Their hands were glued together when they turned around, and Emma wouldn't wish it any other way. She'd lost him so many times, and this was where she drew the line. She refused to lose him again. As it was, she didn't even want to let him out of her sight.

They walked back at a leisurely pace, as close as they were able, almost as if they were each trying to make sure the other was real. At least, Emma was. In her head, she could still see every time he left her, in this reality or any other, after promising that he wouldn't. He promised her that he was a survivor, and the sheer number of times he disproved that was almost comical.

She squeezed his hand as they met with the rest of the group. Never again.

At once, Killian was passed around like a spectacle, earning hugs from everyone, even Regina, who threatened him with magic should he ever be so careless or stupid again (her exact words were, "I will create a vicious cycle of sending you down here and then bringing you back so I can do it again").

When her mother was finally done smothering him, Emma smiled and motioned to the back of the group. "There's one more person who's been waiting to see you."

For a moment, Killian was confused. Had Henry come along? But then of course, the group parted to show Liam, who was standing nervously behind Robin. Killian was at a loss for words. Was it really him after all of this time?

"Liam," he breathed, surprised and very much disbelieving.

"It seems you've caused quite the mess, little brother," he chuckled. Killian wasted no time at all tackling his brother and pulling him into a tight embrace. The scene was rather heartwarming, and Emma couldn't help but grin like the Cheshire Cat. No matter what happened to bring them to that moment, she was glad that they had this opportunity.

"I think you mean younger brother," Killian chided once they'd parted.

Liam smirked. "No, I meant what I said."

"I've missed you, brother," Killian whispered a moment later. Emma could see his eyes go glassy once again.

"Guys," Regina piped up. "Not that this isn't touching, but how about we continue this someplace that isn't Hell?" Well, she had a point.

"What?" Killian asked. He wasn't sure what they were all doing there, considering that five of them happened to still be alive, but honestly, with his brother by his side, and his Swan in his arms, he couldn't have cared less.

"Well isn't it obvious," Emma started, reaching for Killian's hand again. Only this time, she was met with his bare stump. She grabbed hold of it none the less and sighed. Maybe that was part of his own hell. She already knew that she was a frequent visitor. "We're here to spring you."

A/N- Yes, I will be posting tomorrow and Friday, so keep a look out. Happy Holidays!

-S.