Emma woke up to whispering. She kept her eyes closed, she knew exactly why they were whispering. Killian was still asleep under her, their hands entwined on his chest, his hook resting on her hip.
"That's surprising?" David said quietly. "I thought her and Neal..."
"I don't know. They did kiss but I thought..."
"Obviously there's more to it." David sounded angry. "Should we wake her?"
"We should let her sleep." Snow bit her lip.
"What if Neal comes up?"
"Good point," Emma said sleepily, her eyes opening. Snow and David both jumped.
"Emma, we didn't mean to..."
"Get involved with my love life?" She raised an eyebrow. "It's fine. Everyone else wants a say, why not you too." She realised how close she and Killian actually were, their legs tangled together. Emma carefully pulled away, trying not to wake Killian up.
Killian, it turns out is a very light sleeper, as soon as her hand left his, Killian's eyes opened.
"Luv?"
"Go back to sleep," Emma said quietly. "You need to be fully rested to get us home." Killian nodded sleepily, his eyes falling closed again. Emma smiled softly and carefully stood back up, David offering a hand to help her balance.
"Are we talking about this?" David motioned between them.
"There's nothing to talk about. Neal and I aren't together and..." She glanced down at the sleeping pirate. "Killian... gets me." She landed on.
"But Neal is your first love." Snow said, eyes glowing.
"A love that set me up and sent me to prison." She sighed loudly.
David frowned. "What?"
"Long story. I'm not getting into it now." Emma muttered brushing past them. She could see Henry looking into the water, walking behind him.
"You okay kid?" She bumped his shoulder. Henry nodded.
"Yeah, Mom has just gone to sleep." He said softly.
"She was really worried about you. We all were " Henry nodded again, suddenly frowning.
"What?"
"Dad... he promised he had me."
Shit, Emma had hoped he hadn't realised. As much as she hated Neal right now, she couldn't let Henry know.
"He couldn't reach you." She said softly.
Henry glanced up at her. "Your lying.'
Emma sighed loudly. "Does it help?"
Henry thought for a moment and nodded.
"Then he couldn't reach you."
Henry nodded. Turning to her. "You and dad aren't getting together are you?"
"No kid." This she could be honest with him about.
"But you and hook?" Emma felt her cheeks burn.
"You saw that huh?"
"Yeah."
"How would you feel about it?"
"You looked happy. I want you to be happy." Henry shrugged. "Plus, he's really cool."
Emma laughed. "Great, another reason for his head to become bigger."
Henry smiled and hugged her. "Can grandpa teach me some sword fighting?"
Emma nodded. "Go right ahead, its not like we have anything better to do."
Henry grinned and ran over to David. Emma sighed and sat on the floor, leaning her head back.
"Really?" She grumbled. "Are we going to have this conversation?"
"I've come to say sorry." Snow sat next to her. "I got it wrong, when you told me you kissed Hook, I thought you were protecting your heart from Neal, but I see now, you were opening your heart to Hook." Emma's eyes glanced back to where Killian was still sleeping.
"I... it scares me." She admitted softly.
"I should have realised." Snow commented, watching Henry and David sparing with sticks. "Your walls are always up, the fact that you told me. It was a big deal, you wanted to talk about it."
"I forget sometimes. You're not Mary Margaret. My friend. Your Snow White. My mother."
"And you wanted me to react like Mary Margaret, rather than your mother who..."
"Who doesn't want me to be with a pirate?' Emma asked lightly. Snow let out a laugh.
"I guess, I want you to be happy. Does he make you happy?"
Emma let out a sigh. "I don't really know him. All I know is. It's harder for me to keep my walls up around him."
Snow smiled. "Then let your walls down around him."
"What if I get hurt?" Emma asked, her fear bubbling to the surface.
"If it makes you happy. Is it worth the risk?" Snow said softly.
"I don't want to get my heart broken again."
"I don't think it will." Snow admitted. Emma frowned and looked over.
"The way he looks at you. He's very smitten." Emma blushed.
"I know." She breathed.
"No, you don't." Snow kept her voice soft. Almost as if she was talking to a frightened rabbit. "I see how he looks at you when you're not looking. It's the way I look at David."
Emma's heart pounded. She knew the gaze of Killian stopped her heart. Maybe part of her thought it was an act, but now she is being told that even without looking at him, he still looks at her with that same stare.
"Thanks. Mom." She breathed. Snow looked like she was about to cry.
"Don't cry!" Emma said quickly, feeling her own eyes burn. Snow let out a wet laugh and stood.
"I think we need some food."
"Good luck, all I found was rum."
"I packed some stuff in the Galley, we should be okay." Snow hurried off. Still wiping her eyes.
It was midday when Snow came back up, calling everyone for some lunch. Emma stood, walking back over to the hammock, waiting for everyone to leave before slowly stroking the hair out of his eyes. He looked so peaceful. Without the bravado of being a pirate. Killian's eye cracked open.
"You really are a light sleeper," Emma commented.
"Pirate. We often sleep in shifts. Need to be ready at a moment's notice." He said quietly. "Any reason why you woke me?" He quirked an eyebrow. Hand reaching out for hers.
