Here's part 2 of my Hardly Ancient History sequel - rated M for good reason :] enjoy!
"Excellent work, Em," David smiled, holding up a sparkling glass of champagne in cheers. "I'm going to touch base with a few donors - maybe see if we can wrangle some support for the school field trip funding for next year. Want to join me?"
"Well, as riveting as that sounds," Emma teased as she clinked her own crystal against his. "I was thinking I'd go ahead and wander for a bit. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not," David assured her with a nod. "Take as much time as you need - you deserve a break after all this."
"Yeah," she laughed. "I'll be sure to tell my boss that you think so."
David chuckled softly as they parted, his shoulders straightening as he turned to shake the hand of someone who was probably part of a much higher pay grade than either of them. Emma let out a breath of relief at the fact that her boss was allowing her to opt out of the formalities that always followed the main event, but her anxiety spiked slightly when she realized she still had one person who she needed to track down.
Now exactly what she was going to say once she did so….well, that was something she'd yet to work out.
She wasn't entirely sure how she'd made her way to the display that was usually under constant observation. They'd departed so quickly all those months ago that Emma hadn't had much time to see the reactions the recently improved ancient weaponry exhibit drew from the museum guests back when her handsome archaeological counterpart had initially delivered the warrior's sword back into her possession, but watching people appreciate the small part of her work - well, their work in Greece had become a rewarding pastime since she'd returned.
Gazing upward at the beautiful, ivory handled blade where it was mounted alongside several others on the walls enclosing the area instantly summoned a memory - one where the calm of a Nile valley night had prodded them to discuss another genre of walls and the emotional bricks she'd used to build them. It had been an sincere moment that had earned a pleased smile from Killian and the soft stroke of his careful thumb over her cheek when she'd told him that knocking down those barriers didn't feel so difficult anymore. His accepting reassurances replayed themselves in her head, his astounding faith in her still so evident despite his absence over the past few weeks.
"What if I told you that I kind of like your walls?"
"You….do?"
"Aye, love. I like being the one to break them down."
Emma felt a few tears being to gather at the corners of her eyes, the conclusion that he wasn't going anywhere he couldn't return from finally settling in her bones. She hadn't told him her plan yet - the decision she'd been debating to turn her job over to someone else if he'd merely offer the alternative she was hoping for. Seeing him jet off to another project without being able to accompany and antagonize him wasn't something she wanted to allow, but the need for him to ask that she join him was a requirement she didn't think she could bend on.
Maybe she wouldn't have to. Perhaps they actually wanted the same thing. Perhaps it was time they admit it to each other.
He loved her though - the truth of that was plain as could be in the pause he'd taken during his charming answer on stage. The emotion of that moment had barreled into her as she'd watched him bite his tongue in careful recovery and when she finally witnessed a knowing smirk encompass his lips, she wondered how she'd never seen it before. Emma let her mind rush through the past few months as the real question encircled her like a Saharan sandstorm.
Was she in love with him too?
She'd thought about it once or twice, the possibility making her heart race each time it crossed her thoughts. It had been almost impossible to deny it from the start - the way he was so easy to fall for - but she'd put up a hell of a fight and giving way to what was certainly prodding her feelings was something she only did in independent settings like the one she found herself in now. Her eyes glued to the sword, Emma reminisced just how far they'd come and just how much more open she'd become to the idea of love. It was a path she was likely headed for and for once, her instinct to bolt now wavered while she recalled some instances where maybe - just maybe - she had actually started to feel that specific way about the man who'd reminded her of who she was meant to be.
It had become even more taxing over the past few weeks to battle that four letter word as they worked alongside one another. She'd pondered it when she watched him assist in cracking open a fragile tomb, his hands calculated and gentle while his stare focused firmly. She'd entertained it when she caught him stumbling over a site marker jutting out of the dirt which led to him wandering toward her, the following whispered request of super glue nearly making her laugh out loud as she tried not to think of the thousands of things he might have broken. There was a growing wealth of quirky observations continually nudging her in the direction of that definitive sentiment - the big three worded admission - and though she never planned on it going like this, it wasn't a total shock that it had.
Honestly, with his adoring words and studious blue eyes, she'd probably never stood a chance - and that definitely wasn't the worst luck imaginable. Now she just needed to find a way to hold onto it.
