Thank you very much for your patience. Updates to the main fic will take longer, but I will be posting a few "deleted scenes" in between updates so I hope that helps. There is actually one piece I really love!
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Chapter 29 –True Colors


But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
True Colors, Phil Collins

He woke up in the middle of the night when she started to trail kisses over his bare chest. His first thought was that he was dreaming, that it was most definitely the best dream he ever had; but when she reached lower to take him into her mouth, he knew no dream would ever feel as good as this. He pulled her back into his arms and flipped them over, trailing kisses in her neck. He made love to her slowly and lazily, enjoying how it felt to hold her close to him and give himself to her without any restraints. He whispered sweet words into her ear and watched her come undone in his arms. He'd never seen anything more beautiful in his long life.

He brought her into his arms, keeping her close to him. "I don't think I'll let you leave my bed again, Swan." He said, his voice hoarse from sleep and afterglow.

"Good." She replied, her hand caressing his chest. "Because I don't plan to go anywhere…"

He drifted awake early, as he always did. Old habits die hard, after all, and centuries spent at sea had made him an early morning person. He looked at Emma sleeping peacefully and he decided he could stay in bed just a little while longer, looking at her sleeping form. It was about an hour before Emma started stirring and looked at him with sleepy eyes.

"Good morning," He said, his hand caressing her hair while he leaned in to capture her lips in a soft kiss.

"Hey, how long have you been awake?" She asked.

"A while… I thought about getting up and starting breakfast but I-I just…" He trailed off, his eyes looking at her earnestly, "I just didn't want you to wake up and think, even for a second, that I had left." He finished, his voice barely a whisper. "I don't want you to ever feel like that again, Swan."

She threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Thank you." She whispered.

He kissed her temple, pulling her closer to him, "Do you want some breakfast?" He asked.

"I'm starving…" She admitted.

"I'll get to it." He said as he left the bed and headed to the bathroom.

Killian was finishing the pancakes when he felt Emma's arms around his waist. "Coffee is done, milady. And I'm about to finish the pancakes." He said as he turned around to kiss her. He noticed she had borrowed some of his pajama pants and a white T-shirt.

"Do you mind?" She asked.

"Not at all, Swan. They look remarkably better on you than me." He smirked as he placed the pancakes over the plates and handed one to her. He sipped his coffee and looked at her.

"Do you have any plans for today?" He asked smiling. "Because if you don't, I'd love for us to spend the day together…"

"What are you offering?" She asked with a smirk.

"I'm torn, actually…" He said as he laid the plate on the counter and reached for her, "I'm very tempted to go back to the bedroom and spend all day worshiping your body…" He trailed kisses down her neck, his hand reaching beneath the T-shirt she was wearing to caress her stomach and move up to fondle her breast. She moaned in appreciation.

"Or…" She asked in a strained voice.

He looked at her smiling. "It's a beautiful day outside, Emma. Perfect weather for sailing…" His eyes were sparkling. "We could pack a lunch basket and spend the day in my boat."

"I'd like that…" She said. "But I'm in desperate need of a shower. And a change of clothes…" She pointed out.

"Right…" He said. "Do you have to go back to your place?" He asked with a slight hint of sadness to see her go.

"Actually, I have an overnight bag on the bug. I always keep one in case I need to crash in a motel during a stakeout." She smiled at him. "I didn't bring it over because I didn't want to jinx it." She admitted shyly.

He reached out to kiss her. "I'll go grab it for you… give me your car keys." He offered with a smile on his face. "You stay here and enjoy your breakfast, I'll be right back."

He was already wearing sweatpants and a shirt, so he put on a hoodie and shoes before quickly running out of the door.

/-/

They packed a lunch basket and headed to the docks, where he walked with her towards his boat. It was a very nice one, Emma thought. It wasn't the Jolly Roger, but Killian seemed happy with it. She walked to the hull to see the name and let a laugh when she saw it.

She raised an eyebrow at him, "Really?" She asked pointing at the painted letters that read The Beanstalk. He shrugged. "I needed a name."

She walked back to him, hugging him and resting her head against his chest. "I like it."

"I'm glad you do." He smiled at her as he caressed her back. "Now, shall we?"

"Aye, aye, pirate."

He sailed them out of the docks and into the open water, heading to New York. She breathed in the salty air and felt the wind on her face. She glanced at him standing tall and proud next to the helm, looking at the horizon. She'd missed that look on him. He looked breathtakingly handsome, the wind on his hair, his hand and hook on the helm, his eyes lost in the open water. He noticed her staring and looked at her, a smile in his face.

"Everything alright, Swan?" He asked.

"I'm just enjoying the view…" She said.

