A/N: Hey everyone! After waiting for my inspiration to strike again with this story, I have been on a relative roll and it feels so good. The cuteness continues in this chapter, and we're hitting a major milestone too. As such, we are edging ever closer to the end of this story. Honestly, I would say there's only two chapters left, one of which will likely be an epilogue. That being said, I hope that you guys will enjoy what I've done in this installment. As always, I would love to hear what you all think and I thank you so much for your continued support and kindness!

God, to think, even a month ago, that this would be my life. I'd never have believed it.

Emma smiled at the thought as she moved about Killian's kitchen, bringing together the few needed ingredients to put together this morning's pancake mix. She might live on her own, but Emma always took pleasure in the little things, and a home cooked meal was one of those investments that made a huge difference in her day. Making something for herself was a powerful experience, but making something to share that she knew would be appreciated was even better, and in about fifteen minutes or so, Killian would wake up, wrap her in his arms, wish her good morning and marvel at these pancakes before eating damn near every one. She chuckled at the thought, knowing that, if habit held, Killian would put away at least six of these bad boys, as well as tons of bacon and eggs, praising her and thanking her endlessly all the while.

It was surreal to comprehend all of this – her and Killian, back together again, and not just reunited, but happy and domestic. This was becoming a routine. Lazy Sunday mornings at one of their places had been going six weeks strong, and they followed Saturday day and nights spent almost exclusively together. On Sundays, Emma weirdly woke up with the sun and Killian had a tendency towards sleeping in, a total reversal of the rest of their week. Not that Emma was in a hurry to leave. She always spent a little time in bed, just enjoying the feel of Killian holding her tight, and only when nature called did Emma sneak out of his arms, throw on one of his t-shirts, and get ready for the morning.

With anyone else, establishing a routine like this, especially so early in a relationship, would be impossible for Emma. Routines involved counting on someone and trusting that they would come through. For everyone else, that trust was hard earned and seldom given, but with Killian things were different. Emma had believed in him and given him her heart so long before, and now that he was back it felt natural to hand them over without any more muss or fuss. Having overcome her worries early on, she was now committed, all in in a way one had to see to believe. It was miraculous really, and yet Emma didn't go too deep into why or how. Overthinking was the fastest way to heartbreak, and instead she was doing everything she could to make this work and treasure every moment she and Killian had together.

With thoughts of the two of them dancing in her head, Emma kept pouring batter and flipping cakes, monitoring the other pieces of their meal, but largely focused on the pancakes that would take center stage. She made one and then another and another until the plate was piled high with golden circles of deliciousness. Then when she was nearly finished, and thinking that it might be time to wake Killian up, he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and breathing her in. Emma sighed happily, closing her eyes for a moment and soaking this sensation deep into her soul before twisting in his grasp and smiling at him. His hair was disheveled from sleep, his eyes still a little dazed, but he was handsome as ever. Her hand came up to cup his cheek, brushing against that extra bit of scruff that had appeared overnight and she couldn't help kissing him. She went for something quick, but when she tried to pull back, he demanded more and she melted against him. Soon everything else was forgotten and Emma had only one thing in mind, but before they could get there, Killian ended the kiss, grinning at her as he pressed his forehead to hers.

"I'll never grow tired of us being like this," he murmured, his eyes flicking down to her lips, as if he was tempted to taste her all over again. Still he held back, glancing at the stovetop and shitting off the gas before her last pancake could burn. "Will you ever wake me up and let me help you with all of this?"

Emma shook her head and bit her lip to keep from grinning too widely. He had asked her every weekend to wake him up so he could help, claiming that he loved this thoughtful breakfast, but that it was too much for her to take on herself. Emma didn't agree. She was totally willing and able to make them a meal to share like this. Besides, this wasn't a totally selfless act. She got to enjoy the food just as much as he did, and then after, when they were finished, Killian would pull her close and drag her back to bed, determined to remind her of what kind of morning they could have when they did wake up together.

