Chapter 19 – Many Days Later

"You look stunning, love." Emma heard from behind her, and she looked up to meet Killian's eyes in the mirror.

"Thank you. You know, I had a boyfriend once who would say that to me." She replied casually as she put in her earrings, but there was nothing truly casual about it.

"Your husband pays you a compliment, and you mention an old boyfriend? Bad form, Mrs. Jones."

"Is that so? Well, what if my old boyfriend happened to become my husband? Is it acceptable then?"

"Aye, but I didn't just happen to become your husband. We're in the book, but our story isn't a classic if you will. You made me prove myself. You chose me, and I chose you."

"Sure did." She smiled and reached for her necklace. She held on to one end, Killian took hold of the other, and together they fastened it. "I definitely took a long time to come to terms with what my heart wanted. But if I had to do it all over again I would, despite all the ups and downs. No offense though, but I hope I never have to. Saying that time travel is tricky is an understatement."

"None taken. I'm content to let the past remain as it is. You see, I'm quite happy with the present. I'm fully recovered, and I get to spend the night at a ball dancing the night away with my stunning and gorgeous wife." He told her as he put his arms around her waist from behind.

"Sounds like the perfect way to spend the evening. But we have to make it through dinner first. Then the speeches to honor, thank, and recognize all those that were involved in this whole Baskerville 2.0 thing."

"As long as it doesn't end up with you or your mother in a dungeon…" He began, and she playfully hit him in the arm.

"Shut up."

"…I can spend a few hours socializing with others before forgetting everyone else exists while we're on the dance floor."

"All this pirate charm is going to make us late, and Regina may just throw us in the dungeon out of irritation. This time we don't have a newborn baby as an excuse." She stated as she gathered up her phone, clutch, and lacy shawl.

His words were tempting and sweet and ridiculous. She rolled her eyes in order to resist the urge to smile. As if she didn't love it, when she really did. She used to scoff at words like that, but she knew that they were sincere coming from Killian. But old habits die hard, and while Killian knew her comfort zone when it came to saying lovey-dovey stuff out loud, he still loved a challenge and didn't take her eye rolls as off-putting.

"Aye, it would be best not to tempt the queen's ire tonight."

Ever the gentleman, Killian opened the passenger door for her. Killian had learned how to drive, but of the two of them she was the primary driver most of the time. Tonight though, with her simple but very long evening dress, it was better for Killian to be "at the helm".

"You know, we haven't even been driving five minutes yet, but you've checked the backseat at least that many times." She pointed out to him.

"Can't help it I suppose. I'm used to making sure she's okay. It's nice to get out just the two of us, but I'm glad we said no to Regina's invitation to stay the night."

"Me too. After everything, I'm still not taking it for granted that all three of us are safe and sleeping under the same roof. And even though we've been apart from Hope longer during the workday sometimes, the two of you have almost been inseparable during your recovery. It's okay to miss her a little more than usual."

Killian was doing well, but he hadn't officially rejoined her and Henry at the sheriff's station yet. She didn't want him to push himself and return too soon. And he didn't argue, probably due to the extra time it gave him with Hope. He was also catching up on his online history courses, in which he was top of the class.

"Aye, Captain Hook is more eager to kiss his daughter goodnight than to drink rum until he can't say Jolly Roger." She couldn't help but laugh at the last part of his statement. "Before meeting you, I would have threatened someone for suggesting that. For implying that I'd gone so soft, or that I'd had a child with someone other than my lost love. Even after meeting you, I still would have scoffed for a time. But, as we all have learned, love is strength. And I love you both dearly." He said with a proud and contented smile.

"I love you too, Hook."

CS

When they arrived at the castle, they were welcomed by the guards. It wasn't time for dancing yet, but they were pointed in the direction of the ballroom where everyone was gathered before the meal. Emma tightened her grip on Killian's arm and glanced around the room. Thankfully, they weren't announced in front of everyone like they were at Midas' ball. No matter how many royal events she attended, and even with her memories of living in the wish realm, it still took her some time to warm up at these things. She knew she was amongst family and friends, but she still felt on edge until she got settled with some conversation. In fact, she was so focused on finding a familiar face that someone was able to sneak up behind her.

"Emma? Oh, Emma, I am glad to see you!"

"Elsa? Hi!" Emma embraced her friend and laughed with surprise and relief. All of the awkwardness and unease were out the window. It always helped to have Killian beside her, and now with Elsa too things were just right.

"It's been too long." Elsa sighed, but she too had a smile.

"It has indeed. Good evening, your majesty." Killian greeted Elsa as well.

