-K-
He brings a wreath to her father's grave. Emma insists that he doesn't have to, but Killian can be just as stubborn as she is sometimes. So, she lets him buy the wreath and she pays for her lilies and then they're off to the cemetery, hand in hand. There is already a litany of fresh blooms and holiday wreaths scattered around the graveyard, and the sidewalks are meticulously plowed clean. Emma leads him towards her father's headstone and sees that there are already some flowers there; some smaller bundles from his old crew and Robin, a flask from Lancelot, no doubt filled with their favorite Scotch and a larger bouquet.
"The Bakers." Emma explains to Killian, gesturing at the bouquet. "The family that he saved when he…"
Killian's arm curls around her shoulders and he squeezes her to him lightly. They crouch down carefully in the snow and begin to clear the fresh powder that fell last night from the headstone. Emma steps back first so Killian can lay his wreath down, watching him bow his head and remove his knit beanie. She looks away, letting him have a moment to pay his respects, wondering what he could be saying. It might be uncomfortable, bringing him here when she's never been here with anyone else outside of her mother and Leo, but Killian is no stranger to loss and though he may not have personally known David Nolan, Emma knows that she's not the only one Killian has asked to tell stories about the late fire captain.
Emma turns back when she hears the crunch of snow under boots and sees Killian getting up from his knee, brushing snow off before joining her and running a hand up and down her back, a soft look in his eye. She just nods and approaches her father's grave, laying down her flowers in the gap in front, respectfully left by the others for David's immediate family.
"Hi Dad. I see you've met Killian." She whispers, pressing her palm flat against the headstone, right next to his name. "I hope you went easy on him." She settles in the snow more comfortably, making sure her parka covers her bottom when she sits cross-legged on the ground, "He's such a good guy, Dad. You would have really liked him."
She murmurs quietly to him for a few minutes longer while Killian waits patiently behind her. When she's done, she kisses her fingers and presses them to the headstone. Killian helps her up, offering his arm for support when she brushes off her coat.
When she's done, she wraps both arms around Killian's, leaning her head against his shoulder and they stand there a while longer, just gazing at David's grave.
"Merry Christmas, Dad." Emma says finally and turns to Killian, who's still looking at the grave. "Ready?"
He nods, gloved fingers wiping away the tears on her cheeks as she pulls his hat back over his ears, which are now red from the cold.
She keeps her arms twined around his as they stroll through the graveyard, taking her shortcut to the low fence at the edge of the property. A serene smile pulls at her lips when she remembers the time he stumbled across her at the grave after he had just arrived in Storybrooke.
"What is it, love?" He asks, breath coming out in white puffs as he helps her over the fence after stepping over himself.
"Just remembering when I ran into you here a few months ago."
His cheeks redden even further and she leans up for a chaste kiss, which he grants immediately like it's second nature to him.
"And look at how far we've come since then."
Killian's lips brush against hers again, "Aye, love." He says fondly.
She thinks about how handsome he'd looked, even in all his broodiness, hair flattened to his forehead from walking in the rain, a cliche she'll have to tease him about at a later time.
Even then, she'd felt a pull to him, an inkling of a feeling that she's now come to realize was her heart telling her that this was the guy who would make her happier than she could ever imagine, if she would just let herself cling to hope rather than fear.
"He'd really love you, you know?" She says softly as they cross to Main Street. "My dad, that is."
"You think so?" His eyes shine a bright blue, the color of waves sparkling on a sunny day.
Emma chuckles, "Yeah. I suspect you'd become fast friends. Best buds. You know, after he's finished scowling at you for chasing after his daughter."
Killian laughs, a low rumble in his chest, "But of course."
"Thank you for coming with me, Killian." Emma says, growing serious.
"Thank you for inviting me along. Now, shall we get some hot cocoa before my ears fall off?"
-/-
They decide to only leave the firehouse Misthaven open during the holiday and Emma works the shortened Christmas Eve hours with Ashley while Mary Margaret takes Mrs. Scarlet (newly minted best friends, bonding over years of taking care of Will and other motherly things) to explore the city, picking up Leo from the train station on their way back.
Emma drives over to the manor after she's finished closing, feeling dead on her feet after working a bustling 10-hour shift.
