A/N: Sorry this is kind of short, but it's all I have for now. Thanks for reading and hope you've enjoyed the story! For those who read A Helping Hand, I am halfway through the next chapter and plan to have ready for you soon. Thanks so much for your patience :)

"Gods love, that was…" he breathes against her skin as his hand slips over the warm breast underneath his chin and gently cups the soft weight in his palm, making her tingle all over.

"...what I call a happy ending," she finishes for him, a satisfied smile blooming over her lips as she stares at the ceiling in a blissful daze.

A deep rumble roars from his throat as he chuckles and drops a kiss to the valley between her breasts. "Agreed." He lifts his head, causing her to meet his gaze. She catches him staring into her eyes, his deep blues shimmering in the darkness of the room, illuminated only by the moonlight bathing the right side of his face.

"You know I don't normally do this… after a job I mean," he speaks softly, his eyes flickering with the fear that she might think he does with every woman he dances for.

"I know," she replies, her voice low and raspy, and offers a small smile. "I don't normally do this either."

"You mean you don't normally sleep with strippers at your friends' bachelorette parties?" he asks with a laugh, spurring on giggles of her own.

"That too, but I mean I don't normally sleep with strangers… or anyone really… at least I haven't in a while."

"Ah, I see, well I'm honored to be the first stranger," he says in a teasing voice. "Perhaps we can change that?"

Emma cocks a brow a the hopeful glint in his eyes. "What are you proposing?"

Swiping a few strands of hair that are matted to her forehead, he stares at her nervously. "Well, this is also something I don't do with customers… but I'm proposing we get to know each other. Perhaps you'll go on a date with me sometime?"

Emma swallows the large lump in her throat, her mouth going dry. She hadn't expected him to ask her out after sex. She also hadn't expected to answer with, "Yeah, okay…"

A big, toothy grin takes over his face. "Really?"

Emma manages a choked out laugh. "I said yes, didn't I?"

"Yes ma'am," he answers and takes her hand, leaving soft kisses on her knuckles. "Well, in that case, I look forward to planning an evening out with you."

"What?" she bursts out defensively. "I know how to plan an evening out."

"You know how to plan a bachelorette party, that's for sure," he agrees with a soft chuckle. "But I'd like to show you that my skills aren't limited to dancing and… other enjoyable activities," he says smugly, wagging a brow. His eyes are full of hope and promise and she's not willing to argue.

Emma laughs. "Okay, I'll take you up on that offer."

Killian smiles again and kisses her lips, and he's so soft and tender and loving, Emma melts once again underneath him. "I can't wait," he whispers against her lips.

He captures her lips with his, immersing her in an earth-shattering kiss that builds and builds until Emma's parting her thighs and they're going at it again. Killian's moving inside her and Emma's legs are coiled completely around him, taking him under her spell with her tight, slippery walls, both of them filling the room with their sounds of passion once more.

They're both thoroughly sated and content and sapped as Killian gathers the corner of the blankets from underneath them. When they slip under the covers, he's on his back, lying next to her and scooping her up in his arms. She rests her head on his chest, lulled to sleep by the warmth of his body below her cheek and the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat thumping in her ear.

The next morning, Emma's wearing a blissful smile, replaying every kiss, every touch and the way Killian had moved inside her, in her head over and over again. At first waking, she thinks last night was a really amazing dream, but a few signs tell her otherwise. Her body, which is still sore and thrumming with satisfaction, the pleasant ache settled in her core and the warm body and secure arms wrapped around her are all proof she was not dreaming at all.

She really doesn't want to leave the warm cocoon of blankets and his soft embrace, but she really has to pee. She carefully wrenches herself from his hold without disturbing him and climbs out of bed, throwing on a tank top and a pair of pajama pants before heading to the bathroom. She wonders if Belle's awake yet, but judging by how under the weather she was last night, Emma's sure Belle's still in bed trying to sleep off her hangover. Just in case she does get up though, Emma decides to make her some tea.

