You made it to Chapter 8 where they will finally 'meet'. I hope you are enjoying their journey.

Killian (2012)

Killian arrived at the docks earlier than usual one morning in October to see what kind of mess his ship had procured from the little demon whose birthday they had been privy to host the day before. Walking across the gangplank, he could already see problems and once he was actually standing on the deck, he was sorely tempted to turn around and hire someone to clean the untidiness that was visible. There was chocolate frosting, at least he hoped it was chocolate frosting, smeared on the railing, and on the rigging. Noticing that Rumple was licking something off of the deck, Killian leaned over for a better look and realized it was vanilla cake crumbs ground in between the tightly placed planks, but that wasn't the worst damage. No, that was left to the sail, the spinnaker to be exact. Someone had spilled a drink, a red drink, on his pristine white cloth! "Bloody hell, how do I get that clean?"

Pulling out his smartphone and googling "how to clean red dye out of sails" the search gave him a list of items needed. A bucket and brush were no problem but he required vinegar and something called Woolite. Googling Woolite, solved that mystery, and he was ready to go shopping, but then remembered he had the dog, and stores and Rumple, were not a good mix. "Well boy, you're going to have to stay here and guard the ship." Thinking that was settled, he locked up and walked up the dock, hoping he could purchase his items at the small market close to the Bayside Marketplace.

Finding the vinegar proved to be much easier than finding the Woolite and by the time he found a market that carried it, he had been gone almost two hours. Feeling pretty good about his finds he walked onto the ship, expecting to see only the problems that were there before he left and not the disaster that he faced. Before he even got back on board he saw the anchor sitting on the dock, the mainsail was unfurled and flapping in the wind and once he stepped back on the ship, well a maze of rope ran from bow to stern and in the middle sat Rumple. He was wagging his tail with his mouth hanging open, tongue hanging out, and a very pleased look on his face. Killian put his hands on his hips and looked at the dog, "Rumple, bad form, mate. Very bad form."

Once he got closer to him, he saw the real reason that he was so happy to welcome his master back and it wasn't to show off his decorations, it was that he had managed to wind the rope around himself so many times, he couldn't break free. Killian crouched down close to him and started undoing the knots. As the knots were loosened, Rumple's excitement became more apparent and he could no longer contain himself from showing his gratitude to his master with well-placed kisses all over Killian's face. "Rumple! Stop! Keep your tongue to yourself." He couldn't be calmed though and doing his best to keep his face away from the dog, Killian was finally able to get him free, and begin the chore of tidying.

After Rumple's issues were taken care of, Killian made the mixture and concentrated on removing the red dye from his sail. Thinking the mixture was a bloody magic potion, the sails were quickly set to rights and drying in the warm winds. Before long the railings were wiped down and sparkled in the sun and he was just left with the remains of the cake in the tight space between the boards of the deck. Not having any success with the broom, he ended up having to use a small brush, and from a position on his knees, slowly, sweep the pieces into a pan. "Bloody demons! Barbarians! Hellions! Little devils! Miscreants!" On and on his tirade continued until he heard, a voice calling his name.

"Little brother, is there a reason your anchor is sitting on the dock?"

Killian rolled his eyes at the interruption as well as his brother's ability to annoy him with just two words and standing, walked over to the starboard side to see Liam looking at the anchor laying on the dock, "That's younger brother and you can blame Rumple. Seems he was a bit disgruntled that I left him behind earlier."

Shaking his head over the anchor, Liam walked onto the ship and looked around at how neat the area was, "Is there an inspection?"

"Stop being an arse, Liam, you know there is no such thing."

Liam smirked but before he could answer, they heard someone coming up the dock and when he saw who it was, he whistled under his breath.

"Down boy, she's off limits."

"Oh?"

"Sighing at what an annoyance Liam could be, Killian responded, "Before you ask, it's nothing like that. I just have to work with her when you break her heart."

Tink came hurrying up the dock and quickly crossed the gangplank, however as soon as she saw Killian standing there with another man, she stopped and almost forgot what she was going to say. Taking a deep breath and swallowing hard, she eyed Killian, then tapped her watch, "Killian, you're late again," Tink exclaimed rather loudly," keeping her eyes on him and not on his guest. "Come on, we're going to be late!"

Walking up to him, she took hold of his arm to drag him by the sleeve off of the ship. Rumple decided to take offense that someone was manhandling his master and jumped up on Tink, scaring her to death.

