Chapter 5 – Awakened

A high pitched ringing resonated in Emma's ears as she opened her eyes, a soldier and two doctors leaning over her. Squinting against the light, Emma pushed herself into a sitting position, holding up an arm to indicate to the three men that she didn't need their help. Behind the doctor, she caught sight of Killian laying on the ground motionless. She stood with a small grunt of pain, ignoring the throbbing in her skull.

The princess barely registered the way her knees scraped against the rough rock of the courtyard as she dropped down next to her fiancé. "Killian."She breathed out, smiling sadly as she brushed back a strand of his dark hair. His clothes were dirty, and apart from his missing hand he seemed to only sport some minor scars, she deducted after giving his body a once over.

"Take him to our chambers." Emma looked up and met the doctor's eyes in a steely gaze, doing her best to keep her emotions in check. As two men bent down to pick up the stretcher Killian lay on, Emma couldn't help but reprimand them, telling them to be careful. She rested her hand on Killian's as they made their way up into the castle, asking the doctor to tell her all he knew about the prince's state.

Once Emma had settled Killian in their bed, she dismissed the other men, telling them she would call if they needed anything. When she was alone with her love, she practically melted into him, blinking back the tears that were threatening to fall. "Come back to me, Killian. Please." She begged, carefully resting her head against his. He looked terrible, dirty and tired, but Emma couldn't have cared less in that moment. He was back in her arms, his familiar warmth pressed up against her.

For a long hour, Emma fought back sleep, knowing she needed to stay awake for Killian. The mentally exhausting events of the day catching up to her, Emma succumbed to the newfound comfort her fiancé provided, drifting into a dreamless sleep.

A cry of pain brought her out of her slumber, making her sit up. Killian's face was contorted in pain, his eyes closed as her let out heart wrenching sounds. Unsure whether he was awake or simply having a nightmare, Emma set a hand on his chest. "Killian, I'm here." She called softly. A gasp flew out of her mouth when he opened his eyes, the bright blue color she had always found there gone, replaced by a dark and dull gray. Her heart broke for him, unable to even imagine the horrors he had been through.

"Emma… You're- I'm h-home?"Killian's bottom lip trembled as he spoke, his voice rough and uneven. Emma's shoulders shook, sobs threatening to overtake her body. She simply nodded, dropping her head to rest on his chest, hearing his steady heartbeat. He weakly managed to lift one arm and set it on her waist, his tired eyes searching her face in disbelief. She was finally here, back in his arms, yet he was too weak to even hold her properly. When her sobs started, racking her body, Killian fought back to the pain and turned his head to kiss her cheek sloppily, his muscles aching at the strain.

"I love you."He breathed out, his throat burning. His words only made Emma cry harder, gripping the lapels of his worn uniform. It took her a few minutes to find the strength to pull back, her face hovering inches from his. "I love you too. I missed you so much, Killian..." She whispers, tears streaming down her face and falling onto his dark blue vest. "Don't ever leave me again." She pleads, resting one hand on his cheek, his scruff scratching her thumb.

"Never." He replied, then started to cough, his throat dry. Emma was quick to reach for the water pitcher on the bedside table, filling a cup and bringing it to his lips. Killian drank greedily, drops of water dribbling down his chin and onto the mattress. "Slow down, sailor." Emma smiled softly as she pulled the glass away and set it down. The corner of Killian's lips turned up into a smile at his old nickname, and he nodded as Emma gently wiped his chin.

Carefully, Emma got off the bed, squeezing Killian's hand when he whimpered. "I'm just getting something to clean your face, okay?" She said softly, going to grab a wet cloth. The princess then returned to her fiancé, sitting on the bed beside him. She stroked his dark hair as she gently washed the dirt off his face, his eyes never leaving her face. Eventually Emma called the doctors in, never letting go of Killian's hand as they poked and prodded him. It was only once they departed, satisfied that Killian would recover, that Emma leaned in to kiss his cheek. "Let's get you cleaned up." She said, helping him sit up. "I asked the maids to run you a bath while you slept, it should still be warm, if you feel up to it." She suggests, to which Killian nods.

After some hard effort from both Emma, in supporting Killian, and Killian, in doing his best to bear his own weight, the prince made it to the ceramic tub. Emma carefully undressed him, folding his worn and dirty uniform on a nearby armchair before helping him sit in the tub, kneeling beside him and never letting go of him. She made sure to keep his stump out of the water, not wanting to worsen his condition. "You okay?" She asked softly, stroking his lower arm when he nodded in response. "Aye. Thank you, Emma." He tried for a smile, watching her intently as she reached for the bar of soap.

"I've got you, Killian. Relax." She said soothingly, gently washing him, careful to mind his scars. He let his head fall back and closed his eyes, relishing in the feeling of Emma's fingers massaging his scalp as she washed his hair. It felt amazing to find a sense of familiarity after so long, in the way that Emma took care of him, in the way she looked at him, in the way she loved him.

He was home.

This is it! The last chapter, if only for now. I absolutely loved exploring this verse, and there's a chance I might revisit it in the future. Thank you for all your support, you guys are amazing!