AN: Happy holidays, fam squad! I hope everyone is enjoying their time whether it be with friends and family or you're taking some time to relax for yourself. motherkatereloyshipper I am so happy to reveal my identity finally! I've loved getting to know you through this event, I hope you enjoy your gift! Massive thank you to ultraluckycatnd for being a wonderful elf and helping me with this. Thank you CS Secret Santa mods for putting this together! It's been a joy writing this story, and my muse has sparked some more ideas, 2022 watch out. Please come say hi on tumblr, resident-of-storybrooke. ALL THE LOVE
The grey clouds only affirmed Emma's fears, a snowstorm was about to hit. And it was going to hit soon. She knew she should've left earlier, but her co-pilot decided it was more important to wrap all the gifts at their house before getting to the Nolans'. Henry was so excited to return to Storybrooke for the holidays. Emma was too, but she was more reserved with her emotions, which is nothing new for her.
It's been a couple years since she stepped foot in the odd town on the coast. Five years, two weeks, and seventeen days to be exact. It was both the best and worst week of her life.
She'd met him.
Emma didn't believe in fate, not after everything she's been through in her life, but he made her consider there was a chance. Sometimes she thought about the man who flipped her world upside down. Wondered how he would've reacted if she'd told him about Henry. Or what he would've said if she had admitted she'd fallen for him after the most glorious week of her life. But she never told him about then five-year-old Henry or her stupid feelings. He was gone before she could even consider taking that risk.
Good.
Love brings nothing but wasted years and endless torment. Emma was better off with him leaving when he did.
"You okay, Mom?"
Henry broke her bitter trip down memory lane. One she's taken too many times this week. Stupid emotions.
"Yeah, kid, all good. How are you? We're only about thirty minutes out."
Henry eyed her curiously. Fuck he looked like his father when he made that face. It broke Emma's heart, but she'd never tell him. He isn't Neal and would never hurt her like he did.
"What's that look for? Hmm?"
Henry was silent for a moment before he turned down the radio. "You've just been weird this week, and I wanted to make sure you were okay. I know this isn't where you met Dad, but Storybrooke obviously makes you feel weird. That's why Aunt MM's and Uncle David always come to our place in Boston. I just…I hope you didn't feel like I was pressuring you to go there this year."
Emma was too stunned to speak. How did she raise such an emotionally mature young man when she's, well, not.
"Henry, kid, I love you so freaking much. I don't avoid Storybrooke-"
"Mom," Henry rolled his eyes at the blatant lie.
"Okay, we don't come here often. It's nothing bad, I promise. And never ever worry about pressuring me to do anything, okay? We always promised to be upfront with one another. I'd tell you if I didn't want to come here."
"Okay, as long as you're sure, Mom."
Emma looked at him again; god, she had the best kid ever. "Yeah, I'm sure. Thanks for being the best, kid."
"That's me, the best!" The two giggled, her ever so modest son. "Now, can we stop? I really need to go to the bathroom?"
"Ugh, I knew it! We're so close, can't you hold it? I'm worried about the storm."
"Mommmmmm. I just saw a sign that there's a store off the next exit. I can't hold it, please I'll be quick. Besides, the weatherman said the storm wouldn't hit for hours."
Emma conceded it was easier this way. Plus, she had to go to the bathroom if she were being honest. Henry was right, the exit was less than a mile away, and she could see the store he'd mentioned. There seemed to be a tiny town, one that rivaled Storybrooke for how small and quaint it was.
Hopefully, they let non-paying customers use the bathroom. These moms and pops could be such a hit or miss. She brought her wallet in just in case.
Emma wasn't sure why she parked in front of this particular store, Jones' Wooden Thumb. There were dozens on the main street. She shook off the weird feeling; this is the one Henry mentioned. That's why. No other reason.
Just go in, Swan.
They didn't see another soul as they walked in, which was surprising given how packed the shopping center seemed to be. After failing to see even a staff member, Emma walked around and took in the scenery. It was breathtaking.
The shop sold pieces of art and decoration made out of what she assumed to be driftwood. Everything was hand-carved, it was beautiful. Henry seemed to be just as in awe of the pieces around him.