The hundredth sigh she'd let go of that evening didn't help much with calming her worry and as she finally peeled herself away from the findings of an adventure they shared long ago, Emma decided that there was only person who might be able to divest her of this odd anxiety she felt. Locating the time on a nearby wall clock told her he'd likely be done appeasing the world of academia soon and with a subtle glance toward the elevator, she pondered the idea of taking refuge in the space where they'd ended up in an honest conversation the last time he'd walked through the museum entrance - well, talking among other things.
The dull ding of the elevator could barely be heard over the fading sounds of chatter and chaos, but as Emma stepped in and pushed the 'B' button, she decided that a quiet place was somehow just what she needed. After all, several items for the European history showcase had recently been delivered and there were likely still a few checklists to run through or perhaps some paperwork to be filed - both tasks that could serve as worthy distractions for a little while. A small smile pulled at her lips as the doors closed slowly and she imagined just what Killian would probably say if he saw her descending to the lowest level of the museum in search of menial jobs to do.
Workaholic, she thought with a happy shake of her head - and perhaps he was right.
She'd been in near shock the day David had beckoned her to the loading dock to witness the unpacking of the loaned artifacts from a London museum and though that had been almost a week earlier, Emma's reaction still hadn't changed. She still had no idea how he'd managed to procure such fragile, beautiful pieces of history - though something suggested his phone calls to a suspiciously flirty Ms. Blanchard, their assistant curator, might have played a part in that - but they'd somehow ended up with the components to an unbelievably beautiful exhibit.
Flipping the few lights that brightened the wide open basement storage area, Emma let her fingertips trail carefully along the items as she started the process of awed admiration all over again. There were a few smaller furniture type objects perched on the wooden shipping pallets close by - a Victorian era armoire, a small astronomical clock, and several Rembrandt paintings. Her boss had even managed to get them to include a full scale reproduction of Michelangelo's David, which Emma was sure he'd probably requested in an awkward yet harmlessly selfish way.
It was all beyond impressive, but none of it could compete properly with the main piece of the collection - the remarkably crafted Great Bed of Ware.
Emma paused at the foot of the large four post oak frame, the carved feet working with the adjacent overwrought headboard. The bed itself had been shipped in pieces, but they'd assembled it in the basement to check for damages before the unveiling and Emma had pleaded with David to leave it that way in support of letting her study it before the public was able to. She'd spent a few nights examining the exquisite marquetry - everything from the arched panels that depicted pictures of life in the town of Ware during the Elizabethan era to the dozens of sporadic initials carved into the wood above the mattress. She'd spent several nights examined the curves of the letters etched there, her mind creating a story for the pairs of lovers who'd chosen to leave their mark. The hanging curtains and bedding were all reproductions of the time period, but their red and gold stitching was still simply striking.
She was still wondering how she'd become so instantly infatuated with a place that many people had used for everything from sleeping to a little less sleepy endeavors. It was a strange fascination, but she couldn't help the way the mystery of it pulled her in.
Stepping back from the sheets for a moment, Emma glanced around to check for the last object she'd been so intrigued by. Near a reconstructed end table was the lavish chair that made up a suite of furniture once commissioned for Marie Antoinette, the controversial queen who David still insisted was not worth 'losing your head over'. Emma rolled her eyes at the memory of his cheesy joke as she took a minute to admire the way the blue fabric and gold paint - a duo that was often repetitive in royal furniture she'd worked with - came together to create such a lovely item. She'd barely noted the dark suit jacket thrown over the back of the chair when her phone began buzzing, the ring faintly audible as it played the Indiana Jones theme song.
Speaking of history repeating, she thought as his display picture lit up the screen - a photo she always laughed at of him giving skeptical side eye to a golden cat statue their team had recovered from a temple site.
"Evening, Dr. Jones," she answered, the phone at her ear as she looked around the room. "I was hoping I'd be hearing from you."
"Well, I'm nothing if not admirably consistent in interrupting your work hours," he returned, a slight laugh in his words. "You're in the basement, aren't you?"
Of course he knew where she was. Whether it was mausoleums or museums, that man always found her - and the blue bandana she quickly realized was hanging from one of the bedposts was only further proof of that.
"Well, that's a little creepy," she playfully told him, reaching up to grab the discarded article he'd worn often back in Egypt. "Almost like you only know where to find me because you're down here as well."
"Of course I am," he confirmed with a bit of cleverness in his accent. "I had to retrieve the gift I promised you after all, but I must say I didn't expect to be so pleasantly distracted by what was already stored down here."
