17 years old

She had gotten the news at dinner last night that Misthaven's Marvel would be returning to port on the day of their 17th birthday. It couldn't be a coincidence, it was fate she thought as she lay down for bed that night. Her excitement quickly gave way to nerves. She hadn't seen him for almost a year. Would he still feel the same, would he kiss her again? And now what would she do at the ball her mother was throwing? She barely knew how to dance, which she didn't give one damn about until she found out Killian Jones would be there. She tossed and turned through the night, working out a plan for her dancing issue, but still couldn't calm her nerves about where they stood now.

The next morning she set out to remedy her two left feet problem. Hence the situation she found herself in currently.

"You are terrible at this!" she doubled over in laughter. She and Graham had become fast friends when he was hired on as lead huntsmen, and the princess' new protective escort in Killian's absence.

"I'm not that bad," he feigned hurt, "I'm just not that used to leading is all."

"Well, how the hell am I going to learn from you if you can't lead, Graham?" she questioned, no sting in her words, "c'mon let's give it another go," she beckoned.

He stood at first position and she stepped to him putting one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. He began the count, but almost as soon as they started he was stepping on her toes again.

She put her head to his chest and laughed again. "Maybe we're going about this the wrong way, how about you just tell me the steps," she suggested.

They sat down side by side where they had stood, and Graham methodically went through the steps with her.

"Why the sudden urge to learn to waltz," he asked.

She blushed at his prodding.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with the return of the Marvel would it?" he teased.

She giggled, and covered her face to try and hide her embarrassment, "And just how do you know about their return?" she poked right back.

"Please," he stated with flourish, "I know when there are sailors in port."

"Sailors, or a particular sailor," she playfully taunted.

It was his turn to blush, "Who told you?"

"You just did!" she squealed in delight at her discovery.

"Well then, I guess we are both awaiting the return of our sailors," he stated standing up. He offered her his hand and pulled her to a standing position.

"Who is he? Tell me about him!" she insisted.

She'd known of Graham's orientation since they met. She'd made no bones about her lack of interest in men, stating only that she was saving herself for someone. So he'd made no bones about his lack of interest in women… period. But now she knew there was a special someone for him too.

"His name is Will Scarlet," he told her, the tips of his ears turning pink, "he's a troublemaker, and a pain in the arse, but he's my troublemaking pain in the arse."

"He's good to you?" she checked.

"The best," Graham answered, "how about you, princess does your sailor treat you right?"

"Well, I kinda have to make sure he's still mine," she admitted, "we didn't exactly have an official thing before he left. But Killian has always been good to me, he's my best friend."

"That is the sweetest thing I have ever heard," Graham burst out, then added, "he'd be a fool to choose anyone else, Emma."

She'd always had a hard time with compliments, not knowing how to respond, she leaned forward and gave him a hug.

They ran through the steps for another 15 minutes, which was better than nothing she supposed. "Alright princess, it's time for you to get ready for your ball, and your love," he winked, brushing a kiss to her hand.

"Will, I see you there tonight?"

"No princess, alas I have other plans that need attending," he answered gleefully.

"Good luck then," she wished him, "and thank you for helping me today," she added, turning to walk back to the castle; she had much to attend to as well.

Killian had made a strong impression on his first underway. It had more to do with his impressive work ethic and his above average strategic planning skills than the King's warning to Captain Robin Hood that he had eventual plans for Killian, so he needed him kept alive. Captain Hood had decided then and there to take Killian under his wing so to speak, so while David had gotten Killian's foot in the door, Killian had gotten himself promoted to Lieutenant faster than most. Robin taught the young sailor everything he knew, passed along all his knowledge to Killian who soaked it up with ease. He'd become the Captain's right hand man, and according to Robin, like the brother he never had.

Killian had been ecstatic at being told the ship would make port in time for her 17th birthday. He was sure Snow would be celebrating this occasion with a grand ball, and he planned to march in there and sweep her off her feet, dance the night away with her. He'd been dreaming of kissing her soft lips since he'd left. He'd missed her fiercely, her absence leaving a swan sized hole in his heart. First though, he needed to speak to the King, regarding his intentions toward the princess.

He hopped off the ship with a bounce in his step, his last fresh uniform, saved from their last port call specifically for their arrival home, folded in his seabag. "Permission to leave for liberty," he asked his Captain.

"Eager, are we Jones," his Captain smirked. Killian had become close enough with Robin to confide in him a bit about his affections toward the princess.

"Aye, sir," he responded, his cheeks pinking under his Captain's teasing.

"Knock it off with that sir bullshit and go get the girl, mate," Robin called to him with a grin on his face.

"Aye, mate," he smiled back, taking off in the direction of the castle.