"Rumple, down boy. She's not hurting me," he said patting his leg to get the dog's attention. Rumple whined and then trotted over to Killian's side wagging his tail. Killian reached down and scratched his ears, "Alright, Tink? Sorry about that, love, he's just rather protective." Hearing his brother clear his throat he looked over at him with a raised eyebrow but minded his manners as his mum had taught, "Tink, allow me to introduce you to my rather boorish older brother, Liam." And following that up with an, "And Liam, this is my right-hand assistant, Tina Belle. Tink, what brings you down to the docks this morning? Did I forget an appointment?"

Tink rolled her eyes at the way the dog had Killian wrapped around his furry paws and sighed loudly, happy Killian had called him off. "Please tell me you didn't forget!" she exclaimed haughtily. "Remember, we have that meeting with Robert Gold. He's the CEO for Bacardi. He wants to talk to you about using the NeverLand Adventures for Corporate Functions. His company offices are in Coral Gables and well, you probably should have left Rumple at home. He does have a reputation of being a bit of a stickler." As she finished that last statement a low, menacing growl could be heard from the aforementioned animal.

"She's not serious boy. You can go but you must be on your best behavior, unlike earlier today. Well, Liam, did you want anything specific or did you just come down here to be bothersome?"

Liam looked over at Tink, "See the grief I get?" Looking a bit guiltily at Killian, he shrugged, "To be bothersome of course. I'll let you get to your meeting." Then turning to Tink, he bowed slightly, "And it was lovely meeting you Ms. Belle," he said before turning to walk off the ship and started walking toward the parking lot. After he was gone, Killian put all of his cleaning supplies away and all three loaded into his SUV for the trip to Coral Gables.

Coral Gables wasn't far from Miami Beach, but with its Mediterranean style homes and The University of Miami, it's one of the more interesting places to reside. Neighborhoods are often gated and the houses have large yards, which is not very prevalent in South Florida. Driving down Ponce de Leon looking at all the majestic homes, Killian could see the beauty of them and thought maybe someday, however currently he couldn't imagine living anywhere, but at his beach house with the sunrise daily to wake him and the rhythmic sounds of the waves at night to soothe him to sleep. All he needed to make it perfect was his Swan by his side.

Turning on Le Jeune Road and locating the Bacardi headquarters, he checked in at the security gate and parked. Once the truck was stopped, Killian looked at Rumple, "Boy, you must be on your best behavior" and he, Tink and Rumple got out of the truck and walked inside. Killian was impressed by the sleek modern lobby that they had walked into and he and Tink only had to wait briefly before being guided into the meeting with Mr. Gold. Killian introduced him to Rumple and was surprised by the rather disgruntled look that crossed the man's face as if he had just eaten something distasteful. Sitting across from him, Killian and Tink listened to Gold outline his plans for the company as well as discuss various ways that an agreement could benefit both organizations. Killian wasn't sure he concurred but shaking Gold's hand agreed to meet with him again in a few weeks and to have a more complete concept for a possible partnership and then he, Rumple, and Tink, walked back outside. Before they could all load into the SUV, Rumple put his nose into the air and sniffed several times. Then he barked, turned in circles, barked again and then took off running. After he had gone fifty feet or so, he looked back over his shoulder and barked again and with a joyous skip in his step, turned back and the race was on. A dog being chased by a man being chased by a woman through the downtown streets of Coral Gables.

Rumple led them up one busy street, around a corner and down another. He eventually crossed from the main town of Coral Gables into an older neighborhood with homes that were several stories high made of stucco with tile rooves that often peaked over several columns and housed large curved windows and archways. After running down the block, Rumple ran up the driveway of the last home and proceeded to jump in the front seat of a sports car that was sitting in front of the house, driver's door and trunk open. Once inside the car, Rumple sat down and looked at Killian and Tink as they ran up after him. About that time a tall, lanky, sandy-haired gent with a bit of a scruff came from behind the car carrying a couple of cases of soft drinks and a case of beer and looked in at Rumple sitting there and then at Killian and Tink, "Yours I presume?"

Killian just shook his head at seeing his dog sitting in another person's car, "Yes, sorry about that mate. He's usually well behaved." And he scratched behind his ear.

"Oh, no harm done," said the guy. "Name's, Graham, by the way. Graham Hunter. I'd shake but well," he lifted the boxes of drinks a bit. "New to the area?"

"Here, let me help you carry some of that," answered Killian and he took the case of beer from Graham and went around to the trunk to see what else he needed to carry. Picking up a couple of Publix bags, holding assorted snacks, "Ready. Lead the way. And in answer to your question. I am fairly new to this area. I own a beach house not too far away. My name's Killian Jones."