"Come here…"He called and she walked towards him. He pulled her to him, capturing her between himself and the helm, his arms circling her as he steered the boat. She pressed her body fully to his, closing her eyes and feeling his lips kissing her hair. She breathed in deeply as she felt his chest rise and fall against her back. And in that moment, it was almost as if their thoughts were in sync with each other.

This is all I ever wanted.

He dropped the anchor when the view of the city was near, and they enjoyed a late lunch and lazy afternoon alternating between above and below deck, until he finally steered the boat back to the docks while she hugged him and rested her head against his shoulder. He leaned back to whisper in her ear. "Stay with me tonight?"

"Absolutely." She replied.

When they arrived at his apartment, he pulled her into his arms, "Do you want to go out or stay in?"

"I'm pretty tired, to be honest," She admitted. "Sailing can be quite exhausting. Especially the activities below deck." She beamed at him and he quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Pizza and a movie then?" He said. "I know the perfect place for pizza. It should not take me long to go grab some."

"Do they have pineapple pizza?" She asked and he looked at her horrified.

"Heavens, no. Let me order the pizza, love."

She was about to say something when he brushed his lips to hers. "Try something new, darling. It's called trust."

"You are asking me to trust Captain Hook with modern food choices?"

"You won't regret it."

"Fine." She said as she brushed her lips to his. "Can I borrow more of your clothes?"

"Take anything you like." He said kissing her soundly. "I'll be right back."

She was comfortably settled on the couch when he got back with a box of pizza and two beers and set them on the coffee table in front of them. He went to the kitchen to grab some napkins and then sat on the floor next to her legs.

"So…. Movie choice?" She asked.

"Take your pick, Swan." He said.

"I'm intrigued to know about your favorites." She said as she grabbed the remote. "You mentioned The Godfather. But what else do you like? Action movies?"

He shook his head. "Too loud and far-fetched."

"Says the man that was born on the Enchanted Forest." She retorted as she grabbed a slice of pizza and took a bite. "Oh my god, this is delicious." She acknowledged.

"Told you, Swan." He smirked as he drank his beer.

"Ok, so you don't like action movies. What about comedies?"

"Do people actually find those things funny? They are preposterous." He said offended and she laughed.

"Horror movies?"

"I've seen enough real blood to last me a life time." He said and raised his eyebrows, tilting his head. "Or three."

"Drama?"

"I tolerate those a little more…" He said.

"Wait a minute… that only leaves... Killian, do you like romantic movies?" She almost choked on the words.

"I like good romantic movies, with an interesting plot and a realistic happy ending." He admitted. "Like When Harry met Sally."

"That was a surprise." She said looking at him with curiosity. "What else? Tell me one movie you like I'd never be able to guess…"

He pondered for a moment. "You are going to laugh at me, Swan."

"I promise I will do no such thing." She said. "Pirate's honor." He gave her an annoyed look.

He sighed, his hand waving in the air. "Alright: The Goonies."

"The Goonies?! That's a kid's movie." She said raising her eyebrows in surprise.

"There's treasure hunt and a pirate ship, Swan. What's not to like?" He stated matter-of-factly.

She got off the couch and bent to sit next to him, grabbing his face and kissing him slowly.

"What was that for?" He asked looking at her dazzled.

"That was cute. You are cute" She said.

"Careful who you call cute, Swan." He said. "I have a reputation to uphold." He whispered in her ear, nibbling her earlobe. "And it doesn't necessarily involve cute."

"Let's finish our pizza and you can show me all that your reputation involves." She replied looking intently at him.

/-/

They drove in separate cars to her apartment on Sunday morning so Emma could leave her bug and change into clean clothes before picking up Henry.

"Where does Regina live?" Killian asked.

"Upper East Side." Emma replied.

"Of course." Killian sighed as he started the car and headed into the city.

Regina was waiting outside with Henry when they pulled into the drive.

"Hello, Captain." She said.

"Still a Lieutenant, Mrs. Locksley." He replied smiling.

"It's taking you quite a while," She said with a little snark but smiling broadly at him.

"You know, these things tend to take longer when one has to play by the rules, majesty." He replied at her and she nodded.

Emma looked at Regina, "Thank you for letting Henry come with us, Regina."

"No problem. Have fun. See you tonight, Henry." She nodded curtly before entering her front door back.

/-/

As they drove back to Jersey, Killian started to get slightly nervous. Emma looked at him fondly. "Killian, I'm sure it'll be OK. Granted, I can be a little prickly, but I'm sure I can come up with some good conversation topics for a few hours."

"Swan, listen to me. There are three very important things for them: food, family and soccer. Just avoid food and soccer and you'll be fine."

