I think you will enjoy this chapter. Grab a tissue and dig in.
Emma wasn't sure how long she stood there hoping, praying and wishing for the flag to go down. She knew the chances of changing fate were slim but she also knew she had to try. Her heart was breaking as she reflected over how many times she had thought of him over the past year and wondering if there was something they could have done differently so they were in the same place at the same time. But they hadn't. They had waited for the right time and place instead of learning from the mistakes made by his parents, that even though married and with children, their time to be together never came. Emma wanted to believe she was the Anne to Killian's Frederick Wentworth from Persuasion, but hopes and wishes can't keep you warm at night.
Feeling numb, she bowed her head, covered her face with both hands and sank down onto her knees. It was February and the weather felt cool, especially this close to the ocean. A steady breeze blew but since she was on the bluff it wasn't too strong. Eventually, she felt the cold seeping into the knees of her slacks, reminding her she had been waiting a while for the flag go down. Hoping that she hadn't been too late, that he had gotten her letter and hadn't gone to Bayside on that fateful day. Looking up she saw that the flag was still up, the letter was still there.
Emma wanted to scream and to cry. She felt the need to question fate, God and whoever else people believed controlled the universe. She knew she was trying to change the way things had been, but could that be the reason why they had been given this opportunity? To change his fate so he wasn't in an accident. So he hadn't died. To allow them to meet so he could capture her heart and teach her to dream. To teach her that life didn't need to be so serious but that life was often made up of mysteries that required belief. To allow them to be each other's family, each other's future?
Standing slowly, she made her way to the beach path. It was overrun with branches and sea grass but she didn't care. Pushing aside the long strands of grass, she stepped over and around and made her way down to the beach. As she moved toward the water, and the sound of the waves surrounded her, she pulled her hair up in a messy ponytail and turned to walk down the beach. Away from the house that seemed to have magic. That had somehow been instrumental in bringing her letter to Killian on that day, so many years ago. Could fate be so cruel? Would fate be so cruel?
Emma knew that she had been standing and staring off into the horizon what felt like hours by the waning light. She knew that as the sun moved from the east toward the west, the sky would slowly lose its blue color and become many shades of gray before, without the building lights, pitch black. She felt lost and sad and heartbroken. Finally giving into the despair she was feeling, she broke down and sobbed. Sinking down onto the cold, hard sand she cried great wracking sobs, her heart full of pain.
She remained like that until the sobs became hiccups and slowly she was able to get herself under control. As she was wiping her hands across her face she thought she felt something or someone gently touch her shoulder. Lifting her head, she stood up and looked around. Nothing. Turning completely around in the other direction, again no one, nothing. And then she thought she heard her name, being carried by the wind, "EEEMMMAAA SSWWAANN!"
"Just my imagination," she told herself, "My imagination or a hallucination."
But then she heard it again. "EEEMMMMAAA SSWWAANN!" She looked up the beach in the direction of the path and saw a silhouette. It was too dark to make out any features but someone was moving down the path, and she heard it again "EEEMMMMAAA SSWAANN!" and her feet started moving, slowly at first until she was running toward the figure, knowing without a doubt it was him. Her feet were flying across the sand until she came in contact with a warm body and she felt strong arms wrap around her, holding her close and she was hearing, "I've got you, Swan, I've got you, Swan," repeated, reverently over and over in her ear as she wept in his arms.
Pulling back, just a little, just enough to be able to take her lips in a kiss, a kiss meant to calm, meant to soothe, Killian poured everything he was feeling into it. He kissed her top lip, then sucked on her bottom one until she sighed softly, giving him the opening his tongue needed to sweep into her mouth. She was shaking in his arms and he held her tighter, trying to instill some of his warmth into her. Trying to assure her that he was real and holding her. Real and he never planned on letting her go.
Emma allowed herself to feel and enjoy the kiss for a few minutes and then she brought her hands to his shoulders and pushed him back, away from her, " You're real. I can touch you." Her voice shook with emotion as she ran her hands down his chest and then back up toward his shoulders, "I can feel you." Her hands ran up his shoulders, to his neck. Cupping his face, she looked up into his blue eyes, "How? "How can this be?"
"You saved me, Emma," he whispered, "You saved me."
After kissing her once more, he let her go and reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a wrinkled piece of paper. Holding it up so she could see it, he repeated his words from just a moment ago, "You saved me."
"I saved you? Oh, Killian, you're here. Am I dreaming?"
Reaching up she touched his face again and said his name reverently, "Killian" and because he couldn't help himself he tightened his arms around her and leaned down to gently kiss her again.
Killian smiled at her and because he didn't want to let her go, he wrapped his right arm around her and pulled her close to his body. With his left hand, he held the letter up and read…
It was you at Bayside that day two years ago. I knew I had felt a connection to that person, but I never knew why, and now I do. It was you. Fate has given us an opportunity. Please don't come to Bayside. Wait for me.