After relieving her bladder, Emma washes her hands and sashays to the kitchen with a giddy smile plastered on her face as she starts boiling some water for tea. She's not sure if Killian likes coffee, but she definitely needs the boost, so once she has the pot of water going on the stove, she fills the coffee pot with water. It's difficult for her to function in the morning without it.

"Morning, sunshine," Emma says brightly when Belle comes in dragging her feet along the kitchen floor, her face pale and her eyes half-lidded.

"Ugghh," she grumbles, sliding into a seat at the kitchen table. "How much did I drink?"

Emma laughs and hands her some ibuprofen and a glass of water. "About three or four strawberry daiquiris, but you're kind of a lightweight."

Belle's nose twists as she takes the proffered items, her lips showing distaste for the thought of alcohol. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome, and I'm making some hot tea."

"Oh, that sounds amazing right now," Belle groans and swallows down the pills with a large gulp of water. When she sets the glass on the table, she looks at Emma, uncertainty in her big, brown eyes. "Emma, I have to tell you something."

Emma's brow raises in curiosity, and a smirk pulls at her lips because this is also an opportunity for her to tell Belle about what happened with Killian.

"I have to tell you something too, but you go first."

Before Belle can answer, another voice enters the room. "There you are. The bed was feeling awfully cold without your hot body next to mine."

Emma turns her head to see Killian walking into the kitchen wearing a smirk and her pink, cotton bathrobe. When he sees Belle sitting on the other side of the table, his expression clouds with apology.

"Or you could go first," Belle suggests, a lazy smile finally stretching across her lips as she looks at Emma expectantly, eyes dancing with curiosity.

"Morning Belle," he greets warmly. "Hope you're feeling better."

"Yes, actually I am," Belle announces with a sudden cheerful ring in her voice.

Emma blushes, and her friend watches as Emma stands up in front of Killian, resting her palms on his warm chest. Immediately she is swarmed with heat and his heady smell and the way his touch sets her skin ablaze as he slips his hands under her shirt, gently taking her hips in his palms. "Morning, love," he murmurs, his eyes darkening as he wraps her up in his embrace, planting her lips with a soft kiss.

Emma melts into him, and it takes all of her energy to remember Belle is still staring at them, studying them intently. "Um, well, I guess I don't really have to say anything," Emma laughs, her cheeks on fire. "Killian stayed over last night and um… you can imagine the rest." She peels her eyes from his alluring depths to catch Belle's reaction.

"Aye, after you so elegantly puked on me last night," he adds with delight, his hands warm on Emma's back as he secures her body to his.

Belle's eyes screw shut in regret, as though she had forgotten the whole incident until this moment. "Ugh, I am so-"

"Please, stop apologizing, lass," he says sweetly. "Actually, I have to thank you, because otherwise I probably would've gone home with the guys instead of taking a shower here and ending up in bed with your very lovely roommate," he says, winking at Emma. "I'm not sorry at all," he murmurs against her skin, burying his face in the crook of her neck. "Mmmm, you smell delicious," he whispers so only Emma can hear.

She giggles, his beard tickling her skin and his words sending shivers down her spine.

"Well then, I guess I should say you're welcome," Belle laughs, happy with how things turned out.

After the tea is done, Emma fills a mug and hands it to her roommate.

"Thank you," Belle coos appreciatively and takes a slow sip.

"So, what were you going to tell me?" Emma asks Belle as she returns to Killian and wraps her arm around his back.

Suddenly Belle's shyness washes over her, and she chews on her bottom lip in uncertainty. "Well... actually, it's something I'd rather tell you in private."

"Oh, right, of course." She looks up at Killian. "You don't mind if we talk for a few minutes, do you?"

"Of course not, love."

"Okay, why don't you help yourself to anything in the refrigerator, or some coffee if you want some and we'll go into the other room."

"I'd love some coffee, but are you sure you don't want me to go in the other room?"

"Please, you can stay, Killian," Belle encourages and stands up taking Emma's hand. "I'll only steal her away for a minute."

"What's up?" Emma asks as they walk into the living room.

Belle's teeth are worrying her lip and she looks a bit nervous. "Well, you know I don't normally drink, but the reason why I got so drunk was that I'm… I'm having second thoughts about getting married," Belle admits.