"Hello?" She calls out wearily from the foyer, shedding her coat and hanging them up on the coat rack.
"In the kitchen!"
She follows the tantalizing aromas of baked goods to the kitchen. The mothers are busy rolling dough and shaping cookies, Leo is sprawled in a chair at the table, half-heartedly dropping sprinkles on cookies while Henry whole-heartedly frosts them from his spot next to Leo.
"Well?" Mary Margaret asks after the usual chorus of greetings.
"All sold out. Even the extras you nagged me to make." Emma declares, dropping down onto the couch in the adjacent den.
"That's wonderful!"
"A fine accomplishment indeed, dear."
Emma smiles under the arm she's thrown over her face. She'd made a couple dozen pies and apple crisps for customer carry-outs and everyone who had pre-ordered had picked theirs up, along with the few hopeful souls who dropped by for a day-of order. Elsa herself had whisked away her own orders of Lulu's Strawberry Dream and Captain Hook's Apple Crisp before leaving to join her family in Carlion.
"Lulu's Strawberry Dream, hm?" Mrs. Scarlet ponders aloud, giving Emma an appraising look when she looks up from her place on the couch.
"Yup, after Will's great aunt?"
Mrs. Scarlet harrumphs affectionately, shaking her head, "Aunt Lulu is the reason I met Alice."
"Killian's mother?" The tiredness she was convinced was set in her bones has suddenly dissipated and Emma jumps to her feet, sidling up to the island counter.
"Yes, dear. My Aunt Lulu went to the same church as Alice's family and when I joined her for Easter service shortly after moving to town after marrying my husband, I met Alice in the pew behind us. Eventually, we became neighbors and best friends."
Mrs. Scarlet weaves tales about Alice and Emma listens intently. When Killian speaks of his mother, it's usually with sad and wistful undertones, but Mrs. Scarlet speaks amusedly of her happy memories with her friend, allowing Emma to see another side of Killian's childhood and family.
After all the cookies are placed in the oven to bake, Emma goes upstairs to change out of her uniform and into an old college sweatshirt and yoga pants. She gets roped into reading fairytales with Henry out of his favorite book while he waits for Regina in the den to come home from whatever mayorly obligation she has tonight and tuck him in.
She must have fallen asleep at some point because the next thing she knows, she's curled up by herself on the couch, the throw blanket that was previously on Henry's lap now tucked around her shoulders and the boy is gone. Instead, larger, slightly cold fingers are stroking through her tangled curls.
"Hello, love."
"Where's Henry?" She mumbles groggily. It's quiet now, the sound of low voices drifts distantly from another part of the manor rather than from the kitchen.
"Just carried the lad up to bed for Regina. She's tucking him in now." Killian tells her softly. He's kneeling in front of her, a tender look in his eye as his hand brushes the hair away from her eyes. There's still a slight chill that clings to him from outside but she reaches for him anyway.
"I merely came by with Will to pick up his mother and kiss you goodnight."
"What are you talking about?" Emma sits up, trying to rub her eyes until she remembers
she still has mascara on.
"I thought you might prefer to just sleep here tonight since we'll be back in the morning anyway to open presents. I can just bring a change of clothes for you and our presents when I come back tomorrow."
"Don't be ridiculous. Take me home, Killian."
A slow smile spreads over his face and he extends his hands to her, helping her sit up before pulling her in. But before their lips can meet, Will strides into the room.
"Oi, Jones. Did you fall asleep too?"
"In a minute, Scarlet." Killian replies but he only has eyes for Emma, leaning in to fuse their lips together, their teeth clacking together as he smiles into the kiss.
"Gross." Will says but Emma can tell he doesn't really mean it.
Killian rises to his feet, pulling Emma up along with him. "Okay, let's go home."
-/-
Emma wakes first, a childish sort of excitement overtaking her as she rolls over in Killian's arms. It's the first time in years that she's actually letting herself get excited about Christmas and going along with all the cheer and fanfare that comes with this holiday instead of hiding behind her cynicism. Killian stirs, grunting as she successfully wriggles out of his grasp, only to drape herself over him, practically lying atop him, her face tucked into his neck, breaking in his familiar scent of spice and musk and the underlying notes of smokiness that seem etched into his skin no matter how many showers he takes.