As he was reading, Emma wrapped her left arm around his back, under his coat, leaned her head against his shoulder, burrowed her nose against his warm neck and ran her right hand up and down the planes of his chest.
When he was done, he said her name, "Emma?"
She lifted her head, looking up at him and smiling gently answered, "Killian?"
He cupped her face with his left hand, rubbing his thumb along her cheekbone and then down to the dimple in her chin, and holding it, he said, "I love you, Emma Swan. I love you so much." And he kissed her once more.
It was a kiss that could rival any romantic movie she had ever seen, surpass any fantasy she had ever had, and something she knew would never become tiring. His lips moved over hers, sucking, sipping and when she opened her mouth, he deepened the kiss, and her heart picked up speed until she felt that her knees were no longer going to hold her upright. She could hear Killian's breath come quicker and louder, just as hers was, and still they kissed. Their hands moving and touching, cheeks, shoulders, necks and waists, until the need to breathe won out and they finally separated and a memory of another kiss several years ago on her birthday came back to her. Lips that felt familiar and arms holding her that made her feel as if she were home.
"It was you that I kissed at my birthday party all those years ago, wasn't it?" And gazing into his eyes, she knew it to be true, "Why didn't you say something?"
"And have you think I was crazy? A part of me wishes I had but, I thought I was pushing it by even coming that night. But when Rumple ran off and I ended up meeting Graham and finding out about your party, I couldn't resist. I don't know what I was thinking, I just knew that I would have given anything to have just a moment with you, and then to have had so many moments. To be able to talk to you, hold you in my arms, and kiss you was more than I would have ever have hoped for. It's kept me going, Emma."
"Why didn't you say anything to me in my letters?"
"Liam asked me the same thing and the only answer I have is that I really wanted you to remember me on your own. And you did. Our kiss all those years ago stayed with you as it stayed with me."
And then he breathed her name, "Emma" before kissing her again, pulling her body tightly against his, shutting out all sounds except the sound of their breaths in the air.
Breaking apart, Emma smiled up at him, "I wish you had. We've wasted so much time. But tell me about getting my letter, I waited by the mailbox but never saw the flag go down."
Killian reached up and scratched behind his ear, "Sorry about that, love, that's partly my fault. But you're shivering you're so cold, let's get you inside and warm and I promise, we can talk as much, "and then he kissed her lips sweetly, "or as little as you want." He led the way up the beach to the path, holding her as close to his side as was possible.
They walked toward the path that would take them back up to the bluff and the house, bodies pressed tightly together, both overjoyed that distance nor time no longer separated them. That finally their destinies had merged and they could go forward, together. Their steps in sync as they walked slowly, stopping often to kiss as if not quite believing they were together.
Halting their progress, Emma looked up into Killian's beautiful blue eyes. Her breath caught in her throat at the love that she could see staring back at her. "Killian?"
"Yes, love?" He wrapped both arms around her, bringing their bodies flush from the chest down.
Feeling a little anxious, she leaned her head against his chest, finding that she fit perfectly in the curve where his neck met his shoulder. Taking a breath, she inhaled his scent, a combination of his body wash, his unique smell and a hint of sweat. Was the sweat from fear of worrying that I wouldn't be here, she wondered. Relaxing into his embrace she reached out with the very tip of her tongue and licked his neck. He shivered in response which gave her the courage to lean back and look up at him. Hesitating for just a second, she stared at him. He gave her a smile of encouragement, cocking his left brow, not rushing her, but giving her all the time she needed.
"I need to say something, Killian. I don't want you to have any doubts. I love you. I think I loved you before you gifted me with the tree, but I wasn't ready to admit it, you know?"
He gently kissed her lips, "Aye Swan, I do know." Then he took her lips in a kiss that made her feel as if she was going to melt into a puddle right at their feet it was so hot. His lips covered hers with a light suction, pulling at her top lip until she opened slightly and then he moved to her bottom lip. Running his tongue along her bottom lip, she slid her tongue up to meet his and taking advantage, he deepened the kiss. It went on until the need to breathe won out and a gentle shiver, spread throughout her body.
Leaning his forehead against hers, Killian whispered, "And I love you, Swan. Now can we get in out of the bloody cold air before you catch the flu."
Emma couldn't help it, she giggled at his suggestion, and gave him a sassy smile, "Race you." And before he had time to register what she had said, she was off. Running through the sand, to the path, through the long strands of sea grass, past the mailbox to the walk, she ran. She could hear his steps behind her but kept running, expecting him to catch her any moment, anticipating it actually.
~~~~~~~
Killian watch Emma run away from him, but instead of feeling panic, as he had in the few dreams he had of her in his arms, this time he was feeling glee. Her long blonde hair trailing behind her and her giggle ringing in the air. He let her get several steps ahead before he took off after her. As they came to the path leading to the front door, he reached for her, wrapping her in both arms and tugging her back against his chest.