"How did they make this? Do you use a chainsaw? How did they get these different colors?"
He was spouting out questions so fast Emma failed to notice they were no longer alone.
"Oh, that, my boy, is a trade secret. But you look trustworthy. Would you like to see my workshop?"
Emma froze.
It was the one person she dreaded running into. More than Neal. More than her birth parents.
It was Killian Jones.
Oh fuck.
He didn't see her at first.
In fact, he didn't notice her until he'd already opened up his damned mouth. He had heard the lad and was so excited to see a young person interested in his work rather than looking at their phone.
Then he saw her.
His siren, his Swan.
He hadn't seen her in half a decade, and she was more beautiful than he remembered. And he thought of her often.
They had spent a week together all those years ago. Merely exchanged names at first, but it felt so much more intimate than that. Perhaps it was the different ways they had brought the other so much pleasure that made it feel so real.
He'd shared more with her in that week than he'd shared with some of his best mates after years of friendship. Of course, they avoided certain topics. And it appears Emma had omitted a rather large topic herself.
He wasn't mad. It was just another reminder that they didn't know each other as well as he pretended during the sleepless nights.
She was spooked. He could see it clear as day. He wasn't sure what to say next. Does he tell her she's haunted his dreams since his abrupt departure? Does he pretend he'd never seen her before? That he doesn't know how she moans when he…nope, he cannot have these thoughts in front of who he assumes is her son.
He's definitely older than five, so he's not concerned the lad is his, but there's this weird feeling in his chest. He can't put his finger on it.
"Yeah! I would love to see it! Mom, can you believe it? Wait - first, can I use your bathroom?"
Killian shook his head as he tried to come back to reality. "Aye, lad. It's just towards the back on the right."
The boy ran off without another word. They were alone.
Fuck.
She looked stunning. Her hair is a bit longer than the last time he saw her. She was wearing the same red jacket. God, he loved the red leather jacket.
"Swan-"
She stepped back as he reached for her. The sting in his heart hurt more than he imagined. She still hadn't met his eyes; she looked like a deer in headlights as she looked back towards where her son went.
"Emma? I…how… I'm sorry, love. How are you?"
She laughed. At him, definitely not because he said something funny.
"Please, Emma. I never meant to…I know I fucked up. I'm sorry."
"Thanks."
Killian wasn't sure how much longer he had before her son returned, and with the warm welcome he was receiving, he was running out of time.
"Do you want me to pretend I don't know you in front of him? Or I can act like I'm busy, and you guys can leave so you don't have to feel uncomfortable? Whatever you want, Swan, I'll do it."
He saw the flash in her eyes. He'd said the same thing all those years ago. Killian saw her open her mouth to speak, but her son had returned.
"Can we see your shop? This stuff is sooooo cool!" He envied her son. He was blissfully ignorant of the tension in the room. What Killian wouldn't give to be him at this moment.
Killian looked at Emma, still frozen. He didn't want to make the decision. He'd given her an out, and he'd be damned if he took another choice from her ever again.
"Henry, I don't think he has time to show us the shop anymore. Isn't that right?"
He tried to hide his disappointment, he failed, no doubt.
"Sorry about that, lad. I do have a couple of orders to finish before Christmas. Perhaps another time?"
"But you just said…please, I promise I won't break anything. I'll be good!"
Killian looked back at Emma, he could see her resolve breaking. Seemed like this was a frequent occurrence, but he couldn't blame her - her son was giving the most killer puppy dog eyes he'd ever seen.
"Fine, only if Killian has a minute. And no touching anything without his permission."
Killian was shocked. Emma agreed to spend more time at the shop, and he wasn't going to waste a single moment. He was finally near her.
Well, her son. But she was there, even if it was on the other side of the workshop.
Killian tried his best to push her from his mind as he was showing Henry the different tools he used to make one of his pieces. He was proud of his work, he was excited to share this with someone. Henry asked the most interesting questions, and he genuinely enjoyed talking to the boy.
Henry would call his mother over, and she'd humor him for a moment before bringing her attention back to her phone.