His arms wrap around her back, holding her in place on top of him. "'S good. Stay here." He rumbles, shifting until they're both comfortable.
"Mm," Emma burrows closer, his scruff tickling her nose. She lies there contentedly for a few minutes. Killian always sleeps like the dead after long shifts, and the only thing that can pry him out of his bed is the sound of his phone ringing, so it's no surprise that his breathing starts to even out again.
Actually, she knows one other sure-fire way to rouse him with a 100% success rate.
"Christmas morning sex." She breathes into his ear, her tongue tracing the shell of his elf-like ears before her teeth close down lightly on his earlobe.
He immediately comes to life beneath her, in more ways than one.
"Fuck," His voice is hoarse, from sleep or lust, she isn't sure but she doesn't care, not when the sound of it makes warmth pool in the pit of her stomach.
"Well, if that's what you want to call it."
He rolls them over with an impressive amount of coordination for someone who's just been in deep sleep moments before. "Am I dreaming right now?" He wonders aloud, lips tracing over that one spot behind her ear.
Emma slips her hand between them, following that enticing trail of hair from his navel, down until her fingers dip under the waistline of his briefs. "Does this feel like a dream to you?'
Killian pulls back, face scrunched up, "Really, love? Of all the quotes you could have gone with, you chose the one from Inception right before she stabs her lover?"
"Husband." Emma corrects, biting her lip to stifle her laugh.
"Whatever. I fell asleep." He grumbles, but his eyes are sparkling and he leans back down slowly.
"I know, I was there waking you up at the most important parts." Emma manages to say before he captures her lips in a thorough kiss that has her toes curling in the sheets.
"Happy Christmas, darling."
"Merry Christmas, Jones."
She really wishes she was one for pet names but the last time she had tried in a serious manner, she had practically recoiled halfway through saying the word.
Shaking that thought from her head, Emma buries her hands in his hair, running her nails lightly against his scalp near the nape of his neck, the way she knows he likes. The tip of his talented tongue runs along the seam of her lips and she hooks a leg around his waist, pulling him closer. Killian's palm slides up her belly, tracing its usual spot up her torso until he pulls away abruptly.
Emma gives him an alarmed look, puzzled by his sudden movement. He braces himself with his forearms on either side of her, an unsettled, almost wild look in his eye.
"Killian?" She asks tentatively, placing a soft hand on his cheek, "What is it?"
"I-," His piercing baby blues flit back and forth over her face as if the answer to his unnerved state lies within her eyes. "I have to say something."
"You're not about to tell me you have a secret love child stashed away in New Zealand,
are you? Because that's not really the Christmas present I was hoping for."
This at least breaks the intensity of his stare for a second, his shoulders relaxing as he gives her a long-suffering look. She bites her lip again, showing she's not going to interrupt anymore and he inhales, his chest moving steadily against hers. Killian thumbs the dimple on her chin, the other hand carefully weaving through the curls splayed out on the pillow. His gaze roves over her face, drinking her in until he looks so deeply into her eyes, Emma swears he can see her soul.
"I love you, Emma Nolan."
She wants to joke, say "I know" or flick the tip of his nose. She wants to laugh and cry at the same time and bury her face back in the sanctuary of his neck. But most of all, she wants to say it back. Her mouth opens, his blue eyes sparkle-
And suddenly she can't.
Saying it would make it real, would make the risk of losing him, of losing her heart real. But that's also just old Emma talking and new Emma fights for her voice, resolutely opening her mouth again.
Killian looks down at her patiently, his expression soft and tender, thumb still caressing her chin and he moves it so it runs along her bottom lip gently, lovingly. "Shh, love. It's alright. I don't need you to say anything. I just needed you to know." He brushes his knuckles feather-light across the tops of her cheeks to catch the tears that are escaping from the corners of her eyes.
She's spent enough Christmas mornings crying and she doesn't want this year to be another, even if these are happy tears, so she grabs the sides of his face, perhaps a bit too roughly and yanks him down. His lips mold willingly to hers, their desire rearing its head again and she endeavors to show him everything she feels for him.