"Good evening, Hook. It's good to see you too. I wasn't sure if you would be here."

"And miss an opportunity to dance with my wife? I'm quite well, thank you, and I would be honored if you kept a dance for me later." He replied, as much of a gentleman and scoundrel as ever.

"I'll do that, Captain. And how is Hope? I know her birthday is coming soon. I'll be sure to send a gift since I can't be there in person. Although, I did hear from Anna that a Charming family trip to Arendelle is in the works."

"Hope is doing just fine. Almost ready to walk on her own, but she's not quite there yet."

"Aye, and she'll be swimming before she's three if bath time is any indication."

"Oh, I'm sure." Elsa laughed.

"So, I take it that ambassador guy you were telling me about has moved on in his travels?" Emma asked.

"Yes, as soon as word came that all of the dogs had been safely secured. It was nice to have some peace and quiet again and a bit of solitude. But then I started to feel like I had gone back in time when I shut myself away in fear. That changed though when Anna and Kristoff returned."

"I believe David and I had similar reactions to being in Neverland. During the day, it's a completely different place, and I would almost call the jungles beautiful. At night however, we'd both turn to check on our wives, who obviously weren't there, and we'd find ourselves asking about Henry."

Emma was surprised by this. Killian hadn't mentioned any of this before. Then again, they didn't have a whole lot of time to talk before he ended up in the hospital. When he came home it was all about resting and getting back to normal.

"I guess we all faced hardships to some degree during this, even in ways indirect to the dogs and magic." Emma commented thoughtfully and gave Elsa a side hug and Killian a soft smile.

"I will say one thing though, since embracing my role as queen, and as well as my magic, I've been very content in Arendelle. There was so much I used to hide myself away from, but now I want to see more of the world. Anna is more than capable of standing in for me, so it's my turn to travel and do some exploring outside the castle walls."

"That sounds great, and everyone deserves a vacation, even the queen."

"As long as you're in the kingdom for our trip, or Snow might not forgive you." Killian added teasingly.

"There you are, Elsa! Oh hey, you found Emma and Killian!" Anna made her appearance known as she and Kristoff joined them.

It didn't take long to get caught up on the weeks that had passed since they were in Storybrooke. Then the folks from Arendelle were called away to mingle with some others. At this point Emma and Killian made their way to a table with some refreshments.

"If it isn't Captain and Mrs. Hook."

"Madame Mayor," Emma greeted her, thankfully without food in her mouth as she had feared earlier.

"Hello, Regina, it's good to see you still have time for the common folk." Killian smirked. Her husband just couldn't help himself.

"Oh please, I still eat at Granny's whenever I get a chance, and you know it." Regina rolled her eyes at the pirate then turned to her. "But speaking of Granny's, our son brought a plus-one tonight. Were you aware of this?"

"He hasn't mentioned a name, but I did suspect. He can barely ask for a drink refill when she's around."

"Ah, the one he was meeting at the park." Killian acknowledged, and Emma could almost see in his eyes when the lightbulb went off. "Well, I suppose this is his way of introducing her to the family as his girlfriend. It's smart considering nearly everyone is here, I believe."

"It would have been nice to know beforehand. You meet countless people at gatherings such as this, but you can't really get to know anyone. As long as he's happy though, and there will be plenty of time later to know her better." Regina sighed, but she still seemed to find the positive side.

"And you, Regina, are you happy? And not just about Henry I mean." Emma asked. It had been years since Robin, and things seemed to be going well for Regina now. But Emma still liked to check sometimes. That's what friends are for, right?

"I dare say I am. I never imagined anything like this, but it's better than any dream or aspiration I, or anyone else, ever had before in my life. I'm respected rather than feared. Things aren't perfect between realms, and I trust there will always be problems of some sort. But recent events have shown that we can pull together and make it through. So yes, I am happy."

Regina excused herself and left them with a smile of contentment. Emma looked around and saw that her parents were over with Henry Lance and Eden, so she and Killian went over to them as well. It was about time they met her as more than a kind waitress.

"And you have Mondays and Thursday off, correct? Perhaps we can plan for a family dinner on one of those nights." Emma overheard her mom suggest to the young couple.

"Hey everybody."

"Hi, Mom, Killian." Henry replied, and then they all stood awkwardly for a moment to see who would take the next step, and how this would go. "Uh so, you already know who this is, but um, Eden is my girlfriend."

"I thought as much. We're very happy for you both." Emma replied and hugs were exchanged.

"And don't let the dinner invitation overwhelm you, lass. As long as you can withstand some good-natured teasing, and everybody knowing everyone else's business, you'll fit right in." Killian gave his advice.