"I'm sorry about that." Killian didn't answer Henry immediately, confused why the boy was apologizing. "She's usually a lot nicer or will pretend to be. Did you say something after I walked away? You should say you're sorry…even if you're not." He whispered the last part, which made Killian chuckle. He was a bright boy indeed.
"Your mother is fine, Henry, I promise. She's probably just talking to…." Killian paused, not wanting to entertain the idea that Emma had someone else.
"She's probably texting David."
Killian's heart sank. She did have someone. Of course, she did, how could she not. It's been years, and it's not like she ran back to his arms.
"Yeah, we're going to David's and MM's for Christmas. They live in Storybrooke. Mom used to live there too, or we did, but then we moved to Boston when I was five."
Oh fuck.
She moved because of him. That's where they met, and she moved across state lines even with him out of the country.
"Where are you going to spend Christmas? You shouldn't be alone. Maybe you can come with us!"
"Henry, what are you two talking about?"
That sure as hell got Emma's attention.
"Henry, you cannot invite strangers to places. Let alone to a house that isn't even ours. Right?"
He saw the boy's shoulders deflate. Apparently, this is a conversation they've had more than once. But Killian wouldn't lie, hearing Emma call him a stranger stung.
"I appreciate the invite, Henry. It's very kind of you, but I'm not spending the holidays alone."
Emma's head spun so fast that he thought she'd hurt her neck.
Interesting.
"Oh, who are you spending it with then?"
Killian debated how he'd respond, but Henry didn't understand the weight of his question.
"My brother, Liam. He lives in town too, and we'll spend it together with his wife." Killian looked over to Emma to try and gauge her reaction.
Nothing.
Killian looked up at the clock hanging by the front door. They'd been there for two hours! He didn't want them to leave, but he knew he'd pushed his luck far enough today.
"Henry? I know you and your mum have a bit of a drive left, and I heard there was a storm coming. I reckon you should get on the road before you're trapped here."
"Oh, okay. You're right. Do you mind if I get something before we go? I've had my eye on something, and I want to get it for my Mom."
"Of course, lad! Anything you want, it's on the house."
"Killian, we can't. It's only right we pay for it."
That was the first time she'd addressed him. "I know, love, but spending the afternoon with Henry has been a joy. Please, allow me."
The two adults couldn't look away from each other while Henry went and picked out his gift. Killian started taking steps towards Emma as he realized their time was already ending yet again.
"Swan-"
"How'd you know?" Henry came back with his gift.
A swan.
It was a centerpiece he'd been working on. Over the last five years, he found himself drawn to the animal. Whenever he was stuck creatively, he always could work through it with a swan piece.
"How'd you know that was our last name?"
"I…your mum said it earlier." She didn't, but he didn't think Henry would call him on it.
"Well, Henry, say thank you to Killian. We need to get back on the road."
Henry gave Killian a hug and thanked him for his time. He sprinted to the door, leaving them alone once again.
"Emma…"
"Thanks for this afternoon. Bye, Killian." Emma had already started to walk away before he could say another word.
He stood there for a moment, but he didn't want her to leave. He tried to find the words to stop her, but he saw her standing there, frozen. He hoped that maybe she'd say anything before walking out of his life again.
Then he saw what she was looking at. The storm wasn't on its way.
It was here.
A couple of inches already covered the parking lot.
"Swan, please don't drive in this."
"It'll be fine. I just put on snow tires because I had a feeling this would happen."
He was dismissed, he knew it and didn't want to push it further. Emma and Henry ran to the car, and Killian couldn't help but watch to make sure they made it away safely. He saw Emma try and start her bug, but nothing happened.
Oh fuck.
This couldn't be happening.
Not after being trapped in the same store as the man who has haunted her dreams. She tried to start the bug, but nothing happened.
"Mom?" She could see Henry's eyes started to water. He was scared, and her frustration probably didn't help.
"It's fine, kid. You know how this car can be finicky."
"I'm cold. Can we go back to the shop while we wait for it to heat up?"
Emma didn't want to, but the bug wasn't giving her much hope. She looked up and saw Killian still standing there as he watched them.
"SWAN! Get back in here!"