-/-
They walk into the manor just as Regina is descending the stairs in a deep red sheath dress, lipstick immaculately applied and hair perfectly coiffed as if she is off to a ribbon-cutting event rather than just unwrapping presents in her own home. "Oh good, you're here." She says in her usual disinterested tone, but there's a light in her eyes that tells Emma her aunt is just as excited about today as the next person. She gives them an once-over, taking in Killian's navy sweater layered over a button up and Emma's festive red sweater and black skirt outfit, giving a small nod of approval, although her eyes linger a little on their still-damp hair. Emma and Killian had rushed through a quick shower after a not-so-quick tumble between the sheets.
In the parlor, Leo's just slipping his hastily wrapped gifts under the tree while Henry dashes around the room, busying himself with who knows what, a gleeful smile illuminating his face. A cup of hot cocoa and cinnamon is shoved into Emma's hands by her mother, and Killian's preferred black coffee replaces the netted bag of their presents, which Henry is all too eager to place under the tree for them.
Will and his mother arrive shortly after Emma and Killian make themselves comfortable on the floor and after everyone is settled and all the gifts are under the tree, Regina calls everyone to order for their annual Christmas picture, arranging everyone in the parlor with brisk instructions. Once everyone's been blinded by the camera a few too many times, they all spread out in the parlor and Henry takes it upon himself to distribute the gifts.
Soon, the parlor is lost in a sea of wrapping paper and Leo takes over unwrapping his mother's presents when Mary Margaret is too preoccupied with taking candids of everyone, snapping dozens of pictures until Regina bids her to stop and enjoy the moment, taking over the photography responsibilities herself in a much more restrained manner.
Emma and Killian originally sat a respectable distance away from each other, but as the unwrapping continues, they drift closer and closer together until she's leaning against him with his arm propped up on the floor behind her, skillfully unwrapping his presents one-handedly. That's the position they're in when Regina snaps what will become one of Emma's favorite pictures of the two of them, with Killian laughing straight at the camera, looking as light and happy as Emma's ever seen him and her gazing adoringly up at him, an equally incandescent expression on her face.
She opens his gift shortly after that moment, revealing a luxurious black leather jacket meticulously folded into the box, an excited gasp escaping her lips the second she sets eyes on it. Will makes a joke about them being able to join a biker gang after Killian unwraps the gleaming new flask to replace his dented one he got from God knows where back in high school. Emma just rolls her eyes at Will as she slips on the jacket, and her fingers come across a velvet pouch when she puts her hands in the pockets.
Silently appreciating his foresight to not use a small black box, especially in the presence of her mother, she pulls apart the drawstrings to reveal a thin, silvery chain. It's purpose is clear- it's almost exactly like the one currently sitting around her neck, only this one is more delicate and feminine, more suitable for everyday wear under her clothes. Without thinking, she pulls the ring out from under her sweater and Mary Margaret gives a loud and dramatic gasp.
"It wasn't a proposal!" Emma and Killian chant in unison to Leo's widened eyes and
Mary Margaret's stunned expression. Regina scoffs lightly and returns to her task of sweeping up discarded wrapping paper and Henry looks between Emma and Killian curiously. Will looks almost bored, having gotten used to seeing Liam's ring around Emma's neck but Mrs. Scarlet's eyes mist over as she watches Killian help Emma transfer the ring onto the new chain, making it clear that she knows exactly what the origin of the ring is. Killian slips the new chain over Emma's head and she grasps the ring between her fingers, smiling up at him as she leaves it out over her sweater.
After brunch, Will takes his mother to afternoon Mass and Regina enlists Henry to help her clean the parlor. Emma and Killian assist Mary Margaret in clearing away the dishes while Leo begins to rinse and load everything into the dishwasher. When they're finished, Mary Margaret brews another pot of coffee and fills a large thermos, leaving just enough for Regina and Emma to top off their mugs.
"Leo, we should get going! Emma, do you want to come with?"
Emma looks up from chatting with her aunt, "No thanks, I went to see Dad a couple days ago."
"A couple days? I thought you usually go on Christmas Eve." Regina points out.
"Ah," Emma clears her throat, glancing over to the den where Killian is teaching Henry how to build a fire in the fireplace, "I went the day before so Killian could come with me." She turns back to see her mother and aunt exchange a look.
"Stop. Stop planning my wedding."
