A/N: Hello! I have Wi-Fi albeit intermittant and my laptop has seen better days so keeps freezing up on me but I've managed to get the penultimate chapter written finally :) Huge thanks to everyone that left a review for the previous chapter: Orchfan, CuteMcBeauty, Relliurad, beverlie4055, mela16, Deppie, Shelllee24, Misfit Writer, pinkcat4569, , hooker4ever, Angelfan984, Lorien0590, Guest, YLover and CSdisneylover.

Reached an amazing 300 followers as well! Thank you all so much for sticking with me and also to everyone that favourited.

Hope you like the next chapter :)

CHAPTER 25

VILLAIN – (noun) Someone who behaves in an immoral way.

"You know, perhaps if you'd just talked to him, none of this would've happened," Emma pointed out irritably as she took hold of Killian's hand and began to dab a wet rag over his bruised and slightly bloodied knuckles none too gently.

"I see your nursing skills haven't improved since the last time," he complained with a wince before adding indignantly, "And how is this all my fault?"

"You didn't have to hit him," she retorted, shooting him an annoyed glare even though she gentled her touch.

"Yes I did, he had it coming," the pirate replied angrily. "He was all over you."

"We were dancing!" she exclaimed, "He was going to be touching me."

"Not like that," he argued, remembering vividly the way the so-called Prince had yanked her to him then ran his hand down her back and beyond like she was some cheap harlot in a tavern.

"I was handling it," she told him curtly.

"More like he was handling you," Killian muttered jealously.

Emma tutted and shook her head at his comment as she wiped the last of the blood from his hand and threw the rag down into the porcelain basin by her side. Some water splashed out and a few drops landed on the dark green dress that she'd worn for the ball her parents had held in honour of her and Killian's upcoming wedding the following week.

Casting him one last annoyed frown, she stood up and brushed off the droplets then picked up the basin. Crossing their bedroom, she placed the dirty water and soiled rag on the washstand deciding to get rid of it all in the morning.

She stood there for a moment and took in a deep breath. She didn't blame Killian, not really. The Prince had been a complete ass. The pirate had more breeding in his little finger than that little upstart would ever have but she was concerned how this might affect things for her parents. King John was a powerful ruler and hurting his son like that wasn't a wise move. She didn't want this incident to start a war.

Killian's arms came around her waist from behind suddenly, making her jump a little, then she leaned back into his embrace. He nuzzled her hair gently then placed a soft kiss to the juncture of her neck and shoulder, his breath warming her skin as he pulled back and let out a soft sigh.

"I'm sorry, my love," he apologised contritely. "I know you can take care of yourself and I've put your parents in bit of a spot but I just couldn't stand there a moment longer and watch him act so disrespectfully towards you."

Emma felt her irritation melt away at his words. In all honesty, if the roles had been reversed and it had been some Princess, or any female for that matter, groping him she knew she would've hauled off and done the exact same thing.

"I know," she said turning in his embrace and wrapping her arms around his neck with a small smile. "Truth is if you hadn't stepped in when you did, I was about ready to turn him into the rat he is and call Smee to come and chase after him with his broom."

Killian chuckled at that and pulled her a little closer.

"I would dearly loved to have seen that. Perhaps I should have waited a little longer before striking the cad?"

"I'm glad you didn't," she replied, leaning in and kissing him lightly on the mouth.

He looked pensive when she drew back and he reluctantly pulled away.

"I should go back and apologise to your parents," he told her quietly. "My actions could have serious consequences."

Before Emma could say anything there was a knock at the door and she called out for whomever it was to come in. The door opened then Snow and Charming entered looking at each of them in turn, concern etched across their features.

"Are you all right?" Snow asked, pulling her daughter into a tight hug.

"I'm fine," Emma assured her. "I've dealt with worse in the past."

Her mother drew back and stared at her with a slightly horrified expression but the blonde just shook her head and waved it aside. They had more important things to deal with.

"I wish to offer my apologies to you both," Killian began, stepping forward, head held high.

"No need, if you hadn't hit him when you did I was about to," Charming cut in grimly, the anger clear on his face.

"So was I," Snow muttered harshly, surprising the pirate and his mouth quirked up into a smile.

"While it's nice that you're all bonding over protecting me from someone you didn't need to, aren't you forgetting that this could cause trouble between your kingdoms?" Emma asked, glancing from Snow to Charming worriedly.

"Everything is fine, I've spoken with King John and he's well aware of his son's shortcomings and has agreed to never allow him to set foot in this kingdom again. He also wishes me to extend his apologies on his behalf," the Prince recounted matter-of-factly.