"Thought you could get away from me, did you?" Then he planted small butterfly kisses from just behind her right earlobe down toward her shoulder. Feeling her shiver slightly, he lightly blew warm air into her ear. "Liked that, did you?"
~~~~~~~
Emma felt like she had been enveloped by a large blanket, so warm was Killian surrounding her. A smile found its way to her lips, "Maybe, but why don't you try it again on the other side, just so I can decide?" She tilted her head to the right giving him full access to her left ear.
Killian hummed against her neck, "As you wish." He repeated the process on the left, leaving a trail of butterfly kisses from just below her left earlobe down toward her shoulder. Again she shivered. "Ready to go in?"
Turning in his arms, she wrapped hers around his neck, "After this."
He stood there silently looking down at her with that left eyebrow cocked. Slowly she leaned in until her lips met his. Their lips collided together in a cataclysmic rush until both were breathing heavily. Killian's left arm was wrapped around her back but she could feel his right hand moving up and down, from her shoulders then down to her hips, before pulling her hips closer still to his, leaving no question that he was just as affected as she was by their kisses. Pulling back slowly, she opened her eyes to see him gazing adoringly at her. Laying her right hand against his jaw she opened her mouth and ….sneezed.
"Oh, I'm so sorry."
Killian laughed lightly, "Let's get you inside out of this chilled air."
He turned her around and led her inside the house. Sitting her on the sofa, he unfolded a throw that had been laying on the back and wrapped it around her and then gently pulled off her shoes so she could tuck her legs under. Leaning over her with one hand on the back of the sofa and the other on the arm, he told her, "I'm going to light a fire and then make you some hot chocolate." Emma opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get anything out, he finished, "I know whipped cream and cinnamon."
She cupped his cheek, "You know me so well."
Staring deeply into her eyes, he whispered, "I do, but I plan to know you better," and he leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. Then reluctantly he turned away to add more logs to the grate to start a fire to make sure his lady was warm and then he planned on giving her his undivided attention.
Emma watched Killian moving around the room, his movements fluid and at ease. She realized she felt perfect peace for the first time in a long while. While seeing him move around the room she couldn't believe her good fortune that he had waited for her and now she was here, with him. And the emotion in his eyes, when their glances happened to meet was enough to make her heart flutter madly in her chest.
As he bent over tending the fire she couldn't help but admire how his trim backside filled out those black denim jeans, and how the light from the flames highlighted the auburn tint in his facial scruff. She noticed how the cotton from his shirt pulled taunt around his shoulders as he stretched to reach for a log and a sliver of skin showed between his shirt and his jeans. When he finished with the fire and turned, catching her staring, he winked as he walked into the kitchen, giving Emma an opportunity to appraise his assets from the front as he passed her by.
Carrying her mug into the living room, he stopped a moment to appreciate her beauty. The light from the fire cast a glow over her face, giving her cheeks a healthy color. Her hair created a golden halo around her face and her lips, pink and kissable. As he stood there admiring her, she turned toward him and raised her eyebrows in question.
"You're beautiful Emma. " He said walking towards the sofa where she sat.
"You're not so bad yourself."
When he reached her, he sat the cocoa on a side table and knelt down in front of her and gave her a roughish grin.
"I know." And she couldn't help but giggle. Taking her hand in his, he kissed her fingertips, "Thank you."
She frowned slightly, "For?"
"For saving me."
Emma leaned up, kissed him softly and leaned her forehead against his, "Thank you for waiting. For being my Frederick.
He reached for her lips and cupping the back of her head, kissed her with all the emotions he was feeling. He wasn't sure how much more he could handle but keeping his good intentions in mind, he broke the kiss and backed up. Reaching for the cocoa he noticed the whipped cream was starting to melt and handing it to her, commented, "I hope it's not cold."
She took a sip getting some of the white confection on her upper lip and before she could say anything he kissed it off. She dimpled, "What was that for?"
He did it again, "Do I need a reason?" And she shook her head no. "Good, because I plan on doing it, quite often, however, that first one was to taste the cocoa you had on your lip. The second one and this one," he said kissing her again, "Are because I can. Problem with that?"
She kissed him, "Definitely" and she kissed him again, "Not. Do you?"
Killian climbed behind her on the sofa and pulling her back against his front, settled the throw around them. Her head fit perfectly against his shoulder so as he breathed, his breath ruffled her hair, "So tell me, how you figured it out."
~~~~~~
Emma took a deep breath, "I went with M&M to meet with the architect who was redesigning her new home and I saw the picture you drew of the house on the wall. " All of a sudden, she stopped. "M&M, oh no! Where's my phone?" Pushing herself up, she muttered, "She's probably freaking and she's pregnant Killian, you have to help me find my phone and we can talk, I promise."
