Takes place a few months post-Underworld. Focused on a a Captain Swan wedding from Killian's perspective. Inspired by Joshua Radin's "Angels." Includes inner monologue, cute vows and a lot of happy fluff.
"Are you ready for this, Jones?" The question from Robin was asked in that lighthearted tone Killian had come to expect from the bandit. Killian nodded, taking a look around the fully decorated yard of the home that he and Emma shared. Surrounded by green trees on one side, and a view of the see on the other, the spot was perfect, and Killian felt it the best place for he and Emma to take this next step.
"I've been ready from the start." Robin patted his arm, before taking his seat in the front row besides Regina. The once Evil Queen nodded at Killian with a kindness in her eyes that told of a newfound respect between the two of them. On his way up the aisle, Henry gave Regina a hug and then turned to smile at Killian as he took his place next to him.
Asking Henry to be his best man had been an intuitive thing for Killian. The lad had seen past Killian's shortcomings, and his past, just as he did with everyone, and had become a huge proponent of Killian and Emma's relationship. His chief desire was to see his mother happy and cared for, and Killian treasured that instinct.
"You're gonna freak when you see Mom." Killian grinned at that, feeling excited and a bit petrified of what was to come. Emma Swan had said yes to his proposal, she wanted to be his just as badly as he wanted to be hers, and today was the day they'd see that inclination through. He was joyous and anxious and in need of a drink if he was quite honest.
"Freak sounds like a bad thing." Henry laughed at that, but then the music was starting and all thoughts flew to what was coming. Down the aisle came Mary Margaret, holding the hand of her newly walking son Neal, who was today's bearer of rings. The little rascal had a mind of his own, but his mother patiently reined him in as they walked the path to where Killian and Henry stood.
"Bring them to Killy." Neal did just that and Killian crouched low to accept them from the little tyke. The boy had his sister's smile, and wide eyes, and Killian had grown very fond of him.
"Thanks, lad." He looked up to Mary Margaret who smiled and hugged him.
"Be good to her, Hook." He could only nod as she took her seat in the front beside Regina.
Now it was Belle's turn to walk down the aisle, and though Killian could see she was somewhat subdued, no doubt feeling her own heartache a little more acutely at such a ceremony, she threw him a genuine smile. Belle and he, as unlikely as it was, had formed a friendship, in turn boosting hers with Emma. While it had been surprising to some that Emma would ask Belle to be her bridesmaid, it had seemed the natural choice to Killian.
All thoughts of what was right and what was proper fled his mind then, for there, dressed in a lace white gown that seemed the product of the most intricate magic, was his Swan. She was a vision, angelic in her appearance and he couldn't help but feel a wash of light on his skin as she walked towards him, just as he had in the underworld when they'd finally been reunited. She was smiling at him in that sweet way that came when she was completely and utterly sure of something, and he knew his responding look must be just as bright.
"Told you so," he heard Henry joke, but Killian couldn't respond, couldn't tear his eyes away from the love of his life, with her long golden hair, and impossible goodness. He could only liken her to a fallen angel, still radiating truth and love and hope. He would never understand how he'd gotten so lucky, and he silently vowed to never ever make Emma regret her decision to love him in return. Emma stepped before Killian, kissing her father's cheek before sending him to sit with her mother.
"No funny business, Killian. And don't get any ideas about calling me Dad." All the guests laughed at that, but Killian knew, that all teasing aside, he had won Dave over already, and that the man had happily given his blessing for this union. Not that he and Emma would have ever needed it. He was in love with a headstrong woman, more than capable of knowing her own mind. Killian took Emma's hand in his, needing the connection between them. She happily accepted and ran her thumb across his knuckles.
"I love you." She whispered, he squeezed her hand tighter.
"As I love you, Swan."
"Ladies and gentleman. We gather here today to bring together two lives, two souls so determined to be united that they literally fought through hell together." The guests laughed again as did Emma and Killian lightly.
"And I'd do it again," Emma's whisper was low enough that only Killian heard it and he brought her hand up to kiss, earning a mix of 'awws' and a 'follow the rules for once, Jones!' from David which of course brought more laughing.