Emma's mouth falls open in shock. "You are?"

"Yeah, and I really appreciate everything you've done to help me with the wedding and for the party last night, but-"

"Belle, if you're having second thoughts, that is serious and I would never hold it against you."

"I know you wouldn't, but there's something else…"

Emma has an odd feeling about what Belle is trying to tell her but, as if on cue, someone emerges from the hallway, and if her jaw weren't already on the floor, it sure as hell is now. "Liam?"

His lips pull into a smile, his hand combing through his hair as he joins them, wearing only a pair of sweatpants. "Morning, lass."

Emma's eyes blow wide as she turns her head back to Belle and then glances between them again. She can understand having doubts about getting married, but she would never imagine Belle of all people cheating on Gold, or on anyone for that matter.

"It's not what it looks like," she assures Emma.

The concern Emma feels for her friend at the possible ideas swarming around in her brain about what had transpired between the bride to be and the stripper who had given her a lap dance while she was plastered last night, is etched in her features.

And Belle should be concerned, too, because Emma is already angered at the possibility of Liam taking advantage of her best friend while she was intoxicated and not in any condition to make sound decisions.

"Oh, really?" Emma asks, frowning at Liam and crossing her arms.

"Nothing happened between us, I promise," Belle assures with conviction. "Liam only came back last night to make sure I was okay and to pick up Killian."

"Aye, Belle let me in and I went in search of my brother, but he sounded a bit occupied in your room," he glares at Emma pointedly, "so Belle insisted I stay with her, but I only looked after her. Nothing else happened."

"Liam?" Killian's voice rang throughout the room, gathering the others' attention as they looked over at him. "What are you doing here?" he asks, scanning him up and down with scrutinizing eyes. He's holding two cups of coffee and hands one to Emma, who utters a thank you. "And why are you half naked?"

"I should ask you the same thing," Liam retorts, crossing his arms and giving Killian a once over, amusement dancing in his eyes. "And what's with the pink robe?"

"What's wrong with the pink robe?" Killian frowns.

"You look ridiculous. And what happened to your rule about not sleeping with customers, hmmm?"

Emma eyeballs Killian with a raised brow. "You had a rule about that?"

Killian sighs, his features falling in apology as he glances at Emma. "I did, but I made an exception for you, love," he says softly wrapping his free arm around her and planting a kiss to her forehead.

"But you could've told me," she whispers to him.

"And miss out on an amazing night with a fiery lass who's not shy about what she wants? I don't think so," he murmurs.

Emma's heart melts. She's so relieved that not only does he not do this with other clients, but he has a rule against it as well. She turns and captures Killian's lips, getting lost in the kiss until the sound of Liam clearing his throat tears them apart.

Killian scowls at him. "And what about you? Belle is getting married soon," he reminds his brother in an accusatory tone.

Liam sighs. "Nothing happened between us." His eyes fleet to Emma's. "Look, I'm sorry to give you the wrong impression, Emma, but I would like to make it up to you by taking you and Belle out to breakfast. And I'm fully aware you'll want to tag along," he adds, glancing at his brother.

"Aye, as long as Emma doesn't mind."

"No, not at all."

Killian's about to head towards the hallway, but stops in his tracks, turning towards them again. "There's one small problem, though - I don't have any clothes besides my costume."

"Yes, you do. I brought you a change of clothes when I came back last night." Liam picks up the duffle bag from the floor and tosses it to him. "Go change and meet us in the van in fifteen minutes."

Emma follows Killian into her bedroom, and they change their clothes, doing their best to deny the temptation to go another round in the sack instead. It takes great will power, but they're emerging from her bedroom ten minutes later. Killian's hands are on her hips from behind and his lips are smothering her cheek with kisses. Emma giggles and turns around in his arms, looking into his eyes, and whispering, "Aren't you glad you stayed for a happy ending?"

Killian smiles, warm and broad, and it sets Emma's heart on fire and makes her stomach do those familiar flips it does whenever he looks at her like that. He caresses her cheek with his thumb and leans in, speaking softly, "I have a feeling this is only the happy beginning," before taking possession of her lips with his.