Trying to hide the flush that came to her cheeks would be useless. She was blushing and there was no remedy, especially not when Killian grumbled out a heated promise that he'd 'satisfy her soon enough.' Yet despite the butterflies of anticipation, she ate her pancakes and fruit with total contentment. This was easy and relaxing, peaceful in a way she could never have imagined, and somehow, through some beautiful twist of fate, it was becoming their new normal.

"So, you never did tell me if you had any plans today," Emma hedged, when breakfast was done and they'd brought all the dishes back to the kitchen. In a lightening fast move, Killian reached for her hand and then pulled her flush against him, leading her back to the place in the world she loved most of all.

"That's because I don't. The only thing on my agenda is spending every moment with you that I can. Aside from that, I have no wish left to fulfill."

Emma's heart warmed at his words which were genuine and real. Everything he said was big and bold, but he never exaggerated. That was what made Emma feel so safe in this relationship. Killian felt so much and he candidly showed her the extent of his emotion. He loved her deeply, and even if they went years apart, she knew he had loved her since the moment they met. Her hand raised to his chest, her fingers tracing above his heart, as she relished this feeling of total and complete connection. Closing her eyes she let out a deep, contented sigh, thrilled at the idea of having another day with Killian with no cares or worries to be had.

"Actually, I stand corrected." Emma raised a brow at his sudden change of tone. "I do have plans. Plans to keep you in bed and in my arms as long as humanly possible."

When he swept her into his arms Emma laughed, letting slip a sound of shock that melted into pure excitement. She loved when this part of him came to the forefront, controlling and needy and demanding. He was the sweetest man she'd ever met, but he was also the sexiest, and when he flipped that switch to claiming her… God, she almost fanned herself just thinking of how it would be. In seconds she was riled up, desperate for what was coming, and then a knock sounded at the door and both of them froze.

"Are you expecting someone?" Emma whispered, as if the person on the other side of that door could somehow hear her.

"No, love. No one even knows where I live. Well, except for work and -,"

"Open up, brother! I know you're in there!"

"Liam?" Emma and Killian both asked at the same time, and now her pulse was racing for a different reason. Oh shit – his brother was here? She'd never even met him and currently she was… Emma yelped. Jumping down from Killian's arms and trying to get away. She was wearing nothing but his t-shirt and here was his brother come to visit! Oh God this was a nightmare.

"Emma, love, I'm so sorry. I didn't know he was even in the states, never mind coming here."

"I believe you," Emma said, but she felt antsy now and desperate to get dressed and appear more presentable. She had imagined the moment she would meet Killian's brother a thousand times, and it was safe to say none of those imaginings were anything like this.

"It's going to be all right, Swan," Killian said, kissing her quickly and staring into her eyes with an intensity she had to accept. "It's sudden, but we were always headed to this. I love you for now and always. You're a part of me, and so is Liam. It's only right two of my favorite people should finally meet."

Emma smiled despite her fear and nodded. "Okay. I'll be quick."

"Take all the time you need. You know I'd wait forever for you." Emma stayed wrapped up in him for another moment, but then another knock sounded at the door.

"Killian! You better not be sleeping! Damn, just our luck, we surprise the lad and he's dead to the world."

"We?" Emma mouthed to Killian as another voice in the hallway responded.

"Give the boy a minute, Liam. He's likely… tied up at the moment."

"Uncle Benjen," Killian said with a grin though his eyes still shone with confusion and Emma groaned. Tied up? Oh they totally knew she was here. God this was embarrassing!

Before she could wallow any longer though, Emma moved into the bedroom, locking the door as she heard Killian open his apartment to the family who loved him. Immediately Emma could hear the happy greetings said between them, and as she changed into clean clothes and tried to brush her hair she did her best not to panic. It was going to be okay. Kilian loved her and she loved him, and that would be enough. She could impress his family. At least she hoped she could.

Gathering her courage, Emma exited the bedroom and made her way to the living room where Killian stood with two men who looked so strikingly similar it gave Emma momentary pause. The younger of the two was Liam, and immediately Emma knew that he and Killian were brothers. They carried themselves the same way, though Liam was much taller, and when they both saw her and smiled, they mirrored each other so acutely. Then she saw Killian's Uncle and she was shocked. He looked so young still, or maybe he was just aging very well. Either way it felt that looking at this man was getting a snapshot into what Killian may be like years from now. He obviously took care of himself, probably staying away from rum and dessert and any other vices one could have, but even in his age he looked youthful. Perhaps it was the mirthful glint in his blue eyes, that matched his nephews in every way.