Dammit, Emma thought with a sigh. She hadn't mentioned her recent work endeavors in hopes of avoiding this sort of scandalous conversation. Killian had a knack for turning even the most innocent of instances into sexually charged circumstances and telling him about the bed would have put her in the same position they'd found themselves in when she told him about a particular London museum's upcoming History of Underwear exhibit.
For the record, that outcome had resulted both of them wearing nothing - the article of clothing under academic review in England included.
"Yeah, I must have failed to mention it for some reason," she fibbed, knowing full well how unconvincing she was. "I'd be willing to fill you in if you're free though."
"Hmmm," he said curiously. "That's quite the appealing offer."
She laughed softly, focusing for a minute on the feel of the well worn bandana in her hand. Letting her eyes trace the paisley pattern scrawled across the navy fabric, she failed to notice the call disconnecting - but what she heard next wasn't something even her elaborate memories could distract her from.
"Honestly, Swan," a voice from behind her started, the familiar tone making Emma's body tingle. "I've got to say that you have certainly outdone yourself this time."
As a relieved, happy smile spread across her lips, she spun to face her endearing accuser. He'd shed his jacket - the evidence of that both on the chair she'd noticed earlier and very much in the way his white shirt sleeves were now rolled up to his elbows. Watching him saunter closer with that slight spring in his step and a familiarly cocked eyebrow was something she'd wanted to do for weeks, but Emma realized quickly that no amount of anticipation could have prepared her for just how fitting this was.
"That's my line I think," she replied, tilting her head sideways. "You're usually the one orchestrating the extraordinary."
"Nonsense, love," he shook his head as he finally paused in front of her, pulling her in for a hug and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Though we both know your talents range far and wide, tonight is certainly indication that you can throw a hell of a party too."
"Hmmm, pretty sure you already knew that," Emma returned, her eyes closing a moment at the touch of his lips on her skin. "I'm think we've been through this little song and dance before, Dr. Jones."
"That we have, but this time, my astonishment is rooted in the fact that you've opened up the realm of innuendo so vastly with this-" he grinned, gesturing toward the large furniture before them. "-piece of furniture that I can't even decide where to begin."
His little quip was filled with that trademark Killian Jones seduction factor, but there was something else to be said about the way he kissed her. His hands rose to her face, guiding her mouth to his as she melted into his touch. The emotion behind the movement of his lips should have been alarming, but finally being in his arms brought about a calmness that Emma hadn't felt in weeks. She needed this simple moment - she could tell him everything she truly intended to later.
"So," Emma said softly with a satisfied sigh. "Are you going to tell me what you're really up to down here?"
"Just waiting for you, darling," he smirked. "Besides, where else would I be?"
Emma felt her stomach flip flop as she briefly entertained the idea of him being anywhere but with her. As Killian started searching her features with that look of utmost concern in his narrowed eyes, she knew the vulnerability they seemed to continually approach was waiting just below the surface of their playful banter. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, encouraging her smile and she couldn't deny the desire to inquire as to whatever shenanigans he'd been up to on the lowest floor of the museum.
"I should probably be cautious when it comes to accepting presents from you," she teased as she brushed the hair off his forehead. "They tend to come with a price."
"As does most magic, love," he countered in amusement, pulling her around to the other side of the bed's headboard. "But I can tell you that in this case, you'll be quite pleased with my genorosity."
Emma was about to raise an eyebrow at his vague response when he tilted his head sideways toward the ground. She followed his direction with her confused stare, her heart beating quickly and a strange happiness overcoming her when she noticed just what he'd decided to bring home from their archaeological endeavor.
"I'll have you know that I brought this back despite some rather irritated glares," he explained as he nodded toward the industrial drum fan at their feet. "There are definitely several very annoyed, fan-less interns completing the last of the brushwork back at the site."
She couldn't help the near giggle that fell from her surprised mouth as she took stock of the one thing she'd negotiated the last time they stood in building now housing their current historical efforts. It hadn't been a difficult battle to win - he'd even let her select the one she wanted online while they'd endured a long layover at the airport en route to Cairo. The piece of metal equipment was shinier than she remembered and it became evident after a little inspection that he had certainly put some cleaning time into this - especially when she noticed the 'Property of Emma Swan' declaration he'd written in blue Sharpie along the side.
It was such a dorky thing to do - to be so adamant in returning something she'd demanded he include if she was going to work with him again - but for some reason, it made her love him even more. Well, assuming that was possible. She hadn't completely worked out the logistics just yet.
