Disclaimer: I do not own Once Upon a Time

AN: Because I need happiness! I want to dedicate this to GranddaughterOfCaskettAndTivia. Thank you so much for all of your dedicated and hard work. It's much appreciated! ~ XOXO MAS

The Five Moments Emma Realizes She Wants to Marry Hook

Moment #4

Emma let out a huff and threw herself onto a log just a few feet into the forest of Camelot surrounding Granny's. She didn't run very far, just enough to ensure that her parents wouldn't follow her and that Regina would give her some space. Closing her eyes, she willed the tears away, letting out a shaky breath.

"Swan?"

His voice echoed off the trees before she could even see him. Of course he followed her. He always follows her. He always will. "Swan?"

She looked up, his form a little blurry as she blinked back the tears, "I'm fine."

"What Regina did to you, there was no excuse for that. I'm sorry it had to happen." He apologized.

She shook her head and moved over, indicating he should sit next to her, "No, it's okay, really. It helped. It helped me face what's keeping me from being able to let go of the darkness."

He quirked an eyebrow at her in that ridiculous, yet adorable way of his and she felt her heart beat speed up slightly, "And what is that?" He asked.

She swallowed thickly, hoping he would understand what she was about to say. She was sure he would, he always understood her. Reaching into her cloak, she pulled out the newspaper Henry had given her, "Henry gave me this."

Hook let out an exasperated sigh, "I should've known. I forgot boys can't keep secrets."

Emma smiled softly at his words, "He wasn't trying to give away your secret, he was just trying to give me something to hold onto, to give me hope."

Killian's face fell slightly, "And it didn't work?"

"No, I mean it did, but," she sighed, "it's just that once I let go of the darkness, the future is just there. I can just take it."

Holding up a hand, Killian asked, "So, let me see if I understand, you don't want to let go of the darkness because you don't want to move in with me?"

"No! Killian, that's not it. It's just," she paused, frowning as she attempted to put her thoughts in order. "Okay, look, I just, I've always been alone. And it's made it so that I can only let someone in when I'm going to lose them. I could only admit my feelings for Neal when he was dying. I could only tell you I love you when I thought I was going to be gone forever. I want this future with you, I really do. I'm just afraid to take it. Do you understand that? I'm afraid to lose you, too."

Killian nodded slowly, a smile curving at his lips, "Aye, love, I do understand that, but I'm not going anywhere. If you want this future, all you have to do is take it." She bit her lip and nodded hesitantly at his words, "I promise, Swan, I'll not leave you, no matter what happens. I love you, more than I've ever loved anyone else. I'm truly yours." He leaned into her slightly, just barely brushing his lips over hers, smiling softly when she tried to chase his lips. "I'm not going anywhere." He murmured the promise in her ear.

Emma felt her heart actually skip a beat at his words and warm breath dancing over her skin, "Promise?" She asked softly.

He nodded, "As if I could ever leave you, Emma." He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and dropped his forehead to hers, their noses brushing slightly, "It's almost like you're a part of me." He murmured before leaning back.

Sniffing back tears, Emma dragged his head to hers, "I love you, too." She whispered against his mouth before pressing a hard kiss to his lips. She knew, in that moment, that she wasn't scared of a future with him. He loved her wholly for who she was and he was unfailingly patient and honest with her. As his tongue swept through her mouth tantalizingly, she realized that she could spend her entire life loving this man and she would be content. Sliding her hands through his hair, she tugged him back towards him, trying to get impossibly closer.

"Swan," he murmured.

"Just kiss me." She whispered, trying to hike up the dress so she could throw a leg over his lap and straddle him before bringing him in for another kiss. She smiled when they pulled back, bumping noses with him affectionately, "I love you, Killian."

His fingers danced over her feet and down her neck, slipping through her silky hair. "I love you too, Emma."

She traced his mouth with her fingertips, "I want forever with you." She whispered. Biting her lip, she nuzzled her nose against his ear, continuing to whisper, "I want to build a life with you and have a family with you in this home you've picked out for us."

He leaned back slightly to catch her eye, "I want that, too, Swan." Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a flash of light, "Look, love."

Following his gaze, she looked to the ground where the ember sat. "I did it." She turned back to face him, "Actually, you did it."

"What do you say we get rid of this darkness once and for all?" He asked with a gentle smile.

"Let's." She agreed, "I have a home to move into." She stood up, collecting the sword and the flame. Holding out her hand she glanced up at him with a crooked smile, "I think we should buy a bed first." She winked at him, her smile turning into a salacious grin.

Killian groaned, "A bloody minx you are." He tugged her into his side, pressing a hard kiss to her mouth as they walked back towards Granny's.

OUAT

XOXO

MAS