This is the continuation of Chapter 7, and picks up right where the last chapter left off. In order to make up for the short chapter last week, this one is a little bit longer than my normal chapters. Hope you enjoy it!
****7/30/16 This story has been rated T, however Chapter 8 MAY walk the line between T and M for some readers. Please note chapter 9 to be posted next week will be rated M, and for that reason I have decided to change the rating of the story to M overall, even though the rest of the chapters will be T.
When Emma arrived to the stable, Killian already had Buttercup ready for her. He extended his hand to her and helped her up onto her mare. They both knew she didn't need a lick of help mounting her own horse, but Killian Jones was a gentleman, and he was going to see to it that today was perfect.
"You look stunning, Swan," he complimented, gazing up at her in her black riding attire, and her blue silk button up. It wasn't overly common for women to dress this way, but some of the more progressive shops in town were selling more appropriate riding clothes for women now, and Emma had jumped at the chance to not wear a dress to ride.
Even though she had experienced Killian's kind words and compliments her whole life, especially in the last year, she still blushed, "Thank you," a slight breathlessness in her voice, betraying her nerves.
She's acting as nervous as I feel, Killian thought.
"Everything okay, lass?" he questioned, resting his hand over hers where she held the reins.
Emma's heart beat a little faster at his question, "Yes, let's just get going," she smiled at him.
"I want to take you somewhere new today," Killian suggested hopefully.
Emma's eyes shot to his, a glimmer showing her enthusiasm at a new adventure, "I'll go anywhere with you," she declared, unaware of the joy set alight in Killian's heart at those words.
With that Killian climbed up on Westley and the two set out. They set a brisk pace, each enjoying the fresh air grazing their faces, and just the mere presence of the other. There was something freeing about being astride a horse, feeling the powerful gallop propelling them through the forest.
He'd discovered this place one day during a training operation, he'd gotten slightly turned around and ended up at a small lake he'd never seen before. He'd immediately thought of Emma when he took in the beauty of the surrounding area. Shrouded in the woods, with a grotto toward the far end of the lake, it was a piece of heaven. He had been excited to bring her there, but knew he would wait for a special occasion. Today was just that occasion.
As they approached the area, they slowed their pace as Emma took in everything around her. They both dismounted, Emma looking around in amazement, while Killian watched her.
"It's magnificent, Killian," she exclaimed, "how did you find this place?"
"I'm afraid it boils down to my navigational skills failing me one day while training," he grinned sheepishly, "never have I been so happy about getting lost though."
"Why is that," she questioned eyebrows furrowed.
"The moment I saw this place, I thought of you and how I'd love nothing more than to spend afternoons here with you," he replied, walking up to her and taking her hands in his.
Emma's cheeks pinked at his admission, and immediately the butterflies were back in her stomach. Her mind instantaneously conjured up some of the things she'd like to do here in this mystic haven.
He loved when she blushed, and he told her so bringing his hand to her cheek to lovingly caress it. "You are lovely when you blush," he spoke softly, and leaned in to kiss her other cheek.
Emma's hands wrapped around his waist, coiling tightly around him. She wanted to live in this moment, in his arms. She felt so loved, and at peace in that instant, "I love you, Killian."
"And I love you, Emma," he returned her sentiment, then closed the small gap and kissed her lips. He was gentle as he kissed first her upper lip then the bottom, he opened his lips slightly to nip at her bottom lip again.
Emma seized the opportunity and tongued at his lower lip, ever so lightly at first. She leaned into him more, and pulled his lip into her mouth, applying just a bare amount of suction. She moaned at the sensation of tasting a small part of him. Although they'd made out many times, something about the magic of this place had all her senses heightened.
Killian enjoyed the affection she lavished on him, especially when she made those divine noises. He couldn't help but think what other noises he'd be able to elicit from her, but almost as quickly as he'd thought it, he banished it from his mind. He couldn't be distracted, he had a question he was dying to ask his lass. "Swan, as much as I'd love to taste your lips all day, I brought you out here for a reason," he broke away, causing Emma to sulk at the loss of his lips.
"Oh? And what's that?" she questioned, trying to pull him back in for another smooch.