"I must say it's one of the stranger items I've had to arrange transport for-" he started, scratching at the thick scruff along his jaw. "-and that's coming from a guy who has had to set up travel plans for dozens of human remains over the past decade."
"You know you didn't have to bring it back," she replied, shaking her head still in amused disbelief. "Unlike the fiery caverns of Sahara hell, we do have central air and very modern technology here, Killian."
"Well, I stick to my word, love. Besides, it was either ship it here or keep it in a dusty storage locker for you to bring along to our next dig site. Jury's still out on where that might be, but how do you feel about another summer in Greece?"
Emma felt her posture stiffen as he rambled a bit, her mind trying to process the assumption he'd just made in a such a sweetly casual manner. She had spent so many hours over their time apart wondering just how this conversation might occur - if he'd ask her to come with him or if she'd tell him to stay and every combination in between. She hadn't expected him to be so certain of her or of them, but the confirmation of him wanting them to be together wherever history might lead was all the encouragement she needed.
"It probably won't be an open contract for a while, but there's a new warrior tomb they're starting excavation on and since you've got an academic upper hand on war anthropology and a strong desire to prove me wrong, I thought maybe we could-"
"I love you."
The air grew thick immediately, a mix of disbelief and something else filling his expression as he stood a bit straighter. Emma felt her face grow hot as her mind pieced together what she'd just so impulsively blurted out. Oh, god - this was not how she'd meant to address the feelings that had been prodding her since the last time he'd approached her in the low light of the museum's basement. Time seemed to slow as she waited for him to say something in response or retort and she wondered just how quickly she could recant such unexpected words if needed. Just when she was sure that he was about to book the first flight out of here and back to a simpler yet much more ancient time, he let go of a deep breath he'd apparently been holding and tilted his head just as an honest smile stretched over his smooth lips.
"Killian, I….that's not….just-"
Her attempt to speak was halted instantly. She was almost sure she'd never seen him look so completely happy - not even when he'd heard about the recent discovery of an inexplicably large ancient city in Honduras or even when his work on proving the feathered connection between birds and dinosaurs had finally been confirmed by an amber preserved tail found in China. Killian had a strong passion for his work and every inch of history he'd encountered, but it was obvious now in his brilliantly blue eyes that his deep love for the past had extended to include her and whatever timeline they'd end up following.
"I….I love you too."
Her mind had barely started counting the worries she could now rid herself of when his lips slammed into hers with a fervor only he was capable of. They moved in perfect unison, her head tilting opposite of his and then back while his hand threaded through her hair and her palms pressed on his chest. She wasn't sure how long they stood there locked in such a heated instance, but the quiet chuckle he emitted after they finally pulled away prompted her eyes to lazily focus.
"Something funny, Dr. Jones?"
"It's just….I always figured I'd be the one that had to say that first," he teased, brushing a long blonde tendril away from her cheek. "Vulnerability suits you, Swan."
"Mmmm, right," she grumbled in feigned annoyance. "I guess you just bring out the hopeless romantic in me."
"Mission accomplished then, love," he quipped as he moved his hands to her back. "So, let's see what else I can talk you into."
It didn't take long for the resumed kiss to evolve as heat pulsed through Emma's veins, her breath short and gasping between gentle caresses of his mouth. It was amazing that after so many restless nights apart, he was able to bring her back to life with little more than his lips, but that was certainly what he was doing as his touch grazed her jaw and his opposite hand rested on her hip.
God, the man could kiss.
"Love, are we….will anyone…."
His question was abandoned quickly as he opted for a quick glance to his sides, his caution to keep their professionalism intact a sweet gesture as she shook her head with a smile. Emma moved her hands to his shirt buttons, alternating them with the loosening of his black tie. The basement was always quiet and rarely visited, but she couldn't warrant him for wanting to make sure they wouldn't be stumbled upon. Whatever was about to unfold definitely wouldn't succumb to interruption - not when they'd been apart this long.
"Just us," Emma breathed, her body vibrating beneath his anxious touch. "Finally."
"Thank god," he gasped, his hand moving down her back quickly and taking the zipper of her dress with it. "I've had enough waiting."
The black and gold garment she'd picked out for the evening hit the floor, pooling at her feet as he swept her back into a needy kiss while she kicked her heels aside. A surprised sound fell from her lips when he lifted her unexpectedly, their mouths parting for a second as he gripped the underside of her thighs and her legs tightened around his waist. The cool material of his tie and open dress shirt brushed against her bare skin as one of the buttons hitched on the smooth lace covering her chest, the feel of such friction make her shiver and hold tighter to his neck.