"Oh come on, food would be one of my strong topics!"

"Have you learned to cook during these three years?" He asked.

"Not really." Henry replied from the backseat and Emma gave him an annoyed look.

"Ok. I don't cook, but I do like Italian food. I love pizza, I can talk about that." She offered.

"Oh no, Swan, what you eat it's not pizza. It's a crime against humanity for these people... Listen to me, by all means, love: Do not mention that you like pineapple pizza. No matter how besotted I am with you, they will kick you out." Killian said seriously and she looked at him shocked.

"You are not joking, are you?"

"Does it look to you like I'm joking?" He replied nervously. "Stay away from food and soccer."

"I can talk a little about soccer. Henry used to play. Or at least, I have fake memories of him playing or something." She said confused and Henry rolled her eyes.

"Do you know any Italian League teams?" He asked.

"Do you?" She retorted in shocked confusion.

"We get together to watch the games from time to time. They all have different favorites, so it's not like I can actually give one team's name…"

"Which one is your favorite?" She asked curious.

"I usually switch teams in different seasons, according to how they are playing and their winning chances." He looked at her and noticed her offended stare. "Pirate, love." He smirked and heard Henry's laugh from the backseat. "Currently: Juventus FC. I like their goalie, he has poise".

"Alright. Yeah. I'm staying out of that one…" Emma said.

"What about me?" Henry asked. "Any topics I should avoid?"

"Lad, they are going to adore you. They'll feed you and say you need a haircut… but they'll adore you." Killian stated.

They finally arrived and Killian parked the car into an available spot. As they exit the car, Killian turned around to look at Henry. "Can you give us a moment, lad?" He said and Henry nodded.

"Are you done freaking out?" She asked amused.

"I've survived centuries of bad weather at sea and life threatening situations, Swan. I don't freak out, I prepare." He said as he pulled her into his arms. "I just wanted to tell you one thing…"

"What?" She said.

"Those people over there are important to me, and I want you to like them and them to like you. But if they don't… it doesn't change anything, Swan." He looked at her, his eyes boring into his. "Do you understand, Emma?"

She brushed her lips to his. "I do. Now… let's get this done with." She smiled at him.

He grabbed her hand as they walked towards the door, Henry trailing behind them. He knocked on the door and smiled at Emma. They could hear noise coming from inside the house and then the door opened and a tall, thin woman in her early seventies appeared. She had grey hair and a lovely smile.

"Killian!" She said as she threw her arms at him. Killian let go of Emma's hand to go hug the woman.

"Maria…" He greeted softly. He pulled away, grabbing Emma's hand again. "Maria, this is Emma. And Henry."

"Oh it's so lovely to meet you both!" Maria exclaimed as she pulled Emma into a tight hug. "Come in, you must be starving…"

She motioned for them to enter the house and as they were entering, Maria reached to touch Killian's hair, "You need a haircut, dear." She said to him. Emma tried very hard to hide the grin on her face as Killian blushed.

There were a lot of people gathering around the house and the yard, and Emma looked slightly overwhelmed. Big reunions were not her thing. It was her parents' thing, but certainly not hers. Luckily, Maria only yelled generally at the crowd that Killian had arrived with her and they all looked to them to greet them and they continued with their own talks. She saw Mac approaching them, a smile on his face.

"Quick! Exit to the backyard." He motioned. "It's less crowded. Henry!" Mac also called. "Come this way, I'll show you where the teenagers are hiding…" Mac smirked and Henry waved at them before leaving with Mac.

Killian smiled as he headed to the backyard, never letting go of Emma's hand. The backyard was considerably less crowded, with a few people around their age and kids running around. She briefly scanned the yard before she froze confused at a tall, dark haired man.

"Is that… the flower delivery guy?" She asked shockingly.

Killian chuckled. "That's Vinnie. He actually owns the flower shop with his family. He's one of Laura's cousins."

"I thought Joey from the bakery was Laura's cousin…"

"That too." Killian said before he waved at Vinnie, who smiled and headed their way. "Careful with Vinnie, he flirts with everything that moves."

She looked at him and retorted "Says Captain Innuendo. But he didn't flirt with me." She offered.

"That was because he's been warned." Killian said raising his eyebrows at her and Emma rolled her eyes.

"Vinnie!" Killian called as he clasped Vinnie's shoulder. "You remember Emma, right?"

"Nice to finally meet you officially." Vinnie said. "I hope you are enjoying the flowers." He smiled.

"They are beautiful, thank you." Emma said.

"Thank Killian. He's the one choosing them after all." Vinnie winked. "I hope you enjoy lunch and we don't scare you too much." He said before he was called out.