"Really?" Emma queried dubiously. Something seemed off with that almost too perfect explanation.

Charming nodded but a brief frowning glance from Snow had him huff out a sigh and admit, "Well, the fact that Regina turned him momentarily into a frog might have had something to do with the swiftness of the agreement."

Emma laughed but Killian merely smiled politely at that then her parents took their leave of them after sharing a hug with their daughter. On their way out, Charming stopped briefly to give Killian a quick slap on the shoulder and a nod of thanks.

The door shut behind him and silence fell over the room as Killian turned away and took off his brown coat then lay it over the back of a nearby chair. It had been quite the evening, one Emma should have remembered for being special, a prelude to their happy marriage but now, because of his temper, he not only very nearly could've started a war, but he'd reduced the occasion to the night her pirate lover had shown his true colours.

He'd heard the whispers of 'hook' and 'villain' as he'd left the ballroom. He knew what people still thought of him, how they viewed him in spite of everything and that had been fine with him. In the bubble that was their lives, the only people whose opinions mattered were Emma and her family.

But now, after tonight, all his fears had been realised. Some of those wretches considered Emma tainted by association and that because she was with him then she must be the same as he and so they could treat her without the respect she deserved...and the very thought sickened him.

He hadn't realised just how hard he'd been gripping the back of the chair until Emma ran gentle fingers over his wrist and lightly tugged.

"Hey, careful, you'll make it bleed again," she said in concern.

"I doubt it," he refuted as he forced himself to loosen his hold and turn to her with a tight-lipped smile. "I merely scraped it against one of his teeth. It's not that bad."

He moved passed her and began to undress, cursing when his aching hand had him fumble his waistcoat buttons. He let out a frustrated sigh then Emma gently but firmly removed his hand and went to unbutton them herself.

"I can do it myself, you know," he felt to need to object.

"I know, but sometimes even the best of us need help," she replied pointedly.

She barely undid the first couple when his hand came up and took hold of hers then held it up so that he could stare her engagement ring. Running his thumb over the sparkling green gem, a pained frown marred his features causing Emma a sudden jolt of concern.

"Not having second thoughts there are you?" she quipped, trying to get a handle on his mood.

He smiled then but it didn't reach his eyes when he looked up at her, instead in its place was a tinge of guilt. Emma's eyes widened in dismay and she went to pull her hand away but he tightened his grip.

"Perhaps it is you that should be having second thoughts, love," he told her flatly. "Surely you must realise that insolent brute treated you without honour tonight because of who I am? You shouldn't have to pay for my past misdeeds. Once a pirate always a pirate and none more so than the infamous Captain Hook."

He said his moniker with such derision that Emma was taken aback. She knew he wasn't proud of who he'd become during that time fuelled by hate and revenge but he'd always been honest about that part of himself. He'd learned from it, used that knowledge and moved on from his past to return to the man he once was, a man of honour.

"You don't really believe that do you?" she asked with a slight shake of her head. "Killian, he's just a jerk with a lot of money and power who thought he could grope me and get away with it because of his father. Trust me, I know his type. This had nothing to do with you and everything to do with him."

He wanted to believe her, he really did but that niggling little voice of unworthiness that had been getting louder ever since she'd agreed to marry him refused to be silenced. As much as he loved her, as much as that love was true, he couldn't seem to quash the small part of him that thought she could do better than to tie herself to someone like him.

Unfortunately, that evening's events had only reinforced his opinion.

Forcing a smile to his lips, he nodded his head.

"Aye, perhaps you're right, love," he agreed quietly.

Emma knew that he was merely humouring her and bit back a huff of frustration. For an amazingly insightful man, he was completely blind when it came to the changes within himself and she often felt as if she were hitting her head against a brick wall when trying to convince him otherwise.

It didn't stop her constantly trying though.

"I know I am," she told him firmly before giving him a kiss. "Come on, let's go to bed."

He nodded again then they both got undressed and slipped under the covers. With a soft sigh, Killian gathered her to him and placed a gentle kiss upon her shoulder as she curved back into him and placed her arm over his, pulling him even closer. Despite drawing comfort from each other, caught up in their own troubled thoughts, it was a long time before either of them fell asleep.