"Missed you-" he managed, rutting his hips upward in a teasing motion."-so much."
"Mmmm," she mumbled mid groan. "You have no idea."
"I've got several ideas, Swan," he replied, glancing toward the lavish bedding and wood frame. "Though I'm sure most of them would go against your workplace standards."
Emma felt her heart skip a few beats as she watched passion spark in his gaze, his eyes clearly just waiting for her to give the go ahead. Letting his tantalizing fingers trace her spine, she knew she shouldn't be willing to even give half a thought to folding - no, this piece of history was beyond valuable and it was her responsibility to keep it safe. Feeling his breath hot against her skin, Emma decided quickly that her job to do so was definitely in jeopardy seeing as how there was nothing safe about how much this man seemed to need her. Her head grew foggy as she started working his shirt off his shoulders.
"Swan," he pleaded. "Where, love? Tell me-"
Screw it, Emma quickly concluded. Historical or not, it was a bed after all - and it's not like they hadn't taken a few risks similar to this one in the past.
"Over-" Emma whispered, letting her fingertips press lightly against the back of his neck as she nodded toward the object he was clearly contemplating. "-there."
It took him a moment to process her willingness to break the rules, his mouth eventually twitching into the sensual smile she'd been waiting for. His feet moved fast and she almost squealed at the way he lowered them onto the quilted surface, a half groan in his throat as he hovered over her.
Lord, how did she ever think she'd be able to turn this down?
Watching her finally fall fully back against the surprisingly plush mattress, his eyes went dark with that hint of defiance she loved so much about him. His mouth soon followed the trail of his studious gaze, hot kisses meeting the expanse of flesh from her throat to her hipbone with a brief pause as he tugged away the last bit of clothing keeping her concealed. Appreciation and lust took over his stare and his wandering tongue told her just how much he loved her like this, his scorching mouth teasing her nipple.
"So beautiful, Emma," he exhaled, a pleading quality in his praise. "Want you here….now."
"Yes….please, yes," she begged, unable to fight it as his mouth moved back to his hip to suck a mark into her pale skin. "Can't wait….anymore."
He stood up rapidly, the brush of his coarse chest hair on her naked chest making her tremble. She somehow focused enough to hear him yank his belt off, the buckle making a soft thud as he tossed it onto the rug underfoot. His well fitted pants followed, one gentle pull down his legs releasing the throbbing erection he quickly stroked a few times in preparation.
"Very spacious looking-" he grinned, nipping at her bottom lip as his hand ran lazily over the sheets. "-though I must say I don't have the exact measurements for this particular antique."
"Ten by-" Emma returned, her voice coming in gasps when his kiss marked her neck. "-eleven feet."
"Mmmm, quite the wealth of inches then," he breathed as his teeth scraped lightly against her ear. "It'd be a shame to not use every one of them."
He crawled toward her, the weight of his toned body promising her everything she'd been thinking of since their kiss behind the curtain. His mouth started the slow process of ravaging her neckline and Emma was quite positive that he would wreck her with the heated combination of his teeth and a very thorough tongue. With a quick lift, he moved them further onto the bed and Emma let her head sink into one of the embroidered pillows. Her labored gasp met the dwindling space between them when he finally settled between her legs, the feel of him hot against her inner thigh making her vibrate beneath him as he anchored his arms on each side of her head.
"I don't think you realize how much I've missed you, Swan."
"I might," she smiled, biting her bottom lip. "You've mentioned it….a few times."
"Aye," he confirmed with a lazy grin. "And now I'm going to show you."
His kiss picked up where it had paused, the tender motion of it making her hips jump. Emma felt her body tense as he rubbed against her, his hard length sliding back and forth with promise but not enough to make her unravel. She caught the subtly smug way he smiled against her lips as he moved and though her senses were hazy with desire, it didn't take long to figure out what he was up to.
He was teasing her - and she'd certainly been here before.
Well, they both had. Feeling her frustration mounting as she tried to coax him forward with a light squeeze of his leg, she was reminded of a time she'd tormented him much like this back in Egypt. His back had been flush against the side of one of the government jeeps on site and she'd kneeled in the dirt, letting his hand tangle in her ponytail while her tongue traced the vein pulsing along his hard length. The fall of night in the desert had shielded them quite well, but his groans of 'more' and 'please, love' had nearly given them away to the rest of the crew before she even pulled him inside a vacant trailer for more detailed study.