Getting up and looking for the phone, with no luck, she finally realized she had left it in her car when she had jumped out to leave the letter, "It's in my car." She got up and headed outside to her car.
So worried about her sister, Emma was almost manic in her rush to locate her phone. Killian stood there and watched her a moment until he realized she was opening the door to go outside and she had no shoes on, "Emma wait" and then he scooped her up in his arms.
"Killian, I need to go to my car,"
"I know love. Let me help. I'd hate for you to get sick."
"Killian," she tried again but this time he kissed her.
Once he released her lips, he let go of her legs and when they touched the ground, pulled her body close to his. "Emma, it's damp out there, let me go look, alright?"
"I'm perfectly capable of walking out there to look for my phone, you know that right?"
"Of course, please?
Not used to having people do things for her, Emma looked at him a minute, and finally decided she didn't really relish the idea of running through the cold, wet, dark night to get her phone, put the keys in his hand. "Thank you. I probably tossed it in the passenger seat."
With another small kiss, Killian took the keys and went out to Emma's bright yellow bug to look for the phone. It was just where she said it would be and once back inside, took it and after glancing at the screen, groaned. "Oh no, numerous text messages, and missed calls, and even 4 voice mails. I hope things are fine."
"I'm sure she's just concerned, but once she hears your voice, all will be forgiven. Now let's go sit back down and you can make your call, while I hold you. Alright?"
Putting her hand in his outstretched one, Emma followed him back to the sofa and settled once again between his legs, her back to his chest. Once seated, he tossed the throw over them and she dialed her sister, ending up leaving a voice mail that she was well, had found Killian and would explain it all the following day. Emma then sent a quick text to Belle asking her if she would take care of Rumple. Once those tasks were completed, she put her phone on the table behind the sofa and relaxed back against Killian. Needing to assure herself he was real, she turned her head allowing her nose to rub against his jaw. She felt his facial muscles move into a smile before he tilted his head down and captured her lips.
~~~~~~~~~
Killian reached up with his left hand and cupped her cheek, taking control of the kiss. His hand trembled slightly with what he was feeling, that after so long, they were together. Slowly, ending the kiss, he opened his eyes to see her looking back at him, her eyes several shades of green and her pupils blown wide. Wrapping his arms around her he hugged her tightly against his chest, feeling her bury her head into his neck. "Swan, do you know how I'm feeling?"
Nodding her head yes, Emma hummed her response, before saying, "If it's anything like how I'm feeling, it's pretty overwhelming, isn't it?"
"Aye Swan, very overwhelming. I could sit here and hold you all night. Are you ready to talk now?"
~~~~~~~
Emma told him about being with M&M in Liam's office and when they were leaving seeing his drawing hanging on the wall. "I was drawn to it and couldn't believe how beautiful it was. And the sadness in Liam's voice when he told me you had died, oh Killian, I never want to have to go through that again."
"Emma, are you talking about that picture?" And then he pointed at the wall a bit behind the sofa.
"Oh my," and sitting up she turned to get a better look at the picture. With the exception of the frame, it was the exact picture she had seen at Liam's office. "You drew it?"
"Aye, love. I drew it for you. I was going to give it to you the night I had planned to meet you. I'm so sorry, you had to sit there alone."
Leaning toward him she calmed his thoughts with a gentle kiss. "Now, is what's important. So how about you? What happened to allow us to be here?"
Killian told her about reading his parent's letters and about Liam's comment about fighting for what you want. "I remembered you telling me about what brought you to the beach house so I came to read through the letters. As I was leaving to drive to find you, I noticed the flag was up, and just grabbed the letter and stuck it in my back pocket, not reading it." And giving her a sheepish smile and another kiss, continued, "And then as I was stepping off the curb, a woman tapped me on the shoulder and handed me your letter," and getting lost in his thoughts for a moment, remembered thinking the woman had smelled like his mum. "After reading what you had written, with every fiber of my being, I wanted to say bugger it and run across that street and take you in my arms, but I didn't. I went home and for the past two years, I've read those words you wrote more times than I can count. But if it brings me to where we are right now, I would do it again."
Emma opened her mouth to say something about him waiting, but what came out was, "What about your Rumple? What happened to him?"
Killian's face sobered, "I don't know how to explain this but, he disappeared as quickly as he appeared."
"Oh Killian, I'm sorry. When?"
She had been sitting up since she moved to look at the drawing, and deciding he wanted her closer, Killian pulled her back into his arms, "It happened on the day I saw you on Biscayne Blvd. I came home after seeing you sitting there, and he was gone. I'm sure I looked like a loon, looking for him, but I asked the neighbors and no one had seen him. It was very lonely. How about your Rumple?"
"My Rumple is currently at my apartment waiting for us. Belle is taking care of him so we can go see him tomorrow. Is that alright with you?"