"Actually, I'm looking forward to it. It would be nice to know more than everyone's favorite dinner and drink order. And who's more likely to eat dessert or have leftovers." Eden replied, seemingly unfazed by her introduction to the family.

"Well, that would be an interesting addition to our family trivia." David commented.

"You mean you play trivia games as a family, or you play trivia about your family?" Eden clarified.

"Both. It started as a joke when Lucy got a Disney trivia game for Christmas." David answered.

"You see, our stories and the animated movies don't line up. So, Henry Daniel decided to create his own trivia game about our family and friends." Snow added and explained further.

"That makes sense. I can't wait to give it a try some time. As a waitress, you hear a thing or two about people." She smiled.

"We'll have to make that happen soon. See if you can beat the reigning champions." Killian added.

"That would be Regina, when she's available to play. Or Lucy, it's scary how much she knows." Henry informed her.

They all had a good laugh in agreement. Like her dad, Lucy studied the ins and outs of everything in the storybook. And Regina just knew everything because she's Regina.

A few short minutes later they were officially called into the grand dining room. The seats were assigned rather than a free-for-all. Emma and Killian found themselves seated next to Rogers and across from Henry Daniel and Ella.

"Uh-oh, we're stuck with double trouble." Henry commented to his wife.

"Good to see you as well, lad." Killian chuckled as he pulled out the seat for Emma before sitting in his own seat.

"This guy I can understand being called trouble. But when did I ever cause trouble?" Rogers questioned.

"Uh, our misadventure with Blackbeard for one thing." Henry answered. Emma watched as both Hooks rolled their eyes.

"Aye, but you're happily married so that's all ancient history." Rogers pointed out.

"Boys." Ella shook her head and laughed. "It's nice to have girls isn't it, Emma?"

"Hey, what about me? I'm her son and your husband!" Henry protested before Emma could answer for herself.

"I love you, Henry. That doesn't mean I don't find you ridiculous sometimes."

"Need I be the one to remind us all that most of the curses that have been cast have been done so by women?" Her Killian interjected, seemingly as a voice of reason.

"I don't know. There's Regina, Pan, my mom, you, and the Black Fairy. That's almost even." Emma tried to tally things in her head.

"You can also count everything that happened because of Ella's step-mother and step-sisters, and obviously Gothel." Rogers added to the list.

"Aye, and those are just the big ones if you will. What about Ingrid and Zelena? Don't forget the latter of whom cursed my lips."

"Why would Zelena bloody curse…" Rogers began, looking extremely puzzled and uncomfortable.

"Long story, mate." Killian cut him off. Emma simply shook her head at her husband and his twin.

"Besides, we're here to recognize a job well done by defeating another foe, not to rehash the past." She told them to redirect the conversation.

"Right you are, love." Killian agreed and then cleared his throat. "I know Regina is going to acknowledge things later, and I know that you each did your parts because it was the right thing. But I would like to say my own personal thank-you. Henry and Ella, you took care of Hope and made sure Emma got some sleep. Rogers, you discovered the link to the original cure. I also appreciate your support of Emma. You and I have our differences, but we are much the same at the core. And, Henry, it was your brainstorming that led us to an alternative. So, thank you for taking care of an old pirate and those closest to him."

"I'm not nearly as good with words, but I know that I'm also truly thankful. It was a rough few weeks, but with my parents and you guys, it was bearable." She added.

"Well, it turns out that helping you was a benefit for us as much as it was for you." Henry responded.

"We enjoyed having Hope with us. Having a baby is a lot of work, but we were reminded of the joys of a little one in the home. So, hopefully soon you'll be hearing from Lucy that she's going to become a big sister." Ella announced.

"Wow! That's…wow." Was all Emma could say. She hadn't been expecting that, but she was certainly happy for them.

"Well, congratulations may be a bit early, but that is wonderful news." Killian replied.

"Aye, we all look forward to Lucy's official announcement of becoming a big sister." Rogers followed.

"Thanks." Henry said with a smile that couldn't possibly show more excitement. "Hey, speaking of kids, how is Alice doing?"

"She's doing just fine, but she's ready to come home. She'll be here next week."

"Once she's settled, we'll have to have you both over to the Jolly Roger, mate." Killian spoke to his twin then turned to her. "In fact, why don't we have Hope's birthday party there instead, Swan? There would be plenty of room for everyone."

"As long as the weather is decent, sure." She agreed. "You'll probably have to let Neal have his next birthday party there too just so you know. This will give him ideas, and he'll think it's the coolest thing ever."