"Liam, Uncle, this is Emma," Killian said, coming over and taking her hand as he smiled at her lovingly. "Emma, this is my family."

"It's so nice to finally meet you," Emma said her voice soft but steady as she relaxed in Killian's hold. "I've heard a lot about you both."

"Not nearly as much as we've heard about you, I'm sure," Liam retorted with a sharp laugh. Emma reached out her hand to shake his, but he disregarded it, pulling her in for a giant bear hug that left her somewhat pressed for breath. "Now where the hell have you been all these years, lass?"

From the corner of her eye, Emma could see Killian looked stricken, but she just laughed, knowing Liam's words were harmless. When he let her go she shook her head and shrugged, playing it cool. "Oh you know, around."

"Well I'm glad he finally found you."

"Me too," Emma replied honestly before turning her attention to Benjen. Just like Liam he pulled her in for a hug, but this one was gentler and felt more like a father's embrace than that of a rowdy older brother.

"You'll have to forgive our informality, lass. It feels like you've been one of us a long time. A missing member of the family."

"That's very sweet of you to say," Emma whispered, trying her best not to get choked up.

"Well don't get used to that. We Jones men are hardly known for being sweet," Liam said with a grunt and now Emma laughed, knowing he had to be kidding.

"Is that so?"

"You doubt me, lass?" Emma shook her head no but it was hard to keep a poker face. She found it too funny a concept.

"Ah give her a break, boy. Can't you see they're in love? What is love if not a bit of sweetness?"

"Always the poet," Killian replied to his Uncle, before pulling Emma in and kissing her temple. "Now then – just what the hell are you two doing here?"

Liam and Benjen quickly told them the whole tale, about how Liam was here on business, having given up the British navy for the chance to have his own security company. He was meeting with an international client here in the city, and on a whim had mentioned it to Benjen. Since the man was now retired, he was eager to come and see both his nephews at once, something he hadn't been able to do in many months. And they were also both eager to see Emma, since Killian spoke of little but her and their lives back together again.

In the end, this was really the only day they'd have the chance to spend quality time together. Liam had a week filled with business, and Benjen was headed back to his estate near the coast tomorrow morning. It was just a short, spur of the moment surprise, and at first Emma wondered if she should let the three of them spend it alone, but that idea was quickly thrown out. Half the reason for their being here was to meet her, and to finally understand why Killian and her had shared a love for so long, and though Emma was a bit shy in the face of such an examination, she knew it would all work out, and that these men were all kind and good and without judgment, something she truly valued.

They spent the day moseying about the city, playing tourist in a place Emma had come to know so well. With the job that she had, so much of her time was spent looking for people and for clues, and to do that effectively she'd seen every corner of this city more than once. Along the way she found diamonds in the rough, and more than a few real gems scattered in amongst the more popular tourist dives. Her knowledge of the landscape gave her a chance to guide others in the things she loved most about this place, which she never got to do on a normal day. Feeling like an expert was a heady thing, it made this place feel more like home, and as the day went on, she watched as all of them took in the most beautiful parts of this city, many of them hidden from the guidebooks or any average tour. They filled the day with sight-seeing, new experiences, and a lot of laughter. Killian and his family never met a joke they wouldn't tell, and Emma couldn't remember having such a good time. It was so easy and light, and by the time the sun was setting, and the day was drawing to a close, she was sad to see it over, wishing, as so many people often did, that Sunday would last just a little bit longer.

Eventually they made it back to Killian's apartment, where Liam insisted on cooking them all a meal truly fit for a king. He was a wonderful cook, and required very little help, but Emma did her best to chip in. Soon enough they ate, enjoying the food and the company in equal shares, and when it all was over, Emma made her way into the kitchen to prepare some dessert for all of them as a last little hurrah.