Then hearing a throat being cleared, he remembered that Tink had been with him, he quickly amended the introduction to "And this is Tina Bell. We had some business at the Bacardi headquarters and for some reason, Rumple took off when it was time to leave. I'm not sure why."

Killian looked at Tink and noticed she had that glint in her eyes that she often had when they were talking to someone she deemed 'dreamy' and arched a brow when she purred, "Pleased to meet you," and practically drooled on the bloke. Thankfully Graham took no offense and led the way into the interior of the house where they put everything on the countertops in the kitchen. "In case you're wondering, this isn't all for me. I'm having a surprise birthday party for my girlfriend tonight. You guys are welcome to come if you're interested in meeting new people."

Killian made a noncommittal sound as he finished leaning the bags against each other so they wouldn't spill their contents all over the floor.

After Graham had deposited everything, he said, "A beach house you said? Nice, might be looking for one of those once my girlfriend finishes her residency up in the panhandle. She's a doctor."

At the mention of the panhandle and doctor together, Killian's ears grew alert. "That's nice," hoping for more info without coming right out and asking.

Graham took the bait. "Yes, she's finishing up her residency to be an intern and is in town for the weekend so I'm surprising her for her birthday. Emma, her name's Emma."

Killian couldn't believe what fate had handed him. An opportunity to be in the same place as Emma, his Emma. Thinking quickly, "Lovely name. Well, we'd better take our leave and let you prepare for the party."

Graham followed them out of the house and helped them curtail Rumple, "Thanks for the help and do drop by tonight. The party's at 8:00."

As he, Tink and Rumple were walking away from the house back to the SUV, Tink gave him a very strange look. Killian just looked at her and raised an eyebrow, "It's Emma's birthday," he said, like that covered everything.

Emma (2014)

It had been a very busy day at the hospital and Emma was happy to be leaving. It was her birthday and as such, she was choosing to spend it in the best way possible. Meeting her sister and a few friends for a drink or two and then spending a quiet evening catching up with them over dinner. She wasn't one for surprises and shuddered just thinking about the party that Graham had thrown for her a couple of years ago. It's no wonder we aren't together any longer, she thought as he had no idea what truly made me happy. And remembering the silly party that Graham had surprised her with reminded her of the kiss and connection she had made with some guy in the garden. He could kiss that's for sure, she recalled, if I could ever find him again, I'd marry him. Wondering, not for the first time, about the feeling of panic she had felt that night, she shook her head to clear it and left for the Lilt Lounge and a night out with her friends.

Arriving first, Emma took a seat at the bar and ordered a whiskey and got lost in her thoughts. After a couple of sips a box marked Sweetcakes Cupcakes was set in front of her and Mary Margaret slid onto the seat next to her, "Don't you know, drinking alone isn't proper for a lady?"

Emma smirked at her sister, "You know I'm only a lady somedays and today, sister, isn't one of those days. What did you bring me?" She reached over and pulled the box closer, opened it and peered inside, "Oh, that looks decadent. Can I eat it first?"

Mary Margaret swatted Emma's hands out of the way and closed the box. "I should have never given it to you before you ate dinner. You have the diet of a 15-year-old."

"What can I say? I have to keep up my energy to work at the hospital. I must walk miles every day." Just then the rest of the impromptu party showed up, which included Belle French, a librarian at the nearby Coconut Grove Library, and Ruby and Ashley, both nurses at the hospital where she worked and wanted to know what they were missing. Emma looked over at her sister, "You just missed sisterly abuse," she quipped. "Drinks or dinner?"

(2012)

Killian had second and third thoughts about going to the birthday party. But the chance to see Emma, to be in the same room as her and talk to her and possibly touch her, well that opportunity, he wasn't strong enough to resist. Once he had showered and dressed he picked up his keys and leather jacket and was ready to go. Rumple assumed, as he always did, that he was going along and tried to push his way out the door. "Not this time, old boy. This is one party that I don't think you should be included in. Don't wait up." Locking the door behind him, Killian jumped in the car and pointed it toward Emma, wondering how he was going to keep from saying something that maybe should be left unsaid.

Picking up Tink, he drove to the party and they parked on the street behind Graham's house and walked through the back gate. Once inside the house Graham introduced them to a few people and told them to help themselves to the bar and then he disappeared into the crowd. Killian grabbed a couple of beers and handed one to Tink. Shortly after that, they met one of the vendors that often worked with them and watching the flirt game between he and Tink got quite uncomfortable. Finally, after several minutes of feeling like a third wheel, he started looking around for somewhere else to stand so he could keep a close eye out for Emma as she had yet to make it to the party.