He didn't deny her, letting her latch on again as he spoke between her sprinkling little pecks to his lips and cheeks, "I have something I want to discuss with you."
She pulled back to look at him, a question in her eyes, "What a coincidence, I have something to talk to you about too," she spoke slowly, searching his face to determine what type of news he might have to discuss. She could sense he was a little apprehensive, which put her a little on edge. "You first," she added, trying not to let negative possibilities flood her thoughts.
"Not so fast," he chided, he broke apart from her to grab a blanket and his satchel from one of the saddlebags. He grabbed her hand intertwining their fingers, "Walk with me, love?"
She nodded her head in acquiescence, and they started around the lake. When they arrived at the small grotto area Emma's breath was taken away, it was spectacular. While Killian set up their blanket under a large weeping willow tree, Emma took in the peaceful waterfall that flowed over the grotto itself, the waters inside looked calm and inviting. Lost in her amazement at the sights around her she didn't notice Killian walking up behind her, until his arms wrapped around her waist, his solid chest at her back and his chin at her shoulder.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"Do I like it?" she repeated, bewildered by his choice of words, "Killian, it is… I can't even describe it, this place is perfect, I love it."
"Good," he whispered into her ear, sending a small shiver down her spine.
She turned in his arms and brought both hands to his face, "Thank you for sharing this place with me," she murmured before pulling him into another kiss, she kept it short as she knew he still had something to tell her. Pulling away, she grabbed his hands from around her waist and led them both to the blanket where she plopped down unceremoniously. "Alright then, what point of business do you wish to discuss Mr. Jones," she affected a serious tone, but the sparkle in her eyes gave her away. She took off her jacket as she waited for him to start speaking.
His throat had suddenly gone dry as he realized the moment was upon them. He stared at her while sitting across from her, everything he wanted to say swirled haphazardly around in his mind.
"Killian? You're making me nervous. It's just me, you can tell me anything," she encouraged, taking both his hands in hers and lacing their fingers.
"Sorry, love, no need for you to be nervous. I'm a bit nervous," he chortled, then he took in a deep breath. "Emma, do you know how much I love you? How much this past year has meant to me?" he asked with an impassioned tone.
She nodded her affirmation waiting for him to continue.
"You mean everything to me, and I can only hope I make you nearly as happy as you make me," he continued.
Her eyes began to well with tears at his simple but special words, how could he not know that she felt exactly the same. She had a feeling she knew what was coming next, a pit formed in her stomach and her hands started to feel clammy.
"I can't imagine a life where you're not in it," he paused as he saw two tears stream down her cheeks. "Love, why are you crying? I'm not saying these things to upset you."
"I knew it," she spoke shakily, "you have to leave on the ship again, right?" Fresh tears spilled and she felt a sharp tug at her heart. "I can handle it of course, but I don't want to have to miss you again," a deep sadness colored her tone as she withdrew her hands from his and threw them around his neck. She could feel him shaking in her arms, and that made her cry harder. If he was crying, how bad was it, how long would they be separated for? She broke away from him determined to find a way to keep him from having to leave, surely being princess afforded her some sway. "What the- why are you laughing? You think this is funny?" she yelled.
Killian raised his hands in surrender, but couldn't stop the laughter.
Emma stood up to walk away, her feelings hurt from his callous behavior.
"Emma, love," he choked out trying to catch his breath. He grabbed her hand before she could storm off, "Emma," he repeated, "come sit back down my love, I'm not going anywhere."
"You're laughing at me- wait what? You're not leaving?," there was such hope in her voice, he couldn't help but love her more.
"No, love, whatever gave you that idea?" he asked.
"You did, you brat," she huffed, "the way you were talking made me think you had to leave again," she admitted, sitting back down by his side.
"The way I was talking," confusion was clear in his voice now, "I was telling you how much I love you and need you in my life. You assumed the worst," he scolded, although there was no bite in his tone.
Her eyes narrowed, "Alright then, where were you going with all your sweet talking, Jones?"
"Well before you interrupted me- Ouch!" he bit out when she slugged his arm in retaliation, "you hit like a bloody battering ram, Swan," he whined, rubbing at his arm.
