playing with the end of her sleeves.

"I'm absolutely exhausted."

Emma pulled back the covers and slowly got into bed as Killian stayed on top of the covers. If he was found in here, he'd lose his head for sure. He would take any precaution to keep that from happening.

A blush lightly stained her cheeks as she waited for him to settle in. She placed her head on his chest and flung her arm around him. His arm snaked around her lithe body.

"Killian?"

"Mmm?"

"Do you always wear your brace when you sleep?" Emma asked, her fingers reaching his brace on the arm that lay next to him. Killian tensed underneath her.

"It's best if I keep it on." A lie, he should've taken it off. It needs time to breathe, especially since he hadn't taken it off in the past couple of days and definitely overworked it sailing through the storm. Blisters could be a problem if he didn't take care of it properly. It would only feel worse than it did now come morning. The phantom pains had started again, but he was used to ignoring the weaker pains.

"It's comfortable?" She asked disbelievingly. Why did he think he could just let this slide?

He shrugged against the pillows. "It's not pretty, Emma."

"Well, it's about time something about you isn't, because honestly." She gestured at him and he couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up in him.

"So you admit I'm devilishly good-looking then?"

"I don't think you need anyone else feeding your ego." She sat up and he followed. Emma grew serious as she reached for his wrist. "Trust me?"

"Aye," he said in a whisper. She would be the first person to see what was left of his wrist outside of the few of his crew who had assisted with cauterizing the wound. He was thankful for the low light in her chambers.

She started to unbuckle some the clasps and he shut his eyes as the dull throb in his wrist got worse. He winced as she slid it from his arm.

"Are you alright?" Emma fretted.

"It's just tender is all." He opened his eyes to find Emma watching him with a soft smile on her lips.

"Don't be so hard on yourself. You're more than just a pirate, you're a good man. And this certainly isn't ugly, it's just different." She shrugged before gently touching his wrist and he tried to hold back his gasp. She pulled her hands away as if she were burnt. "I'm sorry!"

"No, no. It's just more sore than I thought it'd be." Killian massaged his wrist with his right hand trying to take away the pain.

"Do you… I could try to make it feel better, heal it, if you'd like. I'm not sure if I can. All I know about my magic is that it is light magic, I don't know everything it can do yet."

Killian looked at her before a smile grew on his lips. If anyone was going to make him feel better, it would be his Swan. He raised his left arm towards Emma. "Give it a go, love."

Emma carefully took his wrist in her hands and shut her eyes in concentration. Nothing happened for a few moments before Emma breathed deep in frustration.

"Love, it's alright, you've got this."

She looked up at him with another soft smile that made his stomach twist. He was a lucky bastard.

Emma closed her eyes again and took another breath before a faint glow emanated from her hands. The pain started to subside, and was almost gone by the time her magic stopped.

"How'd I do?" Emma asked as she looked like she was about to collapse.

"It feels much better, love. Bloody brilliant as always. However, do you always look like you are going to keel over after you use magic?"

"Only when I'm already tired, or I overuse it." She slurred.

"Come on, love, off to sleep you go." Killian pulled Emma against him as he scooted back down to lie against the pillows. She moaned softly in the process, warming Killian's heart. Emma's head rested on his chest with her arms wrapped around him and she was out cold in seconds. Killian placed a kiss on her head and sat there listening to her breathe before sleep claimed him.

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Milah etched new lines into the wall of her prison with what was left of her spoon. Another ship sailing on a rolling sea. She longed for a way to just cross over into the picture. Too bad she couldn't make a portal on sheer willpower alone.

The door to her cell opened and she quickly twirled around to see who had opened it.

"To what do I owe this pleasure? Have you fired your maid, or kill her?" Milah spat at the sight of her ex-husband. He never brought her meals, and she couldn't even tell you the last time she saw him since entering this hell hole.

"Eat up. I knew there was a reason I kept you alive."

"What? What do you mean?" Milah asked as she stood up quickly.

"You are going to be the last bit of leverage I need." Rumple dropped the tray to the ground and left the room.

Milah was full of dread. The only person she could be used as leverage against was Killian, and her heart sank at the thought. The last time she saw him, Rumple ripped out her sweet Liam's heart and cut off Killian's hand. Her own heart ached for the man she saw as a younger brother. He'd been through so much, she didn't want to be the cause of any more pain.

A/N: Thank you all for follows and reviews! Thank you to Swansouat on tumblr for betaing! I started this story over year ago, it's crazy. I thought I'd be finished by now but life got busy, last year at uni and all that. Sorry for the delay on this chapter, if you follow me on tumblr I'm sure you noticed my Agent Carter obsession, it may have distracted me from this... I'm sorry, but that show is too wonderful!

Anyone catch the Mary Poppins and Petter Pan reference?

I hope you enjoyed it!