Emma thought it, but she didn't want to look like she was giving into him. She probably would've stayed out for another couple of minutes if it weren't for the kid shivering next to her.
"Ugh, fine. Henry, let's go back in."
They sprinted back into the shop, and Killian greeted them at the door. He offered to look at her car, which she took him up on. The two stood inside as they watched Killian fight with the bug.
After nearly thirty minutes, Killian came back inside with a disappointing look upon his otherwise handsome face.
"So, good news-bad news, Swan." He waited for a response, but she didn't seem to be in the mood to play games. "The good news is the piece I need to replace is inexpensive and is super easy to change out. The, um, bad news is that I can't get the piece in until tomorrow afternoon."
"What do you mean?"
"Liam, my brother, he's a mechanic. He's not available right now, but he has the piece, and we can get it from him early tomorrow and send you on your way." Emma didn't give him any reaction beyond being frustrated with the situation and the joke that apparently was her life. "I will call Widow Lucas and see if she has any rooms available for the evening." He didn't wait for any acknowledgment before he turned away.
Henry seemed to have sensed the tension this time and decided to walk around the store while Emma stood frozen. What tiny smidge of hope she had disappeared once she overheard Killian say, "Please check again, love. Are you sure you have nothing?"
Perfect. They had no place to stay for the night.
"Uh, Swan? I'm not sure if you heard, but it seems as though there's no room at the inn. Pardon the pun."
"Well, thanks for checking. We'll figure something out. Thanks, Killian."
Emma wasn't sure what she would figure out. It's different now that she had Henry, otherwise, she would've toughed it out and stayed in her car. She looked back outside to the storm. There was no way she would have the Nolans come out in this - even though they totally would in a heartbeat.
"Swan…listen, I know this isn't ideal. And I don't want to make you any more uncomfortable than I already have, but I cannot let you and your boy go out in the cold. I, uh, my house is right behind here. And I have two guest rooms. I'm not going to force you to do anything, but would you consider staying with me, I mean at my house, for the evening?"
At first, Emma wanted to laugh in his face. Then yell. Yelling sounded really good right about now.
How dare he make such an offer! After everything he'd done to her, with her.
Focus Emma.
But then she saw Henry wander back to her. She couldn't punish Henry for Killian's lack of communication all those years ago. He had multiple guest rooms, she didn't miss how he made that explicitly clear.
She looked back at those ocean blue eyes and was lost in them, in the memories of that week. Damn, she missed him.
FOCUS EMMA.
"Fine. Thank you, Killian."
Emma definitely caught him off guard with how quickly she'd given in. Killian asked for a couple of moments to close up the shop to go home. He wasn't kidding, the shop was 20 steps from his house. Not that she counted.
When they walked in, it looked like everything a home should. The one she'd told Killian she'd dreamt about growing up. It was her dream home.
Oh fuck.
He was surprised with how easily Emma gave in would be an understatement. Something told Killian it had more to do with the kid currently eating him out of house and home more than anything else. He'd take what he could get.
He knew it was a risk bringing her here, to their dream home. They'd talked about it one of the nights they were tangled up together. He didn't mean to model his house after their conversation. Still, subconsciously over time, he noticed how he'd done exactly that. Killian assumed it would be the closest they'd ever get to their dream home together.
But now she was here. He wouldn't push her, but he'd be damned if he didn't savor every moment.
Emma had barely said a thing, but Henry suggested a game night after dinner. She couldn't avoid him. The trio played Monopoly, one of Killian's favorites.
He noticed Emma was a bit aggressive with her buying of property. They just so happened to be the ones Killian had voiced he planned on buying after his first trip around the board. At first, he thought he'd imagined it, but then he saw it again. She was smiling, hell, she was laughing and enjoying herself.
Eventually, Henry gave in and watched the adults play before looking for a movie to watch.
"Swan, you're a pirate!"
"Oh, looks like someone is being a sore loser." She threw her head back and laughed at him. It was the most beautiful noise he'd ever heard.
Correction, the second most. First place also belonged to her, but that was saved for more adult games.
Apparently, Killian's rolls weren't up to par, and Emma jokingly accused him of cheating. "Don't think I'm taking my eyes off you for a second."