"Vinnie! Leave that poor girl alone!" Emma and Killian turned around to see a brunette coming their way. Emma recognized her from the hospital.

"Emma, this is Laura." Killian said as the brunette reached them and she smiled at them. "Mac's wife."

"Hi, it's great to finally meet you." Laura said. "I've heard so much about you… From Mac." She added when she saw Killian's face blushing. "How was dinner the other day? Please, please, tell me he didn't overcook the pasta."

Killian chuckled and Emma smiled. "It was perfect, thank you very much."

"Anytime." Laura replied. "Now, Killian, be a sweetheart and get lost so I can talk to Emma." Laura smiled at him. Killian looked at Emma worryingly but she smiled reassuringly at him.

"I'll go find Mac." Killian said giving Emma a kiss on the cheek. "Don't miss me much." He added to her ear and she rolled her eyes at him.

When Killian was gone, Laura turned around and pointed at the interior of the house. "Food, and more importantly, alcohol, are in that direction. Come with me." She smiled as she and Emma headed to the kitchen. "I know, we can be pretty overwhelming, but we mean no harm." She smiled.

"Oh, it's OK." Emma said. "It's not a big deal."

"It kind of is…" Laura whispered. "He hasn't brought a girl in years… so we are all very excited about meeting you. But we'll behave. Mostly." She smirked.

"I just hope I make a good impression." Emma replied nervously.

"Oh dear, don't worry about that. Mac has been telling them how wonderful you are." Laura waved her hand dismissively. "And if that is not enough…" Laura pointed at Killian, who was talking with Mac, but had just looked at them and gave her a big, warm smile. "Killian's face when he's with you would definitely do the trick. Don't worry, just be yourself." She smiled as she pointed to an enormous table filled with food. "What do you want to eat?"

Henry came her way, grabbing a slice of pizza from the table while Laura was attending some situation at the kitchen.

"Are you having a nice time, kid?" Emma asked.

"The food is delicious." Henry said and then he looked at his mom and smirked.

"What?" Emma said.

"I think it's funny. All those times that Killian had to prove to our family that he was worthy of you… now you have to prove to his family that you're worthy of him." He raised his eyebrows. "It's like poetic justice."

Emma rolled her eyes.

"Don't worry, mom. They seem to like me; I'll try to put in a good word for you." Henry said before disappearing.

Emma turned around to look at the room full of people talking animatedly with each other.

"Are you ok?" Mac asked as he came to her and handed her a beer.

"They look…" Emma was trying to find the right word.

"Scary? Overwhelming? Crazy?" Mac offered.

Emma scoffed. "Passionate."

"They are crazy about Killian. When he moved here and they found out he had no family, they just adopted him. They love to cook for him, nag him about getting a haircut, convince him he needs to find someone but then proceed to criticize every single girl as not good enough for him. And then they go back to the haircut again." Mac pointed out to Killian, who was caught up on a conversation with Maria and another old lady. "And he's nice to them. He lets them nag him and visits them and listens to their stories and advice. He's the perfect son. And he hangs out with the guys and stops by the bakery and always has a compliment for them. They freaking love him as if he were one of their flesh and blood. It took me years for them to treat me half as good as they treat him." Mac sighed. "Bastard." He teased.

Emma smiled sadly and Mac reached out to take her hand.

"Hey, I'm joking. It's very clear that he hasn't had people caring for him in a long time. I'm glad he has this. Besides, it gets them off my back. I haven't had a haircut lecture in three years." He smirked.

Emma looked at Killian, who seemed to have been looking for her. When he finally met her eyes, he smiled as he leaned in to whisper something in Maria's ear. She smiled fondly at him before caressing her cheek and giving him a kiss. He smiled back before turning around and heading Emma's way.

He was by her side in an instant, his arm closing on her waist, pulling her tighter to him. "I'm sorry," He said, "They tend to linger in conversation and it's bad form to leave in the middle." He tried to explained but Emma smiled at him as she met his eyes. "It's fine." She said. "I'm actually having a great time."

He smiled at her and leaned in to brush his lips chastely to hers. She smiled against his lips before playfully bit his lower lip. He laughed as he pulled away. "Behave, Swan. We have a lot of company."

"Killian!" A sharp voice called from behind them and they turned around to see a brunette girl running their way, followed by Laura and Maria.

He bent on one knee to hug the little girl. "Hi Marissa." He said. The girl looked at him with dreamy eyes. "You are going to come to my birthday party, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world…" He replied smiling.

"It's going to be a themed party this year." Laura said.

"What is the theme?" Killian asked.

"Pirates and princesses." Laura replied, raising an eyebrow at him. "Thank you, sunshine."