"Yeah, every little boy would jump at that chance." Henry nodded.

"And not so little boys, you had a camp out, so to speak, with some of your friends when you were in high school remember?" Killian reminded him.

"That was the best. And the two weeks of cleaning afterwards was totally worth it." Henry laughed.

"You know, this talk of birthdays and cleaning makes me think of Alice when she had her first birthday." Rogers joined in. "I decided to paint a portrait of her. I got her dressed up, and she actually sat still. It turned out nicely, but it was rather short lived. You see, I turned my back when I was finished, and she put her fingers all over it while the paint was still wet."

"Oh no!" Emma and Ella cringed at the same time, knowing the mess that babies and little kids could make with paint.

"And yet, people in this land bake a cake for the purpose of the baby destroying it." Killian shook his head.

"And you'll be the first to show her how it's done." She pointed out, and he didn't even try to deny it.

Speaking of cake, later on as people were finishing up dessert, Regina stood to address the crowd. During the speech, Emma's mind wandered. Not because she was bored or because it wasn't important. She just couldn't help but think of how things had changed. Regina used to hate the "hope speeches", and now here she was. It wasn't a hope speech exactly. It was more of a practical challenge for people to live out for themselves and for others. It was both the congratulations of a coach after the team had won the game, and the last word of advice before going out to play the next opponent.

Afterwards, the guests moved from the dining room to the ballroom, and Emma made a detour to the restroom. Thank goodness for the magical upgrade of putting indoor plumbing in the castle. There was still a line for the lady's room though and, as luck would have it, Emma ended up next to Zelena.

"I see your pirate is as good as new."

"He is." She nodded.

Emma had thanked her before for her help in bringing Killian through what happened. But she felt the need to acknowledge her appreciation again. But neither she nor Zelena were ones for sappy, flowery words.

"Look, Regina gave her speech, and she said it all. So, I'm not going to repeat any of that."

"Thank you." Zelena stated.

Emma knew it was genuine gratefulness, even if a little bored sounding. Zelena would have been really annoyed if she gave a thank-you speech of her own. So, she went with the blunt and honest technique as Killian called it.

"But I will say, it's good to be working on the same side." She added.

"Well, I no longer have to prove my worth, and I no longer feel that Regina has everything I don't. Plus, it's a lot less of headache, and I get to be left alone for the most part. It's really for my own best interest." Was her reply before entering the restroom. And that was that.

"Ah, there's my dance partner. Excuse me, Dave." Killian put a halt to the conversation when he saw her approach. "Oh, and the next time we're at the Rabbit Hole, I'll buy you a drink for every coffee and cocoa you got for Emma during my hospital stay."

Killian then led her to the dance floor as a new song was beginning.

"Was I interrupting a moment back there?" Emma asked as they fell into the pattern of the steps. She knew one or two dances, and for any others she simply trusted Killian to guide her.

"That was just my way of saying thank you without getting too into feelings. Tonight is meant to be lighthearted, not serious."

"I just had a similar conversation with Zelena."

"I joked earlier about surviving until we reached this point of the evening. But it has been good to spend time with everyone, let them know of our appreciation, and hear of their plans for the upcoming future."

"Yeah, this has been a good night for reconnecting. Updates through texts just aren't the same." She agreed just before Killian spun her away then brought her back into his arms. "So, what next for us? For a while our main focus was handling the crisis and taking care of your recovery. And don't get me wrong, I'm happy and content with the way things are, but there's always room for something new."

"Aye, the perks of a happy beginning over a happy ending. We're not sailing in stagnant waters with nowhere left to go. We're in the current with possibilities all around us. We just have to chart a course." The song ended, but they continued as a soft, instrumental arrangement of a modern love song began. "Whether we take a vacation, decide it's time to make Hope a big sister, or keep things the same for now, the point is that we have the choice. Many times, in both of our pasts, it's been about surviving or doing what's best for others. Now, we can make the decision that's just right for us."

"It's about allowing the possibility of happiness." She recalled her own words from one of her visits to Killian's past.

"Aye, love, the message was delivered and received." He bent his head to kiss her.

They continued to dance until her feet were killing her. When they arrived home, they paid the babysitter and checked on their peacefully sleeping baby girl. Shortly thereafter she and Killian fell asleep. Emma dreamed of the future and of all the possibilities that could fill it.

This is it! I never intended to go this long without an update, but I did get it finished and off the table for 2021. I hope you enjoyed, and check out the next chapter with a couple outtakes from Killian's POV. Happy New Year, and thank you reading!