"You wish. Mary Margaret made lunch." Killian laughed.
"I was being hopeful."
Before they walked into the crew mess she grabbed his hand.
"Wait... About earlier..."
"You would rather that it's kept between us?" Killian guessed, not sounding hurt.
"Well, my parents and Henry know. They saw us... Just sleeping." She amended quickly. "But..."
"You'd rather not let Neal privy to that information?"
Emma sighed in relief. "I guess now isn't the best time, the last thing I want is for him to try and push you into the water."
Killian laughed and nodded. "Understood, however, one thing to note. I'm a survivor love." He winked, causing Emma's legs to turn to jelly. There was a spot next to Neal, which obviously he had saved for her. She walked past and sat in between Henry and Mary Margaret, Killian sitting down opposite her with a small smile.
"There wasn't much." Mary Margaret said softly. "Mainly jerky and crackers."
"We used up all the fresh stuff." David shrugged. "We'll be at Granny's before nightfall."
Henry took a bite and frowned. "This is a lot of dry food." He commented.
"Hense why we drink rum," Killian noted. "It's a lot harder to complain if your drunk."
"Thanks for that!" Emma said dryly. "And before you ask. No. You can have water." She glanced at Henry who looked hopeful. He sighed dejected and took a sip of water.
Killian looked around. "There might be something. Hang on." He walked out of the room. Returning moments later with a jar.
"Apple slices?" Regina, who still looked rather tired spoke up from where she sat, the other side of Henry.
"Apple slices preserved in vinegar." He pushed it towards Henry. "Dip it in water to clean it and you should be good. But be careful they can be..."
Henrys face screwed up as he popped one of the slices in his mouth.
"Bitter." Killian finished trying not to laugh. Henry nodded, taking another one, and washing it with a little more care.
Emma smiled at Killian and mouthed thank you, tapping her foot against his. He smirked, his foot nudging up against her ankle, just as Emma took a sip of rum, the sudden movement caused her to cough and splutter, Henry patting her back as she caught her breath.
"Mom?'
"Fine." Emma choked out, her eyes meeting Killians as he innocently bit into some jerky.
His foot was still around her ankle. Her eyes narrowed at him.
Killian calmly continued to eat. His foot traveling further up her leg. Emma forced her head down. Focusing on the food in front of her.
Everyone ate in silence. Emma wasn't surprised, most of the people sat at the table hated each other. It was awkward, Emma just hoped that they never had to do a Christmas or thanksgiving like this.
"We shouldn't be too much longer," Killian said after all of the jerky had been eaten. We should be hitting the boundary just as night falls, another couple of hours." His foot now resting on the bench Emma was sat on, nudging her thigh. How he could remain natural annoyed her to no end.
"You should get some more sleep Regina. You look tired." Mary Margaret said softly.
"You too Emma," Neal said quietly, the first time he had spoken since Emma had come down. "You didn't sleep this morning."
"She did." Henry frowned turning to his dad.
"I slept on deck," Emma said quickly before Henry could say anything else.
"You didn't sleep well then." Neal continued. "Sleeping on the wooden floor, you should have just come down."
"Too tired." She said shortly, Henry thankfully getting the idea and not saying anything else.
"Swan, you're more than welcome to use my cabin." Killian interrupted. "If you want to continue your sleep."
To be continued.
Emma felt her face redden. "That's a good idea. Thank you Hook."
Killian smirked before turning to Neal. "Bae, could you keep an eye on course for me? I'm needed down here." Emma's eyes widened. Way to make it obvious.
"Sure." Neal shrugged. Emma frowned, had she missed something?
"End of a voyage," Killian explained to no one, although glancing at her. "Captain's duty is to take stock of what needs to be replenished at the port. Normally the first mate would take course, as Bae had the most experience of the ship..."
"It makes sense." Mary Margaret said softly. "I remember when we used to travel."
Emma stood up, Killian quickly moving his foot so neither Henry nor Mary Margaret saw. "I guess I'm going to go back to sleep." She said lightly. Leaning down to kiss Henry's head.
"If you need me..."
"We'll call you." Snow said meaningfully. Emma rolled her eyes. Was she really trying to let Emma and Hook sneak off together? Way to go a full 180 mom. Killian's cabin was beautiful. Full of books and treasures from voyages long ago. Her eyes drifted to the bed. Killian was right. It did look comfortable. She walked over and laid down, the mattress sinking under her weight as she let out a soft moan. It was comfortable. She stretched out and closed her eyes. Even if she wasn't expecting Killian, she could easily fall asleep.
She heard the door open.
"Well, I've pictured you in my bed but..." Killian grinned at her. Emma quickly stood.
"Need to be quick." She said softly. "I need to pay you back for lunch."
Killian raised his hands innocently. "You said not to say anything. I didn't." Emma rolled her eyes.
"Really subtle you were."
"I was, you weren't.'
"Killian?"
"Yeah?'
"Shut up and kiss me."