At first, he was concerned, but he saw the corners of her mouth barely twitch up to a smile. Killian licked his lips and leaned forward. "I'd despair if you did." He wasn't sure where the hell that'd come from. Now concerned he'd gone too far, he made eye contact with Emma with his apology on the tip of his tongue.
Except he didn't apologize. He couldn't because he saw Emma blushing, and fuck if he didn't miss seeing how far down that blush ran.
The game didn't last much longer as Emma was well ahead of Killian almost from the start. Henry was very much over the game as he waited for the two of them to make their way over to the couches for the Muppets Christmas movie.
Henry decided he wanted to sprawl out on the couch. Which, of course, left the loveseat for the two of them to share. Killian was about to offer to sit on the floor when Emma had asked if he'd bring them over a blanket.
He'd be lying if he wasn't confused by the whiplash of Emma's mood, but he wasn't going to question this gift. Killian made his way over to Emma, and at first, there was a couple of inches of room between them. But he swore that Emma had gotten closer to him as the movie went on. Or maybe he moved closer to her. But she wasn't retreating at his touch anymore, and he thanked his lucky stars.
They talked throughout the movie, laughing at the ridiculous hijinx. At one point, Henry had shushed them since they talked too much. After that, they settled down, still trying to make the other one laugh without disrupting Henry.
Henry had fallen asleep at the end of the movie, so Emma brought him up to one of the bedrooms so he could sleep in peace for the rest of the evening. While she went upstairs, Killian decided to make some popcorn and brew hot chocolate for the two of them.
Emma had come back downstairs when he saw her in her pajamas. She was wearing one of his shirts.
The one he'd left five years ago.
Oh fuck.
She'd forgotten that she had bought this shirt. His shirt.
Go figure they'd run into each other.
Emma was scared he'd read too much into it, but then again, would he really be all that wrong? Tonight she'd let her guard down again, and she missed him. Things were easy between them, playing stupid Monopoly and laughing at that silly movie.
Neither of which were actually stupid. She was merely frustrated with herself for giving in to him so easily again. She nearly jumped him after the look he'd given her at the table. If not for the ten-year-old who now slept soundly upstairs.
They were alone again, and Emma wasn't sure what to make of the recent development. She saw his face, he'd recognized the shirt instantly. She'd hoped he'd show her an ounce of mercy and move on with the evening. As if he were reading her mind, he did just that.
"I thought some substances were in order, Swan."
"Don't forget the-"
"Cinnamon. Already topped you off, but I have more if you'd like some." Killian extended his arm with hot chocolate in hand, and Emma made her way over to him without a second thought. Emma hadn't had a good cup of hot chocolate all season and moaned as she took a sip without a thought.
When she looked up to Killian, he looked almost in pain. She recognized that face. It meant danger. As much fun as that sounded, she couldn't give in. Not again.
"Ready for the second movie?" Emma broke the moment. She felt guilty, but she needed to protect herself. Protect them from each other.
She saw the defeat in his eyes, but he covered it back up quickly. The two headed back into the living room. There was a brief moment where they were both unsure where to sit. Henry wasn't there anymore, so there was no reason to sit together anymore.
"Do you want to sit over here again? You're a lot warmer than the blanket, and your house is freezing."
That was the lamest line in the history of lamest lines.
But that didn't deter Killian. She knew she was giving him mixed signals, but he respected her boundaries which only made her want him more.
Stupid respectful English man.
The two decided to go with the best Christmas movie, Die Hard.
As their drinks and popcorn were long forgotten, Emma felt Killian stretch his arm behind her head halfway through the movie.
She laughed at the move.
"Are we in junior high?" Emma turned to face him, but he could barely look her in the eyes. She could see the tips of his elf-like ears turning bright red. He didn't say anything, but he didn't move his arm. After another beat, Emma leaned into his side.
Both were silent as they watched Bruce Willis climb through the air duct.
Then Killian lowered his arm onto Emma's; he tugged her ever so slightly closer into his side. Emma didn't stop it.
She missed his touches, even the innocent ones. Although nothing was innocent about the ways Killian had touched her before.