Sure, she'd been all for working him up and winding him down that night as well as many others, but right now….right now, she needed more.
"Killian…."
"Be patient, love," he told her, pressing down a little more firmly before resuming his actions. "It's a big bed - and we have a lot to cover."
"That's not….this isn't….we have to be quick-"
"That is highly unlikely, darling," he warned as his lips pressed a trail of kisses down her chest. "Besides, if by some travesty it is quick, we'll just have to try again….and maybe again."
"Killian….god, I need-"
"I know," he nodded, pulling her legs up around his waist as he aligned himself. "I know what you need, love."
He entered fast, his smooth effort making her whole body keen as she tried to reacquaint herself with the desire settling in her bones. His mouth was hot on her neck, his tongue running slowly along her collarbone as he gave an experimental thrust that confirmed she wouldn't be able to withstand the mounting pleasure for long. He pushed deeper when her hands reached for his shoulderblades, his hips heavy enough to send her over the heightened edge with a moan that was louder than she expected. She pulsed around him and he succumbed to a soft groan, the audible proof of just how badly he wanted to join her in ecstasy. Her fingernails dug gently into his scalp while his hips circled lightly enough that she could ride out the moment of bliss slowly. Finally catching her breath, Emma ran her fingers through the dark hair she'd been clutching and he smirked a second before his lips moved back to hers.
"Can't say I haven't thought of that a lot recently," he whispered, his words a lilted mumble that made her head spin as she kissed him. "Enough to drive a man insane, darling."
"Mmmm," she hummed with a sated smile. "So you really did miss me."
"Every part of you, love," he answered as his lips reached for hers. "Much more than you know."
His forehead lowered to hers with the strong grip of his warm hands falling back to her thighs as he prompted her to tighten her legs around his waist again. Emma's fingertips fought for stability as she gripped the sheets, the satin material still slick in her grip when he shifted to his knees in a swift motion. The way he pulled her further into his lap was the rough sort of passionate and when he lifted her, her arms somehow found their way around his neck. He settled quickly, extending his legs beneath her and giving her a minute to find whatever composure she could before he rolled his hips upward a few times.
"Oh - Killian…."
Emma was vaguely aware of how desperate her words sounded, the aching in her voice almost emotional as he wrapped her in a tight embrace before he continued moving. His forehead fell to her shoulder as the hot air escaping his lungs brushed her chest and Emma felt her body give in, a pattern of rocking steadily making her shiver. Her mouth was lost to his while her hands rested firmly at the back of his head, the gentle scrape of her fingernails ruffling his dark hair. She was sure he was going to end her as everything heightened, every solid inch of him sliding forth and dragging back with their mutual moans falling into perfect rhythm. Killian's hand pressed hard between her shoulders as she approached the edge, determined to pull him down with her as she rode him a bit faster.
They'd been together many times - a number they'd struggled to truly deduce one night when counting seemed like an interesting feat - but never like this. This was different. This was more.
"Emma - love, please," he pleaded, encouraging her to grind down on him with a firm and loving hold around her heaving torso. "Need you…."
"Don't stop, Killian. Just don't-" she gasped, her mouth open as he swallowed the sounds she couldn't stop making. -ever stop…."
"So perfect," he returned with a mumble against her neck. "Bloody hell, I love you…."
Her back began to arch as his teeth teased her jaw, the heat on her flesh almost too much. Being with him should have been too much, but in that moment, she could think only of how right it was - and how right it would always be if she'd let it.
"Emma….I-"
"I'm close," she stuttered with a hard grind of her hips. "I love you….so much, Killian."
"Then come with me," his needy request beckoned. "Let go, my love-"
"Oh, yes, I'm-" she nearly screamed with a bite of her lower lip. "-right there. I'm….I'm going to…."
Emma felt herself pulse around him, a jolt of pleasure surrounding her as she finally collapsed. It took only a moment for him to follow, one last thrust making him shake when he released with a loud grunt she'd never heard before. She kept him close as he fell through a rush of euphoria that kept them moving, their bodies fitting together impossibly as they toppled backward onto the slightly squeaky mattress. Killian's chest heaved as he held her and she felt her world slowly come back in focus. His thumb brushed back and forth over her bare shoulder in a relaxed way that certainly could have tempted her to sleep between the smooth sheets - well, until a tender kiss against her wavy hair reminded Emma of just how naked they were in a bed that was definitely a step up from a tent in the desert but still very much not theirs.