Suddenly a hush came upon the room and as the door opened and Emma walked in, everyone shouted "SURPRISE!" He could immediately read Emma's body language which screamed, "Get me out of here right now!" but outwardly she appeared relaxed and confident as Graham took her from group to group making introductions. His first look at her, had very nearly taken him to his knees, she was so beautiful. Her golden hair flowed around her shoulders, her cheeks gleamed with just a hint of color and as she got close enough he could see that her eyes were green, like moss that suddenly materializes on the sides of trees, almost out of nowhere. As Graham led her closer, and she was observed speaking with others he saw her laugh and noticed dimples on each side of her very kissable lips that were tinted a pale pink. "She's bleeding beautiful," he whispered. Gobsmacked, I am, he thought as he shook his head at his reaction and moved further away from her to try to gather his thoughts. Can't have her boyfriend see that I fancy her, as I'm not a blundering idiot.

As he listened to the words floating around him, he continued to watch her from the corner of his eye as Graham lead her from group to group. He found it odd that it was her birthday party, yet she was being introduced to just about everyone in the room as if they were strangers to her. Her body language, although to the most casual viewer might appear to be relaxed, he could see that periodically, she would tighten her fists, and twist her head as if attempting to loosen up neck muscles that are too tight. The short amount of time that he had spoken to Graham, he had seemed to be a good bloke, but maybe one who didn't know his girl as well as he thought.

Thinking that he heard his name, he looked away for a brief moment and when he looked back at where she had been standing, she was gone. Without being too obvious, he scanned the room, catching sight of the back of her just as she slipped out a door that led to what he assumed was the backyard. Seeing that his assistant was engrossed in conversation he didn't feel too bad leaving her and moved around the room with the intention of following Emma. While he had told himself he would be careful with what he said to her, he couldn't resist the allure of having her to himself for just a small moment in time.

Stepping out onto the veranda, he shut the door behind him. Letting his eyes adjust he saw a well-landscaped yard, patio and pool with white string lights hanging in trees. He also noticed there was another set of doors off to the right and as he could hear music they must have been opened or covered with mesh. Emma was sitting on a nearby step with her head hanging down as if the weight of the world were on her shoulders and she was taking a moment to hide from something or from someone. Moving slowly so as not to startle her, he leaned against a railing not far from her and looking out over the yard to her left, took a deep breath, "Happy Birthday, Emma."

She sighed quietly then said, "Ugh, thanks."

Walls, thought Killian. Ok, I'll try this, "Nice party."

"I guess," she answered, hoping he would get the hint and leave. It had been a long day and she had been fighting a headache ever since she had walked into the house and all of these people she didn't know yelled surprise. Sneaking into the backyard for some much-needed quiet had been necessary and now, a guest was out here annoying her. When he asked a question, she had answered without even looking up, to see who it was, but had heard a melodious British accent.

Killian knew that she probably was wishing he'd leave her alone but he wanted to talk to her so he came back with a comment that he thought might get her attention. "You ever read Persuasion?" He sat down on the step next to her, but not too close.

Emma whipped her head to the left to look at him, "What?" and she had a vague impression of dark hair that fell over his forehead and a slight scruff on his face but she couldn't see what color his eyes were nor could she made out any more specifics.

He kept his gaze direct but didn't move any closer, " You know, Persuasion by Jane Austen."

"Yes, I know, the book. It's one of my favorites. Why would you bring that up?" she asked him with a hint of suspicion in her voice.

He just looked at her for a minute before answering, "No reason, just a friend recently mentioned it to me and I wondered what it was about and if it was any good."

She gazed in his direction as if trying to decide if she could trust him, but then realized that for some reason she didn't feel the need to get up and run. When he had first come out and she had given her usual one and two-word answers, with her goal of putting him off, he hadn't taken the hint. He had come back at her with a different question, which strangely enough had actually drawn her in, made her feel she could trust him, which made no sense. Emma Swan was not a person who trusted easily, but this man, whom she was mysteriously drawn to, she felt she could trust.

Finally deciding to answer, she responded, "It's about waiting. These two people meet and almost fall in love but then their timing isn't right and they have to part. Years later they have another chance but wonder if too much time has passed or if they've waited too long to make it work," and then her voice faded to nothing.