On his walk back he imagined the moment he would lay eyes on her again, his heart soaring at just the thought of her. He had enough time that he would be able to speak to David and Snow, to ask them for permission to court her. He worried that they may deny him, he hoped that they'd see the love he felt for her, and that it would be enough.

Her laughing in the distance pulled him out of his ponderings, what a glorious sound to his ears. He rounded the tall hedges, and his heart stopped. There she stood, more beautiful than he remembered. But she was with another. Killian stood there frozen and watched the scene unfold. They were laughing, dancing, sharing a private conversation. All things he'd dreamed of doing with the princess upon his return.

Suddenly, it was too much for him, he retreated back behind the hedge. His head was spinning, he actually felt physically hurt, an ache in his chest, and a heavy weight upon his very soul. What a bloody fool he'd been, thinking the Princess would wait for the likes of him. He shook his head at his own stupidity, and let the self loathing take over. He walked away not caring to see or hear anymore, he took the back way up to his room. When he got there, he laid down on his bed and stared a hole in his ceiling. He felt a sadness, partly at what might've been if he'd never left, partly at the fact that apparently what they had, hadn't meant as much to Emma, as it had to him. He couldn't hold it against her though, she was a princess, he was… a no one. He told himself to suck it up. He would wash, get dressed, attend this ball for his dearest friend, and then perhaps the Royal Navy could find a place for him back on the open seas.

This was the most eager Snow had ever seen her daughter over a ball. Of course, she knew it had everything to do with Killian's return, and nothing to do with a sudden change of heart regarding royal traditions. She smiled to herself, as she couldn't help but get a little caught up in her daughter's happiness and the young love that was blossoming between the two.

Emma put on her dress, with only thoughts of how soon she'd see Killian. She was a bit disappointed he hadn't come to see her before the ball, but that just gave her more cause to hurry. She was absolutely giddy with excitement as well as apprehensive. She hummed a tune to herself, imagining the waltz steps in her head.

David noticed how broad and true Emma's grin was as he escorted her down the grand staircase, he knew it was because of Killian's return, and he didn't begrudge her that. Still, while one part of him was happy for her, the other half was in protective dad mode. He knew Killian was a good man, but no one was good enough for his little girl, right? He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and wished her a happy birthday, then led her mother onto the dance floor.

Butterflies were having their own ball in her stomach as she descended the staircase, she couldn't see him yet, where was he? And then he was there, he looked dashing in his naval uniform. She couldn't believe her eyes, he looked older, perhaps it was the uniform, or the austere expression he wore, or the rigid posture he stood with. She knew the moment he spotted her, his expression softened for a second before he was back to Officer Jones. Perhaps he had to maintain appearances in his uniform, she wondered to herself.

"Good evening, Princess Emma," he greeted her, with a bow and a polite kiss to her hand, "happy birthday."

"Happy birthday to you, Killian," she beamed, "I'm so happy you're back!" she continued, choosing to ignore the titled greeting he gave her.

"Thank you, lass," he answered stiffly.

Something was off, of that much she was sure. What she wasn't sure about was what exactly was off. Did he not feel the same, was he nervous too?

Killian racked his brain for anything else to say to her, as he stood there with his heart breaking wide open. What could he say to her that wouldn't be inappropriate after what he'd witnessed today? He needed to be away from her, before he did or said something stupid, "Enjoy your ball, Emma," he whispered, before turning to walk away.

Emma stared after him dumbfounded as to what had happened. She stood rooted, deep in thought, unable to do anything else. She zoned out as she watched him dance with Princess Aurora. She was in some kind of shock, making it hard to determine what she was feeling. When the dance ended she wondered if he'd return to her, to tell her what was wrong. But, before she could even start considering what the problem could be, he began dancing with Princess Cinderella. She decided then she might be feeling the blooming of anger. The final straw was when Princess Rapunzel walked up to him and he accepted a dance with her. Yes, she couldn't stand a moment more. She rapidly made her way toward the exit as the anger she thought she felt morphed into the real emotion she was feeling which was an infinite sadness.

She ran out to the furthest garden from the ballroom. How stupid, she thought… she had believed he would wait for her, that he'd come back to her. She sank down to her knees quietly letting the tears fall down her face, not caring that she was ruining her silky ballgown. She'd put the stupid dress on for him - knowing it matched his piercing blue eyes, eyes she'd longed to see for almost a year. She felt as though her heart were breaking, but how could that be? She began to cry harder realizing the depth to which her feelings for him flowed.

"You're far too radiant to be so unhappy, love," he spoke nonchalantly, handing her a middlemist from the lone bush. He'd followed her as he watched her leave the ballroom with such a distraught look on her face. He couldn't have her, but he still wasn't going to allow anyone to hurt her.

"Obviously not radiant enough for you," she mumbled, not accepting the flower.

Momentarily he forgot his own heartache, kneeling down into her space, "What are you on about, Swan?"