"Indeed, it is," he said rubbing his chin against the top of her head. "Do you have any more questions for me, Swan?"
Emma thought a minute, and then asked hesitantly, "Killian why weren't you here when I arrived?"
Killian sighed, "Oh, Swan. I really am sorry I wasn't. I was working on a few plans, that you will find out about soon, and then I got stuck behind a wreck on the way back down. I hate that I caused you pain." He gently kissed her cheek. "Do you want to know when I moved back down to the beach house?" Emma made affirmative noises. "I moved down here shortly after Rumple left. I felt closer to you."
Rubbing her hands up and down his arms that circled her body, she said "I think we need to look forward instead of back. Will that work for you?"
"I agree wholeheartedly. Now come here, I've got other plans for this mouth." Turning them so they were laying side by side on the small sofa, he covered her lips with his. Killian expertly, controlled the kiss, using his hand to angle her head just so, and then moving from her lips along her cheek. Paying special attention to each area he kissed as if he were claiming it for his own.
~~~~~~~~
Emma's heart was beating a staccato rhythm and she felt goosebumps break out, each new place he kissed. Reaching a point that she couldn't keep her hands still, she brought her hands around his back kneading from his back, down to his muscular behind. Hearing Killian growl, encouraged her to bring her hand up to cup his jaw, carding her fingers through his hair, then following his hairline up over his ear, down to the nape of his neck.
Killian felt like he could go on kissing, caressing and loving on Emma forever. She tasted and smelled better than he could have ever imagined, but with her lithe body wiggling against his, and her skilled physician's hands moving over his body, his good intentions were quickly becoming less and less important. His breath coming in quick puffs and his heart speeding, he pulled away, burying his face in her neck and holding her tightly against him.
"Killian, what's wrong?"
"I'm trying to be strong here Swan, and you're making it very hard."
Emma smirked, "I hope so. Why is that a problem?"
"Emma love, I'm trying to be a gentleman here." He rubbed his finger along her petal-soft cheek, "No pillaging and plundering until after the first date." And then backing up so he could look in her eyes, "Will you go out with me tomorrow night?"
Emma answered by kissing him once, "I" and then she kissed him again, "would" and after another kiss, "love to. Where?"
"It's a surprise, but will you stay with me tonight and let me hold you?"
Running her hand down his back until she reached his derrière, she grabbed a handful of his right cheek, "Just holding me? Are you sure that's all you want?"
Killian laughed a low sexy laugh, "Oh, it's far from all I want, but tonight, it's all I'm going to take." Standing, he pulled her up and shutting off the lights, they walked to the bedroom, to prepare for bed. Pulling one of his shirts out of the closet, he handed it to her, "Here, you can have the bathroom first."
Emma couldn't believe she was going to spend the night with Killian, and he wanted to just sleep, which was very sweet, but she wasn't sure they'd make it through the night without, a 'little taste'. Washing up, she put on his shirt and then used his toothbrush. Walking back into the bedroom she wasn't prepared for the scene she walked in on.
After handing Emma his shirt, Killian watched her walk into the bathroom and shut the door. Smiling at his good fortune, he emptied his pockets and sat on the bed to remove his shoes and socks. As she still hadn't come out, he pulled on his sleep pants. He had just taken off his shirt when he heard the bathroom door open.
As if in a daze, Emma walked toward Killian. He was standing next to the bed in his sleep pants, and nothing else and she had to touch. He stood unmoving as she approached, laying both hands on his pecs and then following his light furrowing of chest hair down over his hard abs to where his sleep pants hung low on his slim hips. She could hear Killian's breath catch, the further down she ran her hands, and at the waist of his pants, he finally reached for her hands, bringing them together, and kissing them, before turning away.
"You're a siren, love. I beg you to not tempt me much farther tonight. Come" He reached and pulled the blankets back, and encouraged her to climb between the sheets. "I shall return shortly." Once he reached the bathroom, he leaned over the sink and splashed cold water on his face, wondering how in the bloody hell he was going to make it through the night.
After Killian disappeared, Emma snuggled into the fluffy pillow and burrowed under the comforter. The blankets smelled like him and she found herself drifting along until the bed dipped, and he pulled her against his hard body. Tilting her chin back just a little, she kissed along the underside of his chin, until he angled his head to capture her lips in a heated kiss, that was full of passion and promise.
Killian could feel himself quickly reaching the promise of a painful night, so he pulled back, turned her around, pulling her back to his front, and started reciting the multiplication tables in his head. His Swan was behaving like a devil, for as soon as she settled, she gave a little twist of her hips that came close to being his undoing. Taking soothing breathes he once again was able to settle, "Sleep love. We have forever." And he followed her into slumber.