Killian sat there for a bit and thought about what to say, "And you like that?" Apparently, the incredulous tone of his voice touched something in her as she started laughing.

Emma couldn't believe she was laughing but she realized that the laughter had settled her, "Yea, it does seem sad doesn't it? But it's kind of beautiful too if you think about it."

Killian hummed in agreement, "To believe that you've met the one you're meant to be with before, but the timing wasn't right," he murmured almost to himself. Realizing that when she had laughed at his comment it had relaxed her, he asked, "Feeling better now?"

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing really. Just when I first came out you seemed vexed."

"Oh," she said looking away again, "I'm fine."

Killian mentally berated himself as he could see the walls going back up. "Have you ever met someone whom you thought was your person?"

It took her a minute to realize he was referring to Captain Frederick Wentworth, the male character in the book, "Yea when I was 16 I thought I had met him," she laughed thinking about the story.

"Fess up love. That laugh tells me it's a good story."

"Oh, not really. Just a story of teenage angst. The older boy, teen girl, and a dad."

"Oh, this gets better and better. Please go on."

"His name was Neal and I was 16 and he was a lifeguard at the beach where my sister and I spent just about every day that summer. He was older, maybe early 20's, I can't remember, but I hung around one night after the beach closed when many of the lifeguards built fires and hung out. Some played guitars, others sang, and the alcohol was plentiful. I told Neal I was 18 and he kept giving me beers and got a little free with his hands until my dad showed up."

"I'm sure your dad was not happy with you."

When Emma continued a melancholy tone was in her voice, "You're right about that. I was grounded for the rest of the summer and sicker than a dog from too much alcohol and too much sun. Needless to say, I've not touched beer since. Never did find out how my dad knew."

"You never asked him?"

"No, I was too embarrassed about it, so I never asked, and then it was too late."

Killian thought about asking but since he already knew the story from their letter exchanges and that it made her sad he decided to forgo that line of questioning. "Thank you for sharing a bit of your beginnings, Swan. I feel honored." And because he really wanted to take her in his arms but knew he couldn't he didn't say anything else.

While not totally uncomfortable Emma didn't know how long they sat there but had moved her feet and was getting ready to go back in the house when she heard him say, "Care to dance?"

Killian had hoped that she would have felt comfortable enough to continue talking but he noticed that she was preparing to leave, so instead of searching for something else to say he heard music. He recognized the song playing as I Can't Seem a to Make You Mine by The Clientele, a band he had heard back home. Fitting, he thought and asked her to dance. While waiting he stood up and held out his hand to her.

Emma hadn't even realized there was music playing until he asked her dance, "I don't know how to dance."

"Well milady, there's only one rule. Pick a partner who knows what he's doing."

"And I suppose you're going to tell me you know what you're doing?"

He smiled even though he knew she couldn't see much except for maybe the white of his teeth, "I'll let you be the judge of that." He took her hand and pulled her to her feet and they walked further into the shadows. Killian wrapped his other arm around her and holding her close they began to sway to the music.

Emma couldn't believe she was dancing this intimately with a man whom she didn't even know his name, and was enjoying it. He smelled heavenly and her head fit perfectly in the crease between his neck and shoulder and above all, she felt safe in his arms. Allowing herself to relax and listen to the music, she let him lead her around their make shift dance floor.

Killian couldn't believe his luck but he had Emma, his Emma in his arms. Oh, she didn't know his name but there was a connection there. He could feel it and he knew that she was feeling it too by the way she had gradually relaxed in his arms. While the song was still playing he moved a bit closer and folded their hands close to their bodies so that they were touching in many points. As the music faded away she moved back just a little and looked up at him. "Who are you?" she whispered. So in response, he did the only thing he could think of, he kissed her.

When her mystery man placed his lips on hers, Emma felt a spark and without conscious thought, she opened up to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she opened her mouth and allowed his tongue to enter. He took the hint immediately and their tongues danced and slid sensuously together.

Killian brought his hands up to cup her cheeks, changing the angle of the kiss slightly but maintaining control with his tongue and lips. Moving back, and then forward again to suck at her top lip, then her bottom lip until her lips were chasing his for more. Needing no more encouragement, he obliged until they broke apart, both panting lightly and staring at each other.

Emma felt the panic overwhelming her, for she had never been kissed like that and had never experienced that type of connection so fast and so strongly, she did the only thing she knew to do in that situation, she ran.