"Okay, now that she's gone – what the hell is your problem, brother?" Liam asked and Emma stilled, hearing his words as if he spoke them right beside her thanks to the acoustics of this house.

"Liam, keep your voice down," Killian whispered and now it was harder to hear. She knew she should stay as she was, offering them better privacy, but curiosity got the better of her, and she moved over towards the wall, giving herself more of a chance to overhear.

"She can't hear me, and if she could why should that matter? I'm not saying anything bad about her. I'm saying you're a fool."

"Watch it," Killian replied with a low warning tone.

"I will not. You've got a rare bird in there, Killian. A woman like that doesn't just stumble into your life over and over again, and here you are wasting your chance."

"I'm not wasting shit," Killian said, and Emma agreed. After all, they saw each other ever day. What more could they really ask at this point?

"Tell him, Uncle Benjen," Liam said with a huff, and Emma stood there transfixed and trying to anticipate what Killian's brother was getting at.

"She's a hell of a woman, lad," Benjen announced, making Emma's eyes water as he said it with such conviction. "But you know that already. It's why she never left your heart."

"Not for one second," Killian agreed.

"So I believe what your brother is trying to say is, what the hell are you waiting for then? Put a ring on her finger and make her yours. You find the woman you belong to and you tie her down. Any sane man knows this."

"I want to. More than anything, but it's too soon -,"

"You're not serio-," Liam tried to get out but he was cut off.

"Liam," Benjen said with stern warning, and Killian's elder brother went quiet. "Excuse my crass American turn of phrase, Killian, but bull shit. You've only just told me that the love you carry for her has been here for years, aye?"

"Yes."

"And it's clear as day she feels the same. So spare yourselves the heartache and ask her. You of everyone should know how rare these chances are. Would you ever forgive yourself if it slipped away?"

"No. But I'll never let that happen. She's never leaving me again. Never."

Emma finally managed to pull herself away from where she'd been listening and she found herself filled with hope. He wanted to marry her? He truly saw forever together? What a wonderful thing to know, and how amazing it felt to realize that he felt as much as she did. Was it crazy to move so fast? Maybe. But hell if she cared. Killian's Uncle was right. They were living through something most people never had a chance at. Finding love like this once would be a blessing, but finding it again when all hope seemed lost? Well that was just a fairytale. Except for them. For them it was real, and knowing that, Emma didn't want to wait. She never wanted to take this for granted. Every moment mattered when so many moments had been lost. She wished she could tell him that, but it wasn't yet the time do so.

As she brought the dessert back into the dining room, she made sure to make a lot of noise, announcing herself so they didn't know she'd heard them. They were all very complimentary of the cake Emma had raved about, but Killian was quieter. He kept hold of her through dessert, always touching her leg or her hand, and never wandering far, but she could see that he was troubled. No doubt the conversation she'd heard part of was weighing on him, and even as his family made their goodbyes, he was still tense and strung tight.

"Emma, I can truly say it has been a pleasure," Liam announced as they were slated to leave, wrapping her up in a big hug again.

"Same here, Liam. Hopefully you'll be back soon?"

"You can be assured of that," he said with a grin before going to speak to Killian. At that moment Emma felt a hand on her shoulder and she looked back to Benjen whose blue eyes had grown soft and thoughtful.

"I always prayed that somehow Killian would find you again, lass. I'm very glad that those prayers were answered."

"Me too," she whispered. "Sometimes I wake up, convinced this is all a dream. But it's real."

"Aye, as real as love can be, I suspect," he quipped before patting her hand lightly. "See that you take care of my boy, Emma. Nothing in the world he needs more than you and your love, and I can tell, it's the same for you."

Emma nodded that it was before bringing him in for a hug, noticing that Killian had missed their little exchange. She was almost remorseful that he had. Surely that would have calmed him some, to know that she was in this too, but as his family left the apartment, leaving she and Killian alone, Emma could sense that he was troubled.

"Killian?" she asked, waiting for him to look at her while he hesitated for the first time in all the weeks they'd been reunited.

"I love them, truly I do, but right now… right now I'm so bloody mad at them I could scream."

"Mad? Why would you be mad?"