Killian didn't have to be told twice, striding forward and pulling her into his arms, his kiss hot and demanding and everything Emma needed. Her arms wrapped around his neck, as his hand trailed down her side. This time, Killian wanted control, and Emma was not very good at giving it, they battled, hands exploring as the stumbled towards the bed, Emma pulling the buttons on his shirt, Killian breaking the kiss to pull her top off, immediately attaching his mouth to her neck as she whimpered and sighed as her knees hit the bed, tumbling backward and taking Killian with her.
"Emma?"
"Shit." They pulled away sharply. Neal was at the door. Killian grabbed his shirt and jumped up, rolling under the bed.
"You've done this way too often." She grumbled, quickly rolling into bed and pulling the covers up to her neck. She heard his chuckle as the door opened. She closed her eyes and tried to make it look like she was asleep. Her heart still pounding. She tried to shift discreetly. Pressing her thighs together in an attempt to calm herself.
The door closed, but Emma knew Neal was still in the room, she heard footsteps and a creak as he sat next to her. She relaxed her face.
"I'm so sorry Emma." He said softly, coming up to stroke her cheek. It took all of her will power to not flinch away. "You'll see soon when we get back. You, me and Henry, we'll leave here. Start again just the three of us, no magic. Just like old times." Emma's heart pounded in her ears.
"I promise. I will get you back. No matter the cost." She felt lips on hers just for a moment before retreating footsteps, then a pause. She wondered what he had seen. Killian under the bed?
She suddenly felt cold, the covers over her moving slightly. Her breath caught. He had seen her shirt on the floor. She kept her body still as the covers reached her navel. "Still beautiful." She felt heat next to her stomach as if he was going to press his hand there. He seemed to decide not to tempt fate as he pulled the covers back up. This time the door closed with finality. Emma's eyes opened. She didn't even realise she was shaking.
"Killian." She breathed, she felt sick. She heard movement and Killian appeared next to her. His eyes black with fury.
"Don't!" She grabbed his hand. "I'll deal with it."
"He... He kissed you." Killian's voice shook.
"Yeah, but I'll deal with it later." Surprised at how calm her voice was. She needed to be strong. The last thing she needed was Killian killing Neal. Killian stood, and Emma tightened her grip on him.
"Killian. Look at me." His eyes met hers. She cupped his cheek gently, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly.
"Promise me." She breathed. "Promise me you'll let me handle it." Killian stayed silent for a few moments, his whole body vibrating. He slowly nodded.
"Thank you." She leaned forward and kissed him softly. Killian pulled away. Reaching for her shirt and handing it to her. Emma was touched, that he cared so much. She took the shirt off him, but before pulling it in she put his hand on her stomach, where she felt the heat of Neals's hands moments ago. She let out a shaky breath.
"You okay love?" Now his anger was at bay, his eyes filled with concern.
Emma nodded, pulling the shirt back on. "I'm fine." She said quietly. "I think we need to keep an eye on that."
Killian nodded. "Agreed. I didn't like how he was speaking to you."
Emma remembered the hushed words.
Whatever the price.
Emma's stomach twisted, while she had butterflies thinking about Killian, Neal caused them to freeze, ice seeping into her veins.
"I'll leave you to rest."
"No." She hated how quickly she said that how needy she sounded. She took his hand. "Stay."
"As you wish."
Emma smiled softly leading him to the bed.
"You were right by the way. This is comfier than the crew beds."
"I would have invited you sooner.." Emma laughed.
"Sure you would have, tiger." Even though they were close in the hammock, this seemed more intimate. Maybe because she was In his space. In his bed. Killian laid down, obviously wanting her to take the lead in this. Emma smiled and curled up next to him, her head on his shoulder.
"Killian?"
"Yeah?" He whispered back, his arms were by his side. Emma took his hand and held it.
"Do you want to go on a date? When we get back?" She asked before she could stop herself.
"Isn't that my job, to ask you out?"
Emma snorted. "Should have guessed you were old fashioned. What are you 300?"
Killian laughed. "Curses and neverland may have given me experience but as you can see I have retained my youthful glow."
Emma scoffed. "Actually, I don't think there's enough room, you, me, and your ego."
"No, too late you've asked me." Killian laughed. "I happily accept on one condition, I plan the evening."
"I know how to plan a date!" Emma lifted her head to glare at him.
"No, you know how to chase monsters. I know how to plan an evening out." Killian shot back.
"Well. Just so you know I don't pillage and plunder on a first date." She warned, a small smirk gracing her face.
"You obviously have never been out with me." He smiled, Emma hadn't realised that when he smiled it took years off his face. She leaned forward and kissed him softly before letting the moment sit.
"We should go, before people question." She said after a long while.
Killian nodded. "Aye. We should." He agreed but made no effort to move. Emma sighed and slowly sat up. Killian took her hand.
"Hey."
Emma turned, smiling as Killian kissed her lightly.
"Seeing as that's my last chance for a while," Emma smirked and kissed him back, deep and full of feeling.
"And that was my last chance." She stood, stretching. "Won't they question why you haven't taken stock?"
Killian grinned. "I did it yesterday."
Of course, he did. Smug idiot.