As the movie progressed, Emma had practically wrapped herself around Killian. His head rested above hers. She'd sworn she'd felt him kiss the top of her head as the credits rolled.
Netflix's homepage soon illuminated the living room, but neither moved. Emma didn't want to break contact first. She missed him so much. Emma knew it was insane to fall in love with someone in a week, but she had.
Then he left.
For his wedding.
The veil was broken. She remembered why she was so frustrated and heartbroken. He had to fly back to England for a wedding. He had used her as his last hurrah and left her with a note staying where he'd gone and his phone number.
That was it.
Killian must've sensed the shift in Emma's demeanor.
"Swan? You alright, love?"
Emma nearly jumped off the couch. "Don't call me that, Killian. I shouldn't be here. We…we shouldn't have just done that."
"Done what, lo - Swan? We watched a movie. That's all, and I'm confused where this is coming from."
"You're confused? Do I need to remind you why you left me all those years ago?" Emma didn't realize how loud she was until she finished her question, which sounded more like an acquisition than anything.
"Why I left? Do you mean the wedding? I apologized for having to leave and left you my number."
Emma walked away from him, beyond frustrated and disgusted with how carefree he was about the whole thing.
"Yes, Killian. You left me a simple note stating you were going to your wedding and left me your number. Real classy move there, by the way. I can't believe I was starting to fall for you again. You'd think I'd learn! And where's your wife? Oh my God, you're married and we just fucking cuddled on the couch like fucking teenagers. What - why are you laughing at me?! What the fuck, Killian Jones. Are you kidding me right now?"
She saw red, and she was about two seconds away from grabbing Henry and taking her chances at the inn.
"Emma Marie Swan. You beautifully stubborn incredible woman, whom I love so bloody much. Did you truly think I left you for my own wedding?" Emma shook her head. She didn't miss what he'd said. "Emma, come here." He waited for her to make her way back to him. "It wasn't my wedding, darling. It was Liam's, my brother I mentioned earlier. I was the best man and needed to fly out for the wedding."
Oh fuck.
He'd just told her he loved her.
She didn't run. She might've thrown a pillow at him, but she was still here in his arms.
He was so upset that his actions had hurt her. That she had ever believed he could ever hurt her in a million years.
"Emma -"
"You keep calling me that." That's all she said. He wasn't sure if she was still in shock.
"Aye, that's your name, my love. And truthfully, I've missed saying it over the years."
She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. She looked so scared. "You did?"
Killian had to look away for a brief moment as he felt the tears well in his eyes. She'd never been shown what a treasure she truly was, and Killian had only added to that pain. He looked back down at her; a million thoughts raced in his mind. He'd thought about this moment often over the years, what he would say if he ever found her in front of him again.
All thoughts left him, all grand speeches disappeared with one look at her.
"Aye."
"Good."
Killian wasn't sure who moved first, but Killian's lips were on hers in the next moment. He'd almost forgotten how soft they were. Almost.
He felt her hands wander as they played with the hair on the nape of his neck. He was half-hard, and they'd barely gotten to first base. She would be his undoing.
Then she moaned into their kiss.
No, that would be his undoing.
Killian wanted to take things slow for their first time together, but he couldn't control himself. Not as Emma rocked her hips into his so wantonly. He slowly moved them back towards the couch until Emma fell back into the seat. Killian hovered over her as his two arms framed her.
He'd sworn he heard her whine in protest, but he was in no position to make fun of her need. He was just as greedy as she was. Before thinking of his next move, Emma made it for him and brought him down. He assumed she'd want him on top, but he had other plans. It'd been five years since he'd had a taste of her, and he wasn't going to wait even one more moment to get another.
She was so sweet; he'd forgotten how much he loved her taste.
Oh fuck.
She missed him for many reasons, but right now, he was reminding her why she missed his mouth.
"Fuck, Emma, I could come just from this alone. You are absolutely soaked, my darling."
Emma could barely compute the dirty words between his licks. She hadn't felt pleasure like this since their last time, and he was making her go foggy in the brain.
"Don't, oh fuck, don't you dare. Not yet."