"Because they came in here, took one look at you and saw exactly what I do. They saw you're brilliant and beautiful and too damn good for me, and they…"

"They what?" Emma prodded, stepping to him and trying to console him though she felt her heart might climb out of her chest.

"They scared me, Emma. They took the goodness I was feeling, they took my peace and they shattered it."

"I don't understand."

"I was never the same without you, love," he said, and her throat tightened at this emotional mention of the past. "When you were gone, a piece of me went with you, never to return until I found you once more. I did my best to survive, but I wasn't living, not really. Finding you again has given me everything I want. All I ever asked for was to see you again, to prove to you that I was worthy and that what we had was right."

"You didn't have to prove anything," Emma assured him. "I knew you were my soul mate, Killian. I never ever doubted that."

"I swore to whoever is up there listening that I would never ask for anything again. If I could have you, I'd be content for the rest of my days."

"But you're not?"

"No, I am," he promised her, cupping her cheek and gazing at her with complete assuredness. "God, Emma, I've never been so happy, you know that. Being with you like we have been these past few weeks, I've gotten back to who I was. I feel like the whole and complete person I always thought I could be."

"But you want more," Emma said, finally understanding what he was getting at. "More than just what we are right now."

"Aye," he said, looking almost ashamed at how much he wanted her, which made no earthly sense. "And that's why I'm mad, Emma. I need to take this slow. I want to make sure that you feel as secure in this as I do. It doesn't matter that I want to marry you, have kids with you, build my life with you. Until I know you're ready, I can't -,"

Emma realized this was the kind of moment where words would fail. She could never tell Killian how misguided his worries were, but she knew that she could show him. Pulling him down for a kiss, she poured herself into this embrace, sharing everything with him and hopefully nullifying the fear and the anger that had swept into their world once and for all. By the time they broke apart, Emma could sense his calm returning. He looked at her, with eyes that shone with heat and impatience, but still he waited for her to make the next move. As ever, he was putting her first, and now it was her turn to show him that he could do that and have everything he wanted.

"Marry me," she said, less an ask and more a hopeful demand. "I promise you it's what I want. The time is right, right now. I don't want to wait. I'd marry you tomorrow if I could, but there's that pesky thing called work we both have to get to."

"Damn Sundays," Killian said, but the words had no real conviction as his smile appeared and he nodded.

"Is that a yes?"

"Technically you never asked."

"Oh, right. Killian Jones, will you -,"

"Wait!" he said, interrupting her thought as he moved to take a little black box out of his pocket. Emma's hand came to cover her mouth as she let out a gasp. He had a ring already? But how?

"I've been carrying this with me since the morning after our first date, love."

"You're kidding," she said. Oh my God he was serious! But that was so dangerous. There were so many places he could have lost it. Someone could have taken it. They could have…

All her thoughts flew from her mind as she felt him take her hand and watched him get down on one knee. Tears stung at her eyes, but she smiled, doing her best to memorize every bit of this, so she had this memory forever.

"I know you meant to ask me, Emma, but the thing is I've been dreaming of this day since I was a boy. I always pictured more than this, with flowers and romance, but sometimes when it's right, you know. So, Emma Swan, will you make me the happiest of men? Will you be my wife?"

"Yes," she said, watching as he slipped the gorgeous ring on her finger.

And with that, the two of them celebrated this next step in their lives, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that this was truly their forever, and that they never again would suffer the fate of two souls ripped apart when they truly are one.

Post-Note: So there we have it. I cannot believe this story is wrapping up, but at the same time it feels right to really close out this AU. As I said there are still two chapters left, ones I hope you will enjoy. My goal is to get them up and published in a timely manner, but realistically speaking I am in the homestretch of my final year of school, so god only knows when I'll really get to write. I do have a bit of the next chapter crafted, and some mixtape chapters done though, so there's more cuteness on a number of fronts still to come. I have also begun (as some of you know) to create a new AU that will likely come in late spring or early summer, but I want to make sure I see this project through and have written it all before I allow myself to follow a new story. That being said, I truly hope you have all enjoyed and I thank you for your continued support. Hope you have a great rest of your weekend, and see you next time!