K&E
Killian came awake slowly as if he were afraid everything that had happened had been a dream. Opening his eyes and turning onto his side, he was greeted with a sight that he wanted to wake up to, every day for the rest of his life, the face of the woman he loved on a pillow next to his. He was tempted to reach out and run his finger down her cheek to that sexy dimple in her chin but didn't want to risk disturbing her sleep. He was also tempted to kiss her awake and see where that led, good intentions be damned, but instead, quietly got out of bed and left the room to make her breakfast.
Emma woke to the sound of the shower, reassuring her yesterday hadn't been a dream. That her fantasy man, was here, with her. And currently, he was in the shower and wet. Would he like it if she joined him? Did she have the nerve to join him? She sat up intending to find out and noticed breakfast on the bedside table. There sat a tray, a vase holding a perfect red rosebud, a covered plate, a mug and a carafe. Lifting the cover, she found the most decadent looking cinnamon bear claw pastry she had ever seen and a tiny bowl of frosting. Hearing the bathroom door open, she turned just as she stuck her finger in her mouth to taste the sticky concoction. Her jaw dropped at what she saw, for Killian was leaning against the door jam, wearing nothing but a towel.
The sight before him took his breath away. Emma was standing next to the bed, backlit by the rising sun, which showed him the outline of her slender figure in his shirt, as she dipped her finger into the sugary treat. And when she turned to see him standing in the doorway and was sucking on her finger, well, he'd be lying if his thoughts hadn't taken a southerly direction. Sauntering toward her, he watched as she lowered her hand and pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. Stopping in front of her, he leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Good morning, love. How was your sleep?"
"My sleep was fine. How was yours?" Her lips still tingling from the tiny taste.
He took the opportunity to put his hands on her waist and pull her tightly against him. "Oh mine, was better than fine," and then he preceded to give her a real good morning kiss. Backing up while he was still able, "Shower's yours, I need to get dressed."
Emma smirked at him, "Are you sure you really need to get dressed?" She watched as his ears became tinted with just a hint of pink, and he clenched his hands open and closed. He smelled clean and she wanted to lean in and bury her nose in his neck.
"Emma," and he looked at the ceiling as if praying for divine intervention, and then deciding that he was tired fighting his feelings for her, he turned back and pulled her against him and kissed her. Backing her up until the back of her legs hit the side of the bed, he followed her down, never releasing her lips.
Emma felt that her heart was going to beat out of her chest. When Killian had pulled her to him, his pupils were blown wide in excitement. His lips were soft and his kiss was sensuous and hotter than any kiss she had ever received. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she let him carry her along wherever he wanted her to go. His kiss wrapped her in a sensual haze, that she never wanted to end.
Killian slowly ended the kiss by easing their lips apart and looked down into her face, "You are a temptress."
Looking up into his wonderful blue eyes, Emma could see, the love she felt for him reflecting back at her. Bringing her right hand up, she cupped his jaw, and slowly rubbed her thumb back and forth along his cheek.
"I love you, Killian. And if you want to wait to make love until after our date tonight, that is fine."
Leaning his forehead against hers, he whispered, "Then we shall." Pushing himself back up, he turned to go get dressed, not realizing the towel was caught under Emma, and almost walked right out it, catching it just before it showed off the goods. Turning to her, he winked, "Waiting for a show, milady?" Then just as he rounded the corner into the closet, he dropped the towel so all she saw was his bare behind.
Emma covered her eyes with her hand and took several deep, cleansing breaths. Once she felt under control, she locked herself in the bathroom and took a long, calming shower.
The rest of the morning passed easily with breakfast and quiet talks. Needing to go explain everything to M&M, Emma finished her hot chocolate and Killian walked her out to her car. "You're sure I can't come with you?"
Squeezing his fingers, she looked up at him, "I don't want to leave either, but this is something I should do alone. You understand, right?"
"Aye, I understand. I will pick you up at six, alright? And Emma?"
Thinking that he was worried that she wouldn't be there, she frowned slightly, "What is it, Killian? Six is perfect."
He smiled at her in a flirtatious manner, and holding up his cell phone said, "Think, I can have your phone number now?"
Rolling her eyes, she plucked it out of his hand, "As you wish" she answered as she dialed her number. Hearing her phone ring, she handed his back, and picked up hers, adding him to her contacts. She then moved next to him and took a picture of the two of them. "Proof, in case my sister thinks I've gone loco," she smirked.
Shaking his head at her, he saved her contact information, and kissed her one last time, before opening the car door. " I'll see you at six, Swan." Then closing the door, he backed up so she could turn around. As she drove back home, she reflected on how different the ride home was and wondered how long it would take her to calm her sister down before she could prepare for her evening out.
K&E
Emma knew an emotional outburst would greet her when she opened the door so she decided the best defense started with a good offense. Once opened, she saw, as expected Mary Margaret sitting next to Rumple on the sofa, behaving as parents waiting for their truant daughter who was home late from a date. Shaking her head at how ridiculous the scene before her was, she quipped, "I'm not sixteen. I can stay out overnight you know?" Rumple jumped down to greet her, tail wagging and sniffing around her shoes and pant legs as if he were trying to uncover the secret of where she had been.