"Don't what, love?" He stopped giving her the most intense smolder, disarming her even further. "Hmm? Come on now, Swan, use your words." He smacked her bundle of nerves when she didn't respond. Emma didn't know how intense that pleasure could feel. She'd have to catalog it for later.
"Don't finish yet, need to…."
He laughed. The smug asshole. The smug asshole with the most talented mouth. "Oh, my love, I'm not finishing anywhere else but inside you. Don't you worry, lass, you'll get your fill soon."
He dove back in; this time he added a finger, then two, making her see stars faster than she had in years. She could barely think straight as she came down from her high as Killian's mouth slowly teased her.
Without a second thought, she reached for him and kissed him once more. She could taste herself, and although new, she didn't mind it. The fact he could make her come undone so quickly after years apart only turned her on more.
As the two broke for air, Emma spoke up, "You said you had two guest rooms?" Emma saw his face fall for a moment; she realized she hadn't been as smooth as she intended. "What I meant was, I was hoping you had…a…" She finally felt the nerves she'd pushed down from earlier. For some reason, she couldn't bring herself to look him in the eyes.
"Would you like to come to bed with me?" She could only shake her head in response. "Emma? I have no expectations. I didn't think you'd sit next to me tonight, let alone anything we just did. Being near you, having you in my arms, is more than I thought I'd ever get again."
She wanted to be brave, for him but primarily for her. He'd been the man of her dreams, and he was finally in front of her again. After a moment of reflection, she found her voice again. "Killian, I know we need to talk and figure some things out, but I know three things."
It was his turn to nervously shake his head.
"First, I'm so freaking happy Henry had to go to the bathroom and that out of all the places to stop, I felt drawn to stop at your shop." The two chuckled as they thanked Henry for this moment. "Two, if you don't make good on your earlier promises, you'll be in big trouble."
Emma was completely thrown off balance as Killian gathered her from the couch and nearly ran up the stairs. She would've been impressed if she weren't so concerned he'd drop her by accident. They made it to his bedroom in no time, and he carefully placed her on the bed as if she were something precious.
She was, to him at least.
Emma removed her clothes as Killian watched her from the foot of the bed. He followed soon after. At first, he kept his boxers on and Emma wagged her finger before he knelt down.
The two explored each other, just like they did all those years ago. At one point, they thought they heard Henry, but after another moment of silence, they realized it was the wind. While he was temporarily distracted, Emma flipped Killian onto his back.
"I'd much prefer to do more enjoyable activities with you on your back, darling." He stuck out his bottom lip to emphasize his pout.
"Patience," Emma whispered back, mocking him as he had told her that downstairs. "Grab onto the headboard, and do not move."
Emma wasn't sure where this commanding voice came from inside, but Killian seemed to have loved it as he moved his hands instantly. She moved her mouth down his body. She had never been a fan of chest hair until Killian. But now? She found nothing sexier than the dark patches of hair that covered his perfect chest. He was firm but not overly muscular. He was perfect.
Killian whimpered as Emma explored the planes of his chest. As she snuck down lower, she saw his hands move for a moment, and she stopped immediately. She would've pinned his hands to the bed if she weren't so far down. "Behave. Otherwise, you won't get your reward, Killian."
He instantly complied with her demand, he didn't take the threat lightly.
Emma finally made her way down to her prize. God, he was bigger than she remembered. His cock was red and swollen and was leaking. At first, she teased with light kisses, but Killian's resolve gave in as his hips lifted from the bed.
"Emma, please love, take pity."
She looked up, her one hand still stroking him, "No."
Emma dove back down, taking him into her mouth entirely. She changed her speeds, sometimes humming around his tip. He made the most delicious moans, and Emma was soaked from it. She started to touch herself while she sucked him off.
"Fuck, love, so fucking glorious. Look at you, sucking my cock and touching yourself. You dirty lass."
Emma was about to climax again, and she could feel how close Killian was. She knew she needed to stop if they wanted to be ready for the main event.
"Emma, darling, this isn't where I want to finish. Not for the first time." Emma finally relented and let him go with a pop. This time it was Killian's turn to flip her over. "There we go, Swan, much better."
Before she could give her retort, Emma saw Killian reaching over for the condoms, and she remembered something.