Killian awoke early feeling as though he hadn't slept a wink. Emma was still wrapped in his arms and he took a moment to just breathe her in before gently disentangling himself and getting out of bed. He padded over to the window and saw that dawn was just breaking, the sun lighting up the sky in golden hues as it welcomed the new day. He enjoyed the sight for a moment then turned away and quickly got dressed, deciding to wash in his cabin so as not to disturb his sleeping bride to be. Leaning over the bed, he placed a kiss to her forehead causing her to stir. He hushed her softly, telling her that he had some business at the docks and she murmured something unintelligible before settling back down.

Certain that she'd gone back to sleep, Killian left the room and the castle then walked down to his ship. A smile lit his face as soon as he saw The Swan and she welcomed him aboard with a gentle sway and soft creaking as befitting the hour of the morning. He freshened up in his cabin then set about the few odd jobs that needed tending to. It wasn't anything that could've waited until later in the day but he wanted the solitude. Needed the time alone to try and sort his head out.

He completed his tasks in a methodical and precise manner and after a couple of hours everything was done. Standing by the rail, he gazed out over the ocean, eyes squinting against the ever rising sun debating whether to return to the castle or let the sails down and take The Swan out for an hour or two.

Footsteps suddenly sounded out along the dock and Killian turned fully expecting to see Emma. Instead he saw Henry walking along the dock, rucksack on his back and sporting a huge smile.

"Ahoy, Captain, permission to come aboard?" he called out as he drew level with the gangplank.

Killian grinned at the boy's usual greeting and nodded his head as he moved away from the rail and gave his standard response.

"Aye, lad, permission granted."

Henry walked up the steep slatted plank of wood and clambered onto the deck. Killian held onto his arm to ensure he didn't stumble and looked down at him fondly.

"And what can I do for you this fine morning, my boy?" he asked.

"It's what I can do for you," Henry replied mysteriously, taking his rucksack off his shoulders and opening it up. "I wanted to show you something."

The pirate's interest turned to puzzlement as he watched the boy tug out the large tome that he recognised as the story book.

"I thought that was destroyed along with Storybrooke," Killian commented as he followed Henry to the mizzenmast and they sat down on one of the crates that surrounded its base.

"So did I but it just turned up in my room a couple of days afterwards," Henry explained as he began thumbing through it. "I think it's because I really wanted it back."

The pirate nodded. It seemed as likely an explanation as any. He never had understood the exact workings of the book but knew the connection it held with Henry considering Emma had used it to aid him regain his memories.

"What is it that you wanted to show me?"

"You and mom are in the book now," Henry replied brightly as he shoved the open tome onto Killian's lap.

The pirate looked down at the page in surprise, his heart warming as he saw a picture of them dancing at Neal's naming ceremony.

"Aye, so it would appear," he murmured, his gaze running swiftly over the text that accompanied the drawing.

Henry smiled and remained quiet allowing him to read.

Earlier that morning he'd been having breakfast with his grandparents when his mother had walked in looking tired and a little upset. Snow and David had noticed as well and asked her if everything was okay. She'd merely given them half a smile and shook her head. When asked where Killian was, she told them that he was at the docks which earned her a sympathetic look from both her parents and that had prompted Henry to ask what was going on.

Emma had given him a brief explanation of the incident the evening before to which Henry had said in confusion, "But he loves you, of course he'd protect you. Why are you mad at him?"

"I'm not mad at him," Emma had refuted quickly, "he's mad at himself."

"Why?" he'd queried.

Emma had sighed and shook her head before trotting out the usual excuse that all adults seemed to use when they thought he was too young to understand.

"It's complicated, Henry, I just...I just wish he could see what a good person he is the way I do."

"The way we all do," Snow added firmly, causing Emma to give her parents a warm smile as Charming nodded his head in agreement.

The boy might not be aware of all the nuances of an adult relationship but he'd understood those last comments very well and knew of a way that he could help. Hence the story book.

The man next to him suddenly let out a sigh, a frown of contemplation on his face as he closed the book and ran his thumb absently down the spine.

"So, what do you think?" Henry asked curiously.

Killian turned to study the boy for a moment then gave him a wry smile as he held out the tome to him.

"I think I should be thanking you, lad. Your book has been most...enlightening."

"I hoped it would be," Henry replied with a grin before adding, "Why don't you keep it and show Mom?"

"You mean she hasn't seen it yet?" Killian asked in surprise.

The boy shook his head and said, "She doesn't even know I have it. She's been so happy there wasn't any point."

The pirate took a moment to digest Henry's words and swallowed hard as he laid the book back on his lap then reached out and ruffled the boy's hair affectionately.

"You're a good lad, Henry and certainly much wiser than this old pirate," he told the young man ruefully.

The boy chuckled then stood and picked up his bag.