Emma chuckled and Killian couldn't help the wide grin on his face. "And I presume you'd be…" He asked Marissa.

"A pirate, of course!" The little girl said.

"That's a tough lass…" Killian smiled at her. Marissa then turned her head towards Emma, examining her with a curious look.

"Is this your girlfriend?" She asked and Emma's heart skipped a beat.

Killian smiled as he stood up next to Emma, his reassuring eyes never leaving hers, "Yes, Marissa, this is Emma. Emma, this is Marissa, Mac's youngest."

Marissa looked at her seriously before flashing Emma a bright smile. "She's pretty. She can come. Do you have a princess costume?"

Killian and Emma both chuckled. "I think that can be arranged…" Emma said. "I do have a tiara." She offered.

"Good." The little girl said before sprinting towards the backyard.

Maria turned around to look at Emma, "I trust that you are having a nice time with us?"

Emma smiled and nodded, "Yes, thank you very much for inviting me."

"You are welcome to come back any time you want, dear." Maria said. "And just so we are clear… Killian is very important to us." She said with a somewhat stern, yet amiable expression.

Emma tensed for a second before looking at Maria straight in the eyes, a true smile on her face. "He's very important to me too." She risked a glance in Killian's direction and saw the joy in his eyes and a smile on his face.

"Good." Maria said.

"Alright, that is enough, Nona, let's leave them alone." Laura said as she dragged Maria away. She turned around for a second to whisper to Emma. "Trust me, if that is all the warning you got, she really likes you." And she followed Maria towards the house.

Emma felt Killian's arms embracing her from behind, pulling her to him. He rested his chin in her shoulder and whispered in her ear, "You are very important to me too, Swan."

"Good." She replied.

/-/

As the afternoon came to an end, Killian drove them back to New York and they dropped Henry by Regina's place. He then drove Emma to her place.

"I hope you had a nice time, Emma." He said as they were walking to her place.

"It was interesting…" She replied smiling and holding his hand.

"I know, they can be a little overwhelming, but they truly have the best intentions." Killian said, his voice shaking slightly. "When I came here, I didn't know anyone and when Mac first invited me there, it was quite interesting, actually. They just started talking and giving me directions to places I needed to visit in town. Then they gave me food to take home so I wouldn't have to cook." Killian sighed. "And they never stopped doing it." He shrugged nonchalantly. "I know it's silly…" He said and she could see his eyes sparkling a little and she understood.

"You like it, admit it. You are being smothered by a bunch of Italian ladies and you love it." She teased him.

"It's nice, to feel the warmth of a family. I never had a family, other than Liam and he's been gone for so long that I've almost forgotten how it felt." He scratched behind his ear. "But yes, you caught me, Swan. It's nice to feel that people care for you, take care of you, worry about you. I know they are not my real family but they've always treated me like one of their own. It's nice to feel that way. Loved."

Watching him open up to her, showing her his vulnerability, his deepest desires, his voids in life, after a weekend where they have shared so much with each other, it finally hit her.

"I love you." She said suddenly.

His expression changed into a shocked one, his eyes searching hers in slight confusion…

"I love you," She smiled. "I loved you then, although I was not ready to admit it. And I love you now. I love the pirate in leather clothes and a hook and I love the police detective in modern clothes and a prosthetic hand. I love all versions of you, because you are one and the same. Killian, Hook, it doesn't matter to me. I care about you, I worry about you, I want to take care of you. I love you. All of you."

He had the most delicious look of awe in his face. She had rendered him speechless and she was enjoying it.

"Are you going to say something anytime soon?" She teased.

He smiled to her, a huge, goofy grin that lighted up his blue eyes. "I love you too, Swan." He said softly. He cupped her face with his hand and pulled her to him, kissing her slowly, lovingly. He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, his nose nuzzling hers. "I've always loved you."

He stared at her, trying to memorize each detail of this moment into his mind.

"What?" She asked curiously, her fingers caressing the scar on his cheek.

He tried to convey in his eyes everything he felt, "It's nothing… it's just…I'm happy, Emma."

"Happier than you've been in the last century?" She teased but he could feel the insecurity behind her question.

"In my entire life, my love." He replied smiling and she smiled again and it was the most beautiful sight he'd seen in over three centuries: light, carefree, happy.

He kissed her again and again, dizzy on his love for her, and she kept repeating the same words to him over and over: I love you, I love you.

He couldn't remember how long it took them to get to the apartment, or her bedroom, or the bed. He didn't really care: every one of those kisses would be forever etched in his memory.

The perfect end for a perfect weekend. Emma Swan loved him. And he loved her.