"Killian?"
He stopped mid-tear of the packet. "Yes?"
"The third thing I wanted to mention." She met his eyes and found the courage. "I love you."
That was all Killian needed before he attacked her mouth again. "I don't know if I can do gentle or slow right now, but Emma Swan, I love you so much it hurts, and I promise I'll show you how much after this. We're long overdue, my love."
She merely nodded as Killian lined himself up with her entrance. He didn't go slow, it wasn't gentle, but it was perfect. The two found a rhythm after a couple experimental thrusts. They lasted longer than either of them anticipated. Emma came first, Killian followed shortly after. He fell on top of her as he caught his breath.
"That was…"
"A one-time thing."
Emma thought Killian would get whiplash for how fast his head twisted. She couldn't keep it together and started laughing immediately.
"Oy, wench, you'll pay for that! It's rude to play with a man's heart like that. Especially as he still has the rubber on."
Emma rolled over and batted her eyes. "I'm sorry, Killian. I love you. Am I forgiven?"
"You're lucky I love you too, Swan." He said it jokingly, but Emma knew she was indeed fortunate.
The two came together two more times that night. They eagerly made up for the lost time.
When Emma woke up the following day, she was hot. Like burning up. She didn't remember the blanket being so heavy before she went to bed, then she realized it. Killian had practically wrapped himself around her. He held onto her like she might disappear if he didn't.
She was so touched by this incredibly infuriating, handsome, smug, charming man that she loved. Emma debated how to wake him up, but she remembered they weren't alone. Henry would be up soon and expect breakfast.
Emma shimmied herself out of his clutch and made her way to the kitchen. She assumed Killian wouldn't mind her going through his cabinets as she looked for something to make. Eventually, she settled on pancakes and got to work. Henry would be up soon, the one thing he didn't get from her was an internal clock.
She heard the bedroom door open as she finished putting down the second batch. She assumed it was Henry, but it was her other favorite guy.
Killian came up behind her as she flipped the pancakes. "Something smells delicious."
God, his voice was sin itself. "It's just from a box," she whispered as she leaned into his embrace.
"I wasn't talking about the pancakes, love." Emma didn't realize he had spun her around until his lips were on hers again. When they broke for air Emma was thrown not to have his lips immediately back on hers.
"I'm just…I missed you, Emma. So much. I can't believe you're here. I just can't believe…"
"I know, me too."
Killian immediately dove back in with the same hunger as before. Emma was about to say the hell with the pancakes when they heard the upstairs bathroom toilet flush.
They were not alone, and they needed to remember that. Henry made his way downstairs and grabbed a plate. Killian asked the boy how he slept, and the two fell into a conversation about the shop.
Emma watched as Killian treated Henry as an adult and didn't baby him. It was crazy how fast the two of them bonded. She knew she wasn't the only one who was smitten with Killian. Emma also knew they'd need to talk about what came next because there had to be a next. She wouldn't allow for anything less.
"Swan, I think we have enough pancakes to feed several Romanian powerlifters. Come sit down, love."
Emma rolled her eyes, and she fixed herself a plate. She didn't mean to, but she placed a gentle kiss on Killian's head as she walked by. She didn't realize what she'd done until she saw Killian's eyes blown wide.
"You guys can chill. I saw you down here already."
Emma choked on the mouthful of pancake, concerned he meant last night.
"Yeah, Mom, you guys should be careful by the stove. We're not allowed to play around in the kitchen."
Both Emma and Killian had a sigh of relief that he only saw their morning activities. That would be an adjustment for Emma as she explored this with Killian. The rest of the meal went off without a hitch or reference to their rekindled romance.
Emma stayed in to clean as the boys went outside to make Olaf. It's when she realized she was about to uproot her entire life and Henry's, and she couldn't think of a single thing to stop her from making this crazy move. No voices of self-doubt for her or Killian's love for her.
She was excited about their future; she felt complete. Not that she needed a man to feel complete, but that she would have Killian. Her other half, her home. She knew they had a lot to discuss and figure out, but she wasn't scared of what came next for once. They were finally home and not just for Christmas.