"Oh don't be a baby," she chastised with a giggle at his theatrics, "and I didn't interrupt you on purpose, I got upset," she explained.
"Alright, before you got upset, I was saying, I can't imagine a life where you're not in it. And then I was going to say, I want to spend the rest of our lives together." He paused to stand up and reached into his pocket, he pulled out the black silk bag and then knelt back down, on one knee of course, right in front of his beautiful princess, "Will you marry me, Emma Swan?" he finished the last part with love and hope visible in his eyes and audible in his soft question.
Her tears had started back up the instant she realized what he was actually doing, though this time they fell over her brilliant smile. Her heart was beating a million miles a minute, and her whole being felt as light as if it were soaring through the air. "Yes, Killian, yes I want to marry you and spend the rest of our lives together," she accepted excitedly.
He slipped the ring onto her finger and admired the perfect fit before placing a kiss to the back of her hand.
She threw her arms around him with such force she knocked him off balance, and landed on top of him, not even stopping see if he was ok, she kissed his lips and face repeatedly. "I love you so much," she whispered in between sweet kisses.
"And I you," he whispered back. His heart felt like it might burst as full as it was at the moment, he felt like the luckiest man in all the world. He held his princess tightly as she peppered his lips and face with little kisses, loving every moment of her affections. "Let's go for a swim, love," he suggested.
"I didn't bring anything to swim in," she said disappointedly, .
"I brought you something to wear," he spoke abashedly, scratching behind his ear, "if you don't mind changing here."
Emma's breath hitched at the thought of being bare before him, "Ok," she agreed meekly.
He sat them both up, though Emma remained in his lap, and reached for his satchel. He pulled one of his shirts from the bag and handed it to her. He noticed she was blushing again as she took the proffered shirt. "We don't have to if you want to wait till next time, we will come out here again."
"No, I want to go, I- I'm just not sure where to change," she admitted, feeling just a little shy despite the intentions she had come here with.
"I'll turn around, love," he promised.
"I- I don't mind," she breathed out, "that is, I don't mind if you watch me, it's just weird because we're outside."
Hearing her confession, Killian felt an all too familiar tightening in his trousers, the same feeling had been plaguing him for years where his Swan was concerned, "Don't say things like that, love, you're going to be the death of me," he groaned, squirming beneath her to try and find some semblance of comfort.
"What's the matter, Jones," she giggled at his discomfort, "afraid I'm going to feel your love for me?"
"What would you know about that, Swan?" he asked, eyebrows raised at his princess' cognizance regarding his situation.
"Oh, Ruby from the kitchen likes to talk about her escapades...a lot," she simply stated, "I've learned a few things since you've been gone."
"Entertain me, darling, what pray tell has Ruby taught you," he questioned.
"Uh uh," she answered, "that's for me to know," she got up and snatched away the shirt from him.
"Well if you won't tell me that, at least tell me what you wished to speak to me about?" he bargained. Flashing her his most dazzling smile, he added "My curiousity is piqued, alas, I could not wait to ask you my question first."
Emma started to unbutton her blue blouse, and of course being a gentleman, Killian stood up and turned around. She rolled her eyes as she slipped her shirt and chemise off, and dressed in his cream colored linen shirt. Removing her pants and boots, his shirt hung down to her mid thigh, covering the important parts, "Alright, sailor, I'm decent," she teased, hands on her hips.
When Killian turned around he couldn't believe the view, he'd no idea just how sexy she'd look in his shirt. She'd left the laces untied, the blouse hanging open revealing the valley between her breasts, and her legs seemed to go on for days. He eyed her up and down, doing his best not to ogle, he couldn't help himself, he'd never seen so much of his love's striking skin in all his life. "Gods you are gorgeous," he muttered. He was positively aching, perhaps the cool water will help alleviate this torture, he thought. He wasted no time in removing his shirt, then signaled for her to turn around, he did not need the embarrassment of her seeing his frenzied state.