Killian tried to grab her hand to stop her as she turned around but she was too fast and even calling out her name didn't slow her down if anything she moved quicker. After a short time, he went back in the house to see if he could find her only to discover she was nowhere around. It seemed not only had she run from him, she had run from everyone and he was only left with the memory of her kiss on his lips.

Emma (2014)

Dinner was done and the ladies were all sitting around the table talking to Mary Margaret about her plans for her wedding to David the next Valentine's Day. They were planning a small, quiet candlelight ceremony in a church close by. Emma was feeling relaxed after a long day at the hospital, a few drinks and a good meal and somewhat tuned out the chatter when she heard her name, "Ugh, sorry, I missed what you said. Long day," she said to Ruby.

Since Ruby not only worked at the hospital but was dating one of the ER doctors that she worked with, Emma knew that she understood long days, "No problem, Em, I was just asking what happened to that gorgeous man who you used to date, what was his name again?"

Emma smiled at her, "Graham wasn't bad to look at, was he? But he had our life planned out, including marriage and babies by our third date. I just wasn't there and then he ended up moving to New York for work so it was the perfect time to go our separate ways."

There were nods of agreements from the ladies who while all were currently attached had kissed their share of frogs before finding their princes. Before anyone else could ask Mary Margaret popped in with "Isn't there a new guy in your life? Seems I've noticed something different about you. What's his name?"

Emma gave her an I'm so going to get you for this look before saying to the table at large, "Killian. His name's Killian."

"Oh Emma," cooed Ashley, a petite blonde who was a few years younger than the rest, "He sounds dreamy. What does he look like?"

Emma shrugged her shoulders, " Honestly, I'm not really sure. We've never met, except through letters."

Ashley gave her a look like, are you joking, "Letters, like hand writing and envelopes and stamp type letters?"

Emma didn't explain the no stamp issue but smiled softly, "Yes, those kind of letters," and just the way she said that had all of her friends, lean in and sigh in unison.

Ruby, the most outspoken of the bunch was the first to pipe up, "You like him, don't you?"

Emma looked down at the table and drew circles on the cloth with her index finger, "Yea," she said sadly. "I do but it's just my luck. The one man who wanted to marry me, I pushed away. And the one man I could give my whole heart to, I can never have. On that note, I need to run. I have early shift tomorrow. Thanks for spending my birthday with me." Taking her cupcake for later, Emma headed home to Rumple and her otherwise solitary life.

She hadn't gotten far before she heard heels behind her and knew without even turning around that it was her meddlesome sister. Just as M&M caught up to her, Emma huffed, "Did you have to do that, really? And in front of Ruby? I love Ruby but she isn't exactly known for keeping secrets?"

They walked in silence for a minute while M&M decided what she wanted to say, "Emma, I love you. You know that, but getting information from you is like trying to take candy away from a small child. You're impossible."

"M&M, I know you want me to be more open like you are but you know that's hard for me to do, right? You also know it's nothing against you, or at least I hope you know that. As to why I haven't mentioned Killian, well, it's very complicated."

"Complicated? You like him, he likes you. How can that be complicated?"

"Oh, if only it were that easy." And then she sighed, "For lack of a better word, it's a really long distance relationship. I'm just not sure that it's written in the stars that we'll ever meet."

M&M looked over at the sad look on her sister's face. "Emma remember when dad used to quote different sayings to us all of the time?"

Laughing slightly, Emma responded, "Yes, I do. It was always a running joke on which one of us could get him to quote the most quotes that week."

"I don't think I ever told you this," Mary Margaret began, "but one time when I thought my heart was breaking, he came into my room, sat on my bed and took my hand, and in his big booming voice said, "M&M, listen and listen well. No matter how long it takes; true love is worth the wait. And never wait for a prince. Wait for the one who thinks you are his princess."

He knew what he was talking about Emma because I've finally found the man who treats me like his princess, and I know he's my prince. Your prince will come. Just wait."

Emma felt a tear slip down her cheek and reaching up brushed it away before looping arms with M&M. "Thanks for the pep talk sis, I hope you're right, but at this point in time, my prince seems to be very far away." As they continued their walk, Emma thought about what M&M said about the possibility of meeting Killian and dating Killian, but with those thoughts came fear, of what she wasn't sure. Mainly she just told herself that right now she was living a beautiful dream and her fantasy man, met all of her expectations. She wasn't ready to take the chance that she was wrong about him, maybe someday, but not today.

Well, there you have it. They met, they talked, they danced and kissed, but sadly Emma wasn't ready to accept the way he made her feel. Let me know what you thought of the Chapter.