He's pretty sure he just heard her giggle. Searching his memory, he can't remember a time when that sound has come from her lips. It warms his heart to hear it. He can see her smile from across the room, big and bright and full of life. He's wanted to see her smile more and now…he's lost count of how many he sees in a single day. Sometimes he catches her smiling to herself when she doesn't think anyone is looking. She'll be lost in thought and he'll wait until he sees the slight upturn of her lips before tearing his gaze away. He can't help but be transfixed by her in these moments, as this happiness is all he has ever wanted for her.
Her physical affection is even more surprising. She's been a bit prickly in the past, something she's remarked on about herself more than once. He can remember a time when she would turn on her heel and walk away before accepting a comforting embrace, retreating behind her walls and hiding her heart away. Now, the hand holding, hugs, kisses given freely in public, are all common occurrences. She reaches for her brother every time he enters her orbit, cradling him closely and showering him with butterfly kisses. She's even been connecting with her mother more. Late night chats over cocoa, wine when the conversation calls for it. He had to sleep alone one night after finding them passed out together in Emma's bed amongst a pile of their dresses.
Her magic doesn't scare her anymore. He smiles, remembering the tiny stars she created that glow in her brother's room at night above his crib. After Henry tried to fly using only happy thoughts and no pixie dust, she healed his broken wrist without a second thought or a call to Regina. She doesn't use her powers as a crutch, but as a tool only when her wits and inherent strength aren't enough. When her magic is still surging from her palms after overuse, she doesn't retreat and hide, but holds his hand andhe brings her back down. He grounds her.
A second giggle shakes him from his musings. He watches as she bestows him with a kiss to the cheek before settling back to her work. He saunters past, giving his customary nod, before making his way to the exit of the station.
"Killian."
The pirate stops and looks back, obviously a bit surprised to hear the use of his given name.
"Yes, David."
He walks over to the pirate and steels himself for the confession he knows he needs to make.
"I've never been happier to be wrong about something in my entire life."
Killian looks him in the eye and they share a long, silent conversation. Flashes of heated words and accusations in the Neverland jungle are replaced with the memory of a fireside chat and heartfelt declarations. They both glance to Emma and then back to each other. This time Killian's nod is one of understanding and acceptance.
"Me too, mate…me too."
David gives him a friendly pat to his shoulder, before grasping it a bit more firmly to get his attention.
"If you hurt her, Snow will kill you. She's been aching for some target practice."