She rolled her eyes at him, which was nothing knew, but acceded to his request. She was dying to see him, all of him; why is he being so prudent, she thought. She heard a large splash in the water and immediately turned to see Killian emerging from beneath it's surface. Emma Swan had never seen anything so alluring in all her life. She watched as he wiped the water from his face and ran his hand through his dripping hair, her eyes roamed lower taking in a full chest of hair that she thought she might want to nuzzle into and live in. She couldn't help the literal trail her eyes took as she followed that dark hair further down his toned belly, and even lower to where it met his linen under-trousers which were slung obscenely low across his jutting pelvic bones. The water mercilessly blocked her penetrating gaze from seeing anything further.
"See something you like?" he flirted.
"Maybe," she replied non-committally.
He laughed in response, "Are you just going to stand there and ogle me, or join me?" a slight challenge to his voice.
Emma looked at the glorious man before her. As his tongue licked along his lower lip, he punctuated his lascivious actions by biting down on it. She was mesmerized, he had to know what he was doing to her. She walked toward the water, staring at him all the while. When she reached him, the water came slightly higher on her just touching her belly button. She felt hot despite the coolness of the water, her shirt had not stayed in place but instead tried to continually to float to the surface of the water. She was trying her best to hold it down, a sudden case of modesty flooding her, both hands fisted into the material at each of her thighs.
Killian extended his hand to her when she reached him, unaware of her wardrobe malfunction. He wasn't sure what to make of it when she just stared at his hand, then to her legs and back to his hand. "What's the matter, love?"
"Ummm, I'm trying to stay decent Lt. Jones," she deadpanned, "your shirt seems to like to float."
"I promise not to look at you knickers, lass," he joked, the mere thought of her knickers making him a bit dizzy.
"Yeah, about that...I'm not wearing any," she grinned while shrugging her shoulders as if to say sorry, not sorry?
"Well go get them!" he pleaded his voice rising an octave.
Her eyes went wide at his misunderstanding, "I meant I didn't wear any today, Killian." A bright red blush colored her cheeks again at having to say it out loud.
"Bloody Hell, Swan! Now you're trying to kill me," he accused, subconsciously bringing his hands to cover the front of his tenting linens.
Emma cracked up again at his theatrics, then began to walk toward the waterfall, "I want to see inside the grotto, are you coming," the hint of a challenge in her tone. She didn't have to peek over her shoulder to know he would follow her.
He watched her as she sauntered toward the waterfall and walked through it, disappearing behind the cascading water. Pull yourself together man, he thought.
The waterfall enveloped her, it was colder than the lake itself. She shivered as she continued to walk to the deepest recesses running both her hands through her hair to push back the water from her face. The water became shallower as she reached the furthest point, she turned around and leaned against the rock enclosure to wait for Killian.
He took his time getting to Emma, trying desperately to clear his head of his carnal thoughts. He wanted to actually hear what she wanted to speak to him about. Upon reaching her, he knew it might be a lost cause. It was dimmer where she waited, though not dark. She was wet, her face damp and hair wild, and he could see the outline of her breasts through his now transparent shirt. It clung to her every curve, the water not even reaching her pert backside now. He reached out and grasped both her hands in his, weaving their fingers together, "Emma, love, I don't mean to stare, but I've dreamed about this for ages, and now that you're really here in front of me, I can't bring myself to look at anything else." His desperate gaze sought hers, "I'm sorry, I'm having a hard time summoning my inner gentleman," he apologized.
Emma had to make a concentrated effort to listen to his words, she could literally see the effect she was having on him and it was a heady sensation. "There is no need to apologize," she started, clearing her throat when she heard the raspiness in it, she licked her lips and swallowed, trying to prepare her thoughts, "this is actually what I want to talk to you about."
"What is? Anything love, name it," he begged, he was holding onto her hands tightly to keep his from roaming anywhere indecent.
"We are 18 now, extremely in love, and now engaged," she pointed out, wiggling the fingers of her hand bearing his ring as point of proof. When he said nothing, but continued to gaze expectantly into her eyes she knew she'd have to spell it out for him. "I want you, Killian, all of you, I want you to make love to me."
He heard his sharp intake of breath as clearly as he'd heard her words. He clenched his eyes shut, the thoughts physically shooting through his body, he exhaled slowly before opening his eyes to look at her again. "And I will, princess, as soon as we are married," he promised.
"No," she proclaimed.