"Well," Killian sighed, his smirk evident as he spoke. "That was-"
"Oh, god," Emma blushed as she covered her face, his beard tickling her cheek. "We are officially the worst."
"It certainly didn't feel that way, love," he disagreed as his half hard erection twitched against her thigh. "Very far from it actually."
"I just mean that we seem to fail at being proper historians sometimes," she clarified with a gesture toward the furniture they were resting upon. "I'm pretty sure there's a curse lingering somewhere in one of the site tombs that will catch up to us eventually."
"I guess I'm willing to take my chances, Swan. I'm quite sure that this-" he smiled, his eyebrow raised. "-was one for the history books."
"That is such a cliche," she groaned as he twisted a piece of her hair around his finger. "Pretty cheesy even for you."
"Mmmm," he chuckled. "Something tells me you might be okay with that."
Emma smiled against the dark hair on his chest, her heart beating wildly as she realized he was right - somehow, she didn't mind his definitive words at all.
The museum was vacant by the time Emma stepped off the elevator and into the dim lobby. She'd been beyond grateful that multiple sets of linens had been included in the bed's shipment alongside a note from the cheerful curator about how she wasn't sure which option would be the favorite so she'd ordered a few styles. Emma hadn't really anticipated the second sheets being a necessity, but when she watched Killian deftly button his shirt while peering at the elaborate stitching, she found her guilt to be a lot less than it should be.
The last guests had probably just recently left and she snuck past two of the night janitors while noticing David's office lights were off up the staircase to her right. She'd shooed her distracting colleague away while she finished restoring their surroundings to an appropriate state, silently thanking god that she hadn't scuffed up the wood panels when her hands had been grasping for purchase mid reunion. At first, it wasn't that difficult to make it look like nothing had happened, but then she'd noticed the small carving of their paired initials below the bedpost. Apparently a certain someone wanted her to remember just how much had actually occurred in that darkened corner of the storage area.
Emma's heels clicked purposefully on the hard floor as she started toward the place she was almost sure he'd be waiting. He'd become almost too easy to read somewhere between that scorching summer in Greece and the months in the heart of Egypt's ancient history. Turning the corner to the well lit display she'd been checking up on just a little while earlier, Emma couldn't help but beam at just how good she was.
"You have an entire empty museum to yourself, Jones," she said with amusement, a lazy hand on her hip as she strode slowly toward him. "But here you are. Kind of predictable, don't you think?"
She couldn't stop her smirk as she sent the smug accusation his way, her pulse beating heavily when he turned on his heel to meet her observant gaze. His hair was a riotous dark mess and he looked adorably exhausted. For good reason, she thought quietly as she walked toward him pursed lips.
"Hey, someone has to make sure you're displaying the evidence of our accord proudly," he teased, wrapping an arm around her waist and pressing a kiss to her hair. "For the record, I still think I got the better end of that deal."
Emma laughed against his chest, breathing in the scent of his shirt with a nuzzle. He'd said that same thing a few times back in Egypt, usually while watching her narrow her eyes in amazement at whatever they'd just dug up or during the quiet afterglow of more passionate circumstances. As much as she loved having the warrior's sword as part of her museum's collection, agreeing to his terms at the last exhibit opening had been her way of letting them both win - she just wasn't willing to admit it at the time.
That had definitely changed and this newfound appreciation for victory was something she was quickly falling for.
"I have to admit that I like coming here," he smiled, prompting her to look up at him. "I love seeing this other side of you."
The half grin on her lips was brief as she went from pondering the multiple sides he'd observed to the possibility that this short visit he'd made to the states wouldn't allow him a chance to see much more. The idea of watching him go - even though they'd confirmed that she'd be joining him eventually - was disheartening and Emma rested her head on his shoulder as she tried to think of how to broach that difficult line of questioning.
"It's definitely something I had to take into account when Robin called me last week about joining him on a dig near Scotland in a few days."
"Oh," she said, trying to hide the startled sadness in her voice. "The, uh….guy from Dartmouth?"
"Aye," Killian answered, tickling the length of her arm. "He's about to head out to the peninsula where they found that Viking knarr about fifteen years ago. Apparently something else was unearthed near there recently and they want him on the job since he's one of the worldwide experts on terrain analysis."
"Hmmm, that's definitely interesting," Emma said, trying to focus on her interest rather than her growing disappointment. "What did they find?"
"Possibly another ship," Killian smirked, his ability to hide his fascination sorely lacking. "Not as grand as the last one, but something seaworthy perhaps."