"It's nothing Killian, go back to dancing with your princesses –"

"My princesses," he sputtered, eyebrows raised to the heavens, "you sound a bit jealous love, considering you're the one who was hanging all over the Huntsman this afternoon."

"Wait, when did you see us?"

"So you don't deny it?"

She rolled her eyes at his refusal to answer her question, "We're just friends. He was trying to teach me to dance; I wanted to impress you when you returned, I wanted to be a worthy partner," she admitted, a deep red coloring her cheeks at allowing herself to be so vulnerable.

"You could've fooled me the way you two were carrying on," he accused, standing back up.

If she didn't know any better..."Are you jealous?" she asked incredulously, standing up as well.

"Yes, Emma, I'm jealous, does that make you feel better?" he answered turning his head away. He wanted to look at anything except the rejection, and pity he knew he'd see in her pretty green eyes. He'd always known that in the end, the son of the servant would never end up with the princess.

The blatant honesty and hurt she heard in his voice had her reeling. "He doesn't like me that way –" she started.

"So you've stated," he interrupted, "either you're blind, or he's the daftest of idiots,".

She reached out, and turned his face back to her, "Killian, I have no interest in Graham, and he doesn't like women that way," she explained, hoping he'd listen this time.

His whole demeanor changed in an instant, a barrage of emotions running across his face. Relief turned to joy, to sheepishness, and finally to ashamed, "I've been a bloody fool, haven't I?" he more stated than questioned, head bowed. "I saw you two and misread the situation. I acted out of hurt and jealousy, forgive me love? You are the only princess I've ever wanted to call mine, and I thought you'd moved on. Please tell me you understand, I'd never-"

She cut him off with a brief kiss to shut him up, "Of course I understand, that's exactly how I've felt all evening."

He could feel the wetness of her earlier tears on his cheeks when she pulled away far too quickly. It broke his heart again that he had caused them. He put a hand to her waist and made to pull her into a hug, but she put her hand to his chest, "Not so fast,buddy."

He looked at her confusion clear in the set of his jaw, and the tilt of his head, "What is it,love?"

"Promise me, Killian, the next time you're upset about something you'll come to me first, and talk to me, instead of assuming the worst about me. Watching you with those other women really hurt."

"Emma, I'm so sorry I hurt you, allow me to explain?" he begged, handing her the flower again.

She nodded in acquiescence, accepting it this time.

"It was not you who I doubted," he started, bringing her free hand to rest over his heart, and his hand to her cheek, "I saw what I saw, and my belief that I am not worthy of you got the best of me-"

"That's such horse shit, Killian, why does it always come back to status?" she asked wearily. He placed a single finger to her lips to quiet her.

"- but you've shown me tonight that you do find me worthy, and though I'll never understand it, I will cherish it," he sealed his declaration with a chaste kiss to her lips. "How can I make it up to you princess?" he beseeched, bringing her into his tender embrace.

It took a moment for his admission to permeate her shocked senses, the kiss, then his finger upon her lips, his hand on her waist, on her cheek, now encompassed by him, she couldn't keep up! She shook her head to clear it, "First, you can stop calling me princess, then you can continue by dancing with me, although I make no promises, the lesson wasn't stellar which you would've seen if you were really looking."

"Again, my darling Emmaswan, I do apologize," he smiled.

The use of her old nickname made her genuinely smile.

"And, there's only one rule in dancing, pick a partner who knows what he's doing," he said with the utmost confidence, and the smoldering expression to match it.

She rolled her eyes at his cocky response. But he wasn't wrong.

He led her gracefully around the gardens, one hand holding hers, and the other around her lower back, humming softly in her ear sending a delicious chill down her spine.

"Shall we go back inside, you're starting to shiver," he whispered, rubbing his hand up and down her back in an attempt to warm her.

She shook her head, "I'm not cold. " Emma stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him with all her might. She threaded her fingers around his neck, and up into his raven hair, gently caressing his head. Moving her body closer to his, she released his mouth to look into his gaze. She wanted to know if he understood what she meant.

It took a moment for him to realize that she meant he was causing those shivers. He was new to this, they were both inexperienced in the physical side of love and devotion, their only experience was that day long ago in the middlemist field.

Killian raised his eyebrows at his brazen princess, and dove in for another kiss. His hands tightened on her waist of their own accord, thumbs rubbing a circular motion on her abdomen. He was having a hard time keeping his hormones in check, but Gods above he didn't want to stop either. He'd dreamt about this since he'd left, and who was he kidding, he'd dreamt about this for much longer than the past year.

She felt his hands slowly massaging up her sides till they rested right below her breasts, his thumbs barely brushing over her swells. She was having a hard time keeping her composure. His touch was setting her alight, this territory they were exploring sending signals to new places in her body. It was...

"Ahem," a disgruntled voice interrupted.

It was deja vu.