Mary Margaret shook her head at Emma's comment, "You sure? The way you came in the door and your remarks are exactly the way you would have done it at sixteen."
Groaning at her sister, Emma plopped down next to her and pushed off her shoes. Rumple settled his head on her knee and as she filled M&M in on everything that had transpired over the last 24 hours, she lazily scratched him on the head. From seeing the picture on Liam's wall to finding out that it had been him, who died in front of them two years ago, to writing him a letter to wait for her and meet her at the beach house.
"I swear M&M, as I stood there and waited and the flag never went down, I felt like I had failed for some reason. That my happy ending was lost and that I had missed out on the greatest love of my life. And then I heard my name and turned to see him standing there, and my heart just stopped. I ran to him, and he put his arms around me and everything that was wrong became right. I felt whole for the first time in a long time. And then he kissed me," and she reached up and ran her finger along her bottom lip, "and it was as if we had been kissing forever." And then she turned to her sister, who had silent tears running down her face, "And you know what I discovered?"
M&M sniffed and rubbed the tears off her face with the back of her hand, "The butterflies?"
Laughing at her answer, Emma nodded, "Oh, yea, lots of butterflies. But something else, even more amazing. Remember that awful surprise party Graham threw me several years ago?" M&M made the appropriate noises, "What I didn't tell you was that a guy at the party followed me outside, and while I was really annoyed and hoped he would leave me alone, he didn't. He kept coming back with different topics of conversation, almost as if he could read my mind, and then just as I was getting ready to run, he asked me to dance."
M&M snorted, "But you don't dance."
Emma agreed, "I know and he told me it was because I hadn't picked the right partner, and you know sis, as we moved around that patch of grass, I actually felt like I could dance. And as the dance was coming to an end, he kissed me, and that kiss gave me chills. I've often wondered if that kiss was why I never found myself ready to completely let Graham or any guy in, but yesterday, I discovered the real reason." Then she hesitated and a small smile played around her lips, "It's because I was waiting for him to find me."
They continued to talk with Emma answering any question that M&M threw at her. Emma even was able to pull up the picture that she had taken of him, "See I'm not nuts."
After she had answered all of M&M's questions, she waited for the one question that she truly had no answer for, "So if Killian "waited" for you for two years, but you were only there for a few hours, how exactly does that work?"
"I have no clue and I've decided I don't care. What matters is the here and now, and for whatever reason, fate has chosen him for me. And do you know how that makes me feel? I feel like every wish I've ever wished has come true," and she glanced at the clock, "And he's picking me up in just a few hours, care to go shopping?"
"You don't have to ask me twice, let's go." And much to Rumple's dismay, they left him behind and went to find the perfect dress for Emma to wear on her date with Killian.
K&E
After Emma had driven away, Killian was tempted to jump in his truck and follow her, as a part of him was worried that she would disappear. But the more logical side of him, said that's impossible, as people don't just disappear out of thin air. Of course, fate doesn't always give people second chances like it apparently gave him, so he was left balancing precariously somewhere in the middle. He did have the picture of his Swan and wanting to show her off, he drew a heart around them and quickly sent it to Liam, with the text, "My Swan has finally landed."
The past two years had been difficult but when he wanted something bad enough, Killian Jones could be a very patient man. Liam had pretty much thought he was crazy when he tried to explain everything to him, but he had told Killian that it was enough that he wanted him to be happy, and he would be there to support him, no matter what. Killian was glad that Liam never discouraged him at least and now that patience had paid off. The rest of the afternoon, he spent time following up on all of the plans he had been making while preparing for this evening. He never wanted Emma to feel alone again. He loved her and his mission tonight would only be complete if she really understood just how much.
K&E
Emma had chosen to go ultra-feminine for her date with Killian. Her dress was a soft pink with a fitted bodice. The neck line was a wide deep V with small cap sleeves. The skirt was full and swirled around her legs as she walked. She wore strappy low-heeled sandals and as her legs slid together, they were satiny smooth after a stop at the spa after shopping. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail, allowing the ends to curl up. A little blush, mascara and lip gloss and she was ready. She was nervous but excited at the same time. Spritzing herself one last time, there was a knock at the door, and before she could answer heard Killian greeting Rumple, like a long lost friend. Rounding the corner to the living area, the scene in front of her eyes almost brought tears.
K&E
Killian whistled as he took the elevator to Emma's apartment, knowing he was going to be early, but unable to stay away from her any longer. He could feel the anticipation sizzling along in his veins. Not only was he going to get to hold his Swan again but he was going to get to see Rumple, and he had to admit, he had missed that quirky dog. Rumple had shown up and given him someone else to care for, to talk to and who, strangely enough, had become a 'mate' of sorts. He remembered when he came home after he had seen Emma sitting at Bayside, but had chosen to wait for her, and Rumple had been gone. It had been lonely. He had been lonely.