"Sorry, go on." Archie (as the only justice of the peace in town), continued and Emma and Killian stood side by side, accepting the traditional vows, to have and to hold each other in sickness and in health. Finally they were given the chance to speak their truth, and Killian deferred to Emma to lead the way, as she so often did in their life together.
"Killian. When we met, I was guarded, surrounded by walls on every side. I trusted only one man," Emma's eyes met Henry's over Killian's shoulder lovingly before returning to his now brimming with unshed tears, "and I was convinced that was enough. But then you came barreling into my life headfirst, a pirate and a problem. I told you that I couldn't take the risk that I was wrong about you, because even then, my gut was screaming at me that you were different. I was scared, and afraid to take the jump, to expose my heart, but you stayed, patient and willing to wait forever if I needed it.
"The past few months have shown me that forever can end far sooner than any of us expect, and I know now that my life without you is less than the happily ever after that I was hoping for. You make me believe that the fairytale love of my parents can be mine too, and I will never be able to thank you enough for loving me so faithfully. Know that I will never take it for granted, even if I drive you crazy. Even if I drag you through time and space, keep chasing me, find me, as I swear to always find you." Emma slipped the ring on Killian's hand and it took everything in him not to pull her close for a kiss, but now it was his turn to speak, and his lovely Swan deserved poetry and great words on today of all days.
"Emma, someone once asked me where my faith in us comes from. I answered, honestly, when you love someone, you just know. But that was only half the story. What I should have said was that when you love Emma Swan, you know that she's the light in the darkness and the calm in the storm. Through everything you show me what it means to be good and what it means to be truly courageous. I was a lost soul before you, love, blinded by revenge and a hollow feeling that told me too that hope was useless. That all changed with you." Tears had fallen on Emma's cheeks and Killian moved to wipe them away before continuing with a soft smile.
"You've given me more than I ever thought I could have, Swan. You've given me a purpose, a reason to fight and to live for good and for what's right. You've given me a family and a home. And you've given me belief, that love can be enough, and that together, there's nothing we can't face. As for your imploring me to find you, nothing could keep me from doing so. Where you go, I will follow, time and time again." Emma squeezed his hand tighter, taking a step closer to him and keeping eye contact while talking to Archie.
"Think we could speed this up, Archie?" Emma asked. He agreed that they could and they were pronounced man and wife. Without further ado, Killian took Emma into his arms and showed her with a kiss that his words would always be more than that. They were an affirmation that the heart they shared would always beat with hers, and that he would always, as long as he lived, strive to make her happy.
If you asked Killian or Emma or any of the guests that day years later whether the love between them was true, they'd all say the same thing – undeniably yes. What started as hope in the darkness, as a balm for two weary souls who had seen life's crueler sides, became a beacon and a light that shone on a blissful life. Their family grew, and though they remained heroes, fighting the darkness away sometimes at great cost, they were more than content. In fact, you could say that their happily ever, strange and chaotic as it was, was utterly perfect for the pirate and his princess.
…
It's been a long time
That I've been on my own
And I can't take no more
But these winds are changing
They blow me through the storm
Until I see the shore
And I'm praying for someone
To show me I'm not done
Sometimes I see your face
You've got everything I need
When I'm lost it's only you I seek
You've got wings to set me free
When I'm doubt you making me believe
That angels can fall
Angels can fall
I crossed the ocean
I walked the desert sand
I find those hills to climb
And I'll keep on searching
Cause I know you want to land
Into these arms of mine
On this road that I walking
I hear you talking
I know I find you soon
You've got everything I need
When I'm lost it's only you I seek
You've got wings to set me free
When I'm doubt you making me believe
That angels can fall
Angels can fall
I've been hurt and I've been left
On the floor
You're the light that lifts me up
Through that open door
You've got everything I need
When I'm lost it's only you I seek
You've got wings to set me free
When I'm doubt you making me believe
That angels can fall
Angels can fall
Post-Note: I think this chapter is pretty self explanatory, but the motive was a great need for a wedding and happiness given spoiler pictures from set. I am a shipper of multiple couples on OUAT, but Captain Swan is my number one, and the one cure-all for any angst would be them having an adorable wedding. Also really want to see baby Neal walking, because babies are the best. Anyways, hope you guys enjoyed!