"I'm not!" Mary Margaret protests but Regina at least has the decency to look admonished. Leo comes into the kitchen, armed with the giant wreath Mary Margaret picked out.
"Ready, Mom?"
Mary Margaret drops a kiss to Emma's forehead, "See you later."
Regina goes upstairs to start getting ready for her volunteer event later (though the woman has been fully dressed since 9am that morning, so Emma's not sure what exactly she has to do) and Emma joins Henry and Killian in the den, smiling at the sight in front of her. Henry's pouring over the instruction booklet for the new Lego set Leo got him and Killian is sprawled out on his stomach, tearing apart the little plastic bags and handing pieces to Henry as instructed. For whatever reason, aside from his adoptive mother, Henry's grown rather attached to Killian and Emma out of everyone else.
"Henry!" Regina calls and his head pops up from where he and Killian are bent over the beginnings of an intricate car, "Honey, I have to go to the food shelf now for the volunteer event. Do you want to come with or stay here with Emma and Killian?"
"Um…" Henry's eyes dart between the Legos and his mother, "Go with you." He says decisively, before shooting Killian an apologetic look.
"Not a problem, lad. We can finish when you return." Killian promises, helping the boy move everything safely to the side.
Killian stands and stretches after they're done, waving goodbye as Henry and Regina leave. He flops down onto the couch as soon as the door slams shut and regards Emma out of the corner of his eye while his head lolls on the back of the couch.
"What now, love?'
"Well," She moves over suggestively, sliding her hand up his chest, "I was thinking," Emma touches her lips to his pulse point, feeling it quicken under her touch as he tilts his head back to allow her more access.
"Go on, Swan," He encourages in a low voice.
"We could…" She runs one hand up the other side of his neck to bury in the hair behind his ear, "Go to my room and sort through my boxes for more stuff to bring back to our apartment." She finishes quickly, sitting back to smirk at his confused demeanor. His eyes close as he swallows with some difficulty and then he's moving quickly with the agile reflexes of a skilled firemen, pinning her to the couch with his warm body, swallowing her yelp of surprise with a quick and dirty kiss before rolling off the couch and offering her his hand to help her up like a true gentleman.
"Well then, after you, milady."
She should have known he would slap her ass as soon as she starts walking in front of him. It quickly turns into a game of who can gain the upper hand while they rummage through Emma's belongings to take back to the apartment and while no one really wins, they manage to compile a large box of items as well as a laundry basket full of clothes to bring with them when they head home later tonight.
"I think it's time for a snack," Emma declares, leading the way back downstairs.
"What are you craving, Swan?" He asks, setting the box carefully down in the parlor.
"Popcorn and Milk Duds?"
Killian smiles, "Your heart's desire, love. That's all I want you to have." He tells her ardently and she knows his words pertain to more than a simple snack. She digs out the microwavable popcorn while directing Killian to retrieve a large bowl from the cabinet.
"Do we need to start preparations for dinner soon?" He asks, glancing at the clock, ever the responsible one.
Emma shakes her head, starting the microwave, "Not until my mother comes back and that won't be for a while yet. She likes to linger extra long at Dad's grave on Christmas."
"Well, in that case…" Killian steps up behind her, pressing his front flush against her back, palming her ass playfully. The microwave beeps just as he starts nuzzling the shell of her ear and he steps back just enough so Emma can start the important process of mixing the chocolate with the piping hot popcorn. He moves back in as soon as she places the bowl back into the microwave to melt the Milk Duds more.
"Killian," She breathes unsteadily when his lips start working the skin just behind her ear, "We're in the middle of the kitchen in my family home."
"And I'm just trying to celebrate my first Christmas with my love."
Yeah, her knees definitely went a little weak at that.
Emma turns and kisses him hard. It's been a perfect Christmas so far, one she doubted she would ever have again. She breaks the kiss first, and Killian chases her lips until he opens his eyes to see the look on her face. His lust is tampered down in an instant, affection softening his features as he smoothes a curl behind her ear.
"What is it?"
"I just… I'm happy. It still surprises me sometimes."
He looks down, his expression raw and full of wonder, "Aye love. Me too."
Their lips crash together in a show that's probably much too explicit for the innocent Christmas cookies and sweets around them, but all Emma cares about is expressing her love for Killian, even if she's unable to do it with words.