Knocking on the door, he was prepared for it to be opened by Swan, not to have it opened by a furry, four-legged, animal, who barreled into him, with such exuberance. Crouching down, Killian tilted his head up and allowed the dog to slather his neck with doggy kisses. Once he had calmed down enough, Killian scratched his ears crooning, "I missed you boy. Did you miss me" over and over?
Emma stood quietly and observed the reunion between her man and her dog. Rumple's entire body was shaking, he was so excited, and Killian was going to have white dog fur all over his black pants, she thought, shaking her head at them. As they didn't notice her, she took a minute to appreciate how good her date looked. Black tight pants, black shirt unbuttoned just enough to show off that delicious chest and was that a black vest he had on? How very elegant he looked was her last thought before he opened his eyes and met hers. The way they lit up with appreciation when he spotted her, made her tingle in places that had been dormant for a long while and made her wonder exactly what it was that he had in mind for tonight.
Killian didn't know how long, she had been standing there, but when he looked up and saw her, his heart had stopped and he had forgotten to breathe. She was a vision in her dress and her smile might very well be the death of him, "Swan, you look,"
Giving him a flirty little smile, she replied, "I know. And you look," and she hesitated knowing exactly what he would say,
"Devilishly handsome, I know." He winked at her. Standing back up, he looked down at his black denims and saw all the little white hairs adhering to them, and then shrugging his shoulders, started brushing them off.
Emma, who was used to white fur sticking to everything, had picked up a sticky roller on her way toward him, "Here, let me." She knelt down in front of him and rolled the sticky tape down the front of his left leg.
When she bent down at his feet and put her hand on his leg, Kilian felt beads of sweat break out on his forehead. The need for her was so great that the temptation to pull her up, push her against the door and have his way with her was almost overwhelming, but since he said he was going to be a gentleman, by gods he would be, or he would die trying. Trying to clear his mind of thoughts of what other activities she could be involved in while on her knees, in front of him, he started reciting a list of supplies that needed to be ordered for the Schwan. As she neared the bottom of his pants' leg, he thought he was in the clear, until she started coming back up, this time on the inside of his leg. Bugger that! he thought, "Emma?"
While rolling the sticky roller along Killian's pants' leg, Emma was thinking about how nice he smelled and how soft the denim was that she was cleaning, but she noticed he kept getting stiffer and stiffer, almost so much that she was afraid, she was going to hurt his leg with the roller because it no longer would give as she moved the roller over it. Coming from the bottom, moving up on the inside, she heard him say her name, his voice, low and sexy. "Yes, Killian?"
"What are you doing darling?" He arched a brow at her.
"I'm getting fur off your, "Then she realized exactly what she had been doing, in addition, to getting fur off him. Her left hand was holding onto his right leg, her hand basically on his taunt behind, and her face was in the proximity of his zipper, playing havoc with the snugness of his denims. "Oh," she said, blowing air out forcefully, onto such zipper placket. Her cheeks tinting pink, she ducked her head, which caused the top of her head to rub against him and looking up to say she was sorry, the words died in her throat.
When she looked up at him, after her head had come into contact with certain parts of his anatomy, he broke. Putting a hand under each armpit, he pulled her up, and turning her, followed her against the door, his lips on hers before they had even completed the turn. The kiss was hot and out of control, and neither knew where one stopped and the other began. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her tightly against his body leaving her no questions as to the affect she had on him. One of them groaned, which served to bring some semblance of rationality to his otherwise irrational brain, allowing him to slow down, and slowly pull their lips apart. Leaning his forehead against her, they breathed each other's air, each coming back to self slowly. Opening his eyes to gaze into hers, he gently kissed her once more, "Ready to go?"
Emma felt as if she were processing information in slow motion, her thoughts slightly disjointed after that mind shattering kiss, so it took her a few minutes to realize he still planned on going out, "Go?" she said with a slight frown between her brows.
Moving away from her, he took the sticky roller from her hand and finished the task. "Aye, love. We have reservations. I promise I'll make it up to you later." Winking once more, he walked into the kitchen to wash up while Emma, went to her room to tidy herself.
As they started to walk out the door, Rumple protested loudly, almost pushing his way into the hallway. His behavior was so pitiful, causing both to second guess leaving him behind so soon after reuniting with Killian, that if it hadn't been for Belle's timely arrival, their plans may have changed. After quick introductions, Emma took Killian's hand leading him to the elevator before too many questions could be asked. The last thing Emma saw as they hurried into the elevator was Belle shaking her finger in an 'I'm so going to get you,' motion.
Destiny was changed and we are all happy now. Stay tuned for their date and what comes after;-)