"I better go. I'm meeting Robin in a little while. He's taking Roland and me tracking," he explained before asking eagerly, "Can you take me out sailing again tomorrow?"

"Aye, of course," Killian agreed, as he too stood then added in mock sternness, "But be here bright and early mind. There's no room for wastrels and stragglers on my crew."

"Aye, aye, Captain Jones," Henry replied with a cheeky salute before surprising the pirate with a swift hug. Then he was off, charging down the gangplank saying, "I have the coolest dad's ever!" before waving at him and sprinting away along the docks.

Killian watched him leave with a mixture of shock and amazement as his comment rung in his ears. He'd never expected Henry to ever call him that but it was good to know that the love he felt for the boy was returned in kind because he certainly looked upon him as his son.

With a smile on his lips he headed down to his cabin in order to retrieve his coat and head back to the castle to find Emma. His ship dipped unexpectedly then groaned, alerting him to the fact that someone had come aboard. Familiar footsteps sounded and he opened the cabin door to see the Saviour had beaten him to it and come to him instead.

"I was just about to go and find you," he told her as he stepped back and allowed her entry.

"Well, now you don't have to," she responded with a tentative smile.

He closed the door then turned to her and gestured over to the book that he'd put down on the table.

"Henry paid me a visit."

Emma looked down at the tome in surprise and ran her hand over the front of it.

"Is this his story book?" she queried dubiously.

"Aye, apparently it magically appeared in his room one day with a little something extra inside," he teased before adding, "Us."

"We're in the book?" Emma repeated incredulously then let out a little laugh when he grinned and nodded.

"Do you want to see?" he offered, reaching for the tome and flipping it open to the appropriate pages.

Emma's expression softened at the picture then she scanned the text much like he had done earlier.

Words like, 'changed', 'sacrifice', 'true love', 'man of honour' and 'truly worthy' leapt out of the pages at her and she sent out a silent 'thank you' to her son for letting Killian see it.

She closed the book then looked up at him thoughtfully.

"Did you know this book never lies?" she asked quietly as she moved around the table to stand in front of him.

"I was aware," he confirmed, then added doubtfully, "But..."

"Uh-uh," she interrupted with a shake of her head. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her body against his and with a soft smile continued, "there is no 'but'. This is who you are. I know it, so does everyone else, it's just you that can't see it but now it's written down in black and white."

"Not everyone, love," he refuted lightly on a sigh as his arms came loosely about her waist. "There are still some that see me as a villain. Will always see me as that no matter what I do and I confess that there are times like last night when I feel like one too."

"And there's times I still feel like that little lost girl I once was even with all the family and love I have around me now but that doesn't mean I am one. You can't ever leave your past completely behind, Killian, we both know that, but we don't have to let it define us," she replied pointedly. "We decide who we are, not anyone else."

He stared down into her eyes hoping she saw the immense amount of love he felt for her right in that moment. She was right of course, and while he'd always acknowledged the bad part of himself, he'd never completely made peace with it. Now, after reading the book and speaking to Emma, he realised that perhaps it was time.

"I now know which parent Henry inherited his wisdom from," he commented with a warm smile.

"Actually, I think I got it from him," Emma joked causing him to laugh.

They shared a kiss that quickly led to more and it was a long while before they finally went back to the castle.

Six days later they had a traditional wedding.

Well, as traditional as it could be living in a castle in the Enchanted Forest with a bunch of fairy tale characters.

Emma looked beautiful in her wedding gown and Killian cut quite a dashing figure in his red coat even if he did say so himself...which he did to a fair few people.

And as he watched Emma dancing with her father, Regina came up to him and stood by his side.

"Do you remember when I told you what Greg said to me while we were on your ship going to Neverland?" she asked quietly.

He glanced over at her and quirked an eyebrow before clarifying, "You mean about how villains don't get happy endings?"

"Yes," she confirmed before smiling smugly and drawling, "Looks like he was wrong after all."

Killian grinned then commented wryly, "Aye maybe he was, or perhaps as I have recently come to realise, Your Majesty, we're just not villains anymore."

He left the Queen standing there in opened mouthed incredulity as Emma danced by with Charming and stepped forward, tapping his father-in-law on the shoulder.

"Mind if I cut in, mate?" he asked flippantly as the Prince stopped and looked at him.

"She's all yours," Charming replied with a grin.

"I know," he countered softly, his expression one of complete bliss as he gathered his bride into his arms and began to sway to the music.

And he was all hers...the good, the bad and everything in between.

END CHAPTER 25

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