The microwave beeps insistently behind them, but Emma's walking Killian backwards until he's leaning against the island counter. In a practiced move, she nudges his legs apart until she can slip between them. His arms roam over her body as he attempts to keep up with the onslaught of her mouth and tongue, giving a particularly arousing moan when she sucks on his bottom lip after a lip nip.
She's no better, whimpering when his tongue thrusts into her mouth, tangling with hers possessively, hands squeezing her ass and pulling her closer to grind his bulge unerringly against her mound.
"Hello! We're home! I know we're early, but I wanted to start on dinner so Will and Georgina won't have to wait too long- oh."
Emma's not sure if she's pushed away by Killian as much as she pushed herself off him, but either way, they break apart forcefully at the sound of Mary Margaret's voice in the doorway to the kitchen.
"She's early. Of course, she's early, she's always early." Emma mutters, still a little breathless. She steadies herself with her hands on his shoulders, seeing her alarmed look reflected back at her on Killian's face.
"You're mother has a knack for beating the clock. Good to know."
"Am I… interrupting something?" Her mother's voice is high-pitched and Emma finds herself growing annoyed with her inopportune disruption.
"Yes, yes you are." Emma informs Mary Margaret, looking around Killian to glare at her mother.
Killian stands quickly, hips angled in front as his torso twists to face Mary Margaret, "No, no you're not interrupting anything." He says at the same time, "We were just making popcorn."
Mary Margaret draws a quick breath, "Right. Popcorn. Maybe I should come back after you've had… popcorn."
"No need." Where's Leo?"
"Out shoveling the snow that's been falling all morning."
"Perhaps I should go out and help the lad. I could use a cold and bracing distraction right now." Killian mutters, scratching his ear before dropping a light kiss on Emma's lips and taking his leave.
Will and his mother arrive shortly after Killian goes outside and they begin the preparations for dinner, hoping to have everything ready by 3:30 when Regina is due back. Emma supposes she should count her blessings that it was only her mother that caught them and not the whole entourage. She gets recruited by Mrs. Scarlet to help with the sides while her mother tends to the ham and soon the kitchen is filled with heavenly aromas. Killian and Leo stomp in with red cheeks and tousled hair, laughing over something and Mary Margaret puts on Ella Fitzgerald's Christmas collection so they have something to work by.
Mary Margaret brings up the wreath Killian left at David's grave, thanking him with tears in her eyes and Mrs. Scarlet nods, speaking fondly as Killian blushes under their attentions.
"Our Killy always had an eye for pretty things, isn't that right?" She says as she stirs the gravy on the stovetop.
The whole kitchen goes still and Mrs. Scarlet seems to realize her slip, wincing apologetically at Killian, whose ears are now burning red.
"Killy?" Leo cackles and is hushed by Mary Margaret, but there's a smile dancing in her eyes.
Emma's bent over in laughter, clutching her sides and Leo joins her on the floor. Will just tuts, shaking his head, "There goes our best kept secret, mate."
To make matters worse, Regina and Henry walk in as Mrs. Scarlet tries to backtrack.
"That's just an old nickname that only I use anymore. Killy outgrew it the moment he started wearing leather and pierced his ear."
"Uh-uh, I don't care if he starts wearing guyliner, Lieutenant Killy sounds just grand to me." Regina says archly and Emma takes pity on him, abandoning her spot at the counter to walk over and pull him into her arms, swallowing her laughter.
Killian drops his forehead to her shoulder, his arms circling around her.
"Well, at least it's better than Little Willy," Emma points out, patting Killian's back consolingly.
"Hey!" Will points his mixing spoon at Emma, his face thunderous. "We swore to never speak of that again!"
Leo howls from his spot on the floor and Killian lifts his head, slipping behind her as if using her like a shield.
"Get 'em, Swan. Save me." He goads, resting his chin on her shoulder, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist and Emma grins, wishing she could freeze this moment of laughter and joy and live in it forever.
A/N: Thank you for reading! I have to admit I did have to listen to Christmas music while writing about Christmas in April but I have you enjoyed it nonetheless. Special thanks to Emilee Amethyst for the popcorn/pancakes allusion.