"Mmmm," she mused, raising an eyebrow at him. "Well, we all know how you feel about boats, Dr. Jones."
"I suppose I've never been adept at hiding my affinity for them," he said, his smirk ever so slight in the dim glow of the museum. "Much like the fondness I have for you, love."
"Yeah, not your strong suit," she almost laughed. "I love you too, Dr. Jones - for the record."
"I know," he sighed, a small nudge of his shoulder gathering her attention. "It's about the only thing that gives me pause actually."
Emma pulled back a bit, confusion beginning to tangle her already tentative mind. The idea of Killian halting on anything historical was certainly shocking. He'd never been the type to heed to such hindrance, but more the sort of man to go after what he loved with a tenacity and confidence that seemed unstoppable. The realization that maybe his sudden second thought regarding such a prestigious offer could involve her or maybe them made Emma's heart thump erratically and she tried to maintain a cool front. The slight tilt of his head suggested she might be failing at that though - and damn him for being able to decipher her so well.
"I received another offer a few days ago - before I had heard about Robin's proposed adventure," he explained with a furrowed brow. "It's one I'm thinking I'd like to take, assuming you might be okay with it."
Her nerves spiked instantly, the color draining from her flushed cheeks as she tried to think of what to say - what could possibly keep him from leaving. Her lips parted with a tremble, unknown words starting to form though she had no clue just what type of plea she was about to give him. She silently thanked some higher, ancient, nondenominational being when he gave her that look - the one that told her to shut up and listen to something that might be worth hearing.
For the record, it usually was and this - this was no different.
"I want to stay here, Swan….with you," he finally admitted, his eyes honest and full of hope. "David's wanting some assistance with showcasing the exhibit - a presentation here and there as well as attending a few donor events. He's mentioned some possible opportunities to lecture at a couple nearby universities too - I guess he's got some contacts who've already inquired about my availability."
Holy shit, she thought as she froze. He really did want this. He wanted her - maybe even more than the once in a lifetime opportunity he was about to pass up on.
"Emma, I-"
"Yes," she replied after the initial surprise faded. "That's what I want too."
"You're sure, love? I mean, I….I just-" he stammered after a moment. "I know this place is….yours."
His expression was full of understanding, almost like he'd been preparing to be pushed away. She couldn't really blame him for that seeing as how her track record proved she was skilled at doing so, but he'd come back for her again. He'd traveled through time and back from what was possibly the start of the world to chase her.
Keeping him there was actually possible - and she wasn't about to say no. Not this time.
"But….so are you," she replied, a hint of questioning in her assumption. "I think?"
"Afraid so, love," he grinned with a soft caress of her chin. "Evidence suggests that perhaps I always have been."
"Killian, I just….you're saying-" she attempted, blinking rapidly while hoping she wasn't about to sound completely ridiculous. "-are you saying that you're….giving up your ship for me?"
"Aye," he nodded with a loving smirk. "I guess you could say that."
Emma couldn't help a breath of ecstatic relief that escaped her as she pulled him into a reckless kiss, one that stirred up the fire and fervor only he could ignite. The feel of his hands on her waist made her body tingle as his lips worked against hers in well practiced harmony. It was everything and yet not enough - the idea of dragging him back to the basement to resume what they'd already done and would surely be doing later still quite heavy in her hazy head.
There was, after all, a satin covered antique chair that they'd yet to pay much attention to.
"So if you're going to stay-" she told him with feigned seriousness. "-I do have one condition."
"Oh, do you?"
"Yeah," she confirmed, reaching up to run her thumb over the scar under his eye - one he'd deserved after a cocky encounter with an unstable shovel had backfired. "Stay away from my fossils."
"Now, love," he beamed, nearly making Emma forget his historical transgressions altogether. "We both know that's just not going to happen."
Watching the muted illumination of the exhibit emphasize his charming grin and bolden that unbelievable blue of his eyes pushed Emma up onto a whole new level of happiness, one where she accepted that maybe there was something to this whole idea of 'love'. The way he was looking at her made he think that even if she was still apprehensive about it now, he'd certainly find a way to convince her since well, that was just what he always did.
"Yeah, I know," she replied with a defeated sigh and an amused smile. "But I had to try."
"Your dedication is always a sight to behold, darling," he commented cleverly. "Now, how do you suppose I'd go about arranging transport of that bed to your home?"
"I'm pretty sure that's not happening, Jones," Emma laughed with a slight scolding to her voice. "But go ahead and try."
"Believe me, Swan," he winked. "I intend to."