"No?"
"No, I don't want to wait that long," she clarified.
"It doesn't have to be a long engagement," he suggested.
"Oh please, you know my mother, she will want my dress made by the Arendelle tailors, that alone involves a trip to another kingdom, or waiting for them to come here. She'll need to invite everyone in the world, and that will take forever," she grumbled. Pulling her hands out of his firm grasp, she brought them to his waist, feeling the solid muscle under his soft skin for the first time. She pulled him closer and could hear the shaky breath that left his lips, "I don't want to wait that long. I've waited long enough, haven't you?"
"Aye, when you put it like that, I've waited and wanted since I can remember," he admitted in a husky tone. His arms still hung by his side, afraid to take too much.
"It's okay to touch me," she murmured. She grabbed his hand and brought it to her heart, then she replaced hers at his waist, and stared into his eyes. They stayed like that for a few moments, just taking the other in.
Killian finally broke from his frozen state, he could feel her heart beating rapidly under his palm where she'd placed it. He slid his hand up toward her throat and around to the side of her neck, his thumb caressing her cheek. Placing his other arm around her waist he pulled her body flush against his, "Is this okay?" he asked, never breaking their eye contact.
"Yes," Emma moaned, she could feel everything, their bodies pressed together from chest to thigh, "Kiss me."
He didn't need her to say it again, Killian's advanced on her with vigor. Their breathing was heavy, as their tongues collided, teeth nipping, a desperation present in this kiss.
Emma's hands wandered, they ran the gamut running up his back along his lean sides, to his strong shoulders, then back down again to firmly cup his ass. She smiled through their kisses, wholeheartedly enjoying each new sensation. She longed to explore more, but held herself off.
Killian took a moment to explore her as well, his hand around her back wandered up her side as it had several times before. Every time he was in this moment, they'd been interrupted. He slowly worked his splayed hand over her breast, drawing in a satisfied breath at finally crossing this frontier. He played there, feeling the weight of first one then the other, fascinated with her hardening peaks, he brushed his thumb over them to see them rise again.
"Killian," she panted, "please?"
He pulled back to look at her, and wondered if he looked as wrecked as she did. "We shouldn't, though I can't deny you anything, my love," he professed, "but not here. Please, I wish to have you properly for our first time. I want you to be as comfortable as possible. I've heard it can be painful the first time, for you. I don't want to compound that by taking you right here against the rocks."
She whimpered as he untangled himself further, leaving a space between them. Closing her eyes, she inhaled and exhaled deeply. She knew he was right. "I love you," she affirmed, opening her eyes and smiling adoringly. "Thank you for looking out for me," she added.
"Always, Emma. I will always take care of you," he vowed, "Now, before I lose all semblance of control, can we please just swim?"
"Yes," she sighed, "but promise me one thing?"
"Anything, darling," reverence clear in his answer.
"Don't make me wait too long?" she asked with a sparkle of mischief in her eyes, her smile small and hopeful.
"I promise, love," he answered affectionately. Then he pulled her to him swiftly, picked her up bridal style and proceeded to walk out of the grotto.
She squealed when he picked her up as though she were a feather and laced her arms around his neck. "So, Mr. Jones, I am curious about one thing, how do you know what a ladies' first time is like?"
Even though she had a radiant smile on her lips, he could see genuine curiosity in her eyes. "Well, Ms. Swan, the lads on the ship like to talk about their escapades… a lot," he duplicated her coy answer from earlier, "I learned many things while I was gone. Rest assured, I've experienced none, save for what I've experienced with you," he explained, hoping she didn't think anything more licentious had gone on. "You are the only woman for me, Swan," he whispered, leaning in to place a kiss on her lips.
"Mmmm," she hummed into his kiss, "good answer."
They swam for a bit after that, then got ready to head back as they had a dinner to attend with her parents. They kept things proper, each averting their gaze as the other dressed, then began the trek back home.
When they arrived back at the castle Emma made haste in getting to their rooms to avoid any questions from her parents regarding her still damp hair, or the newest addition to her jewelry collection. She was beyond excited to see if her parents noticed, and nervous at the same time. When Emma's bath had been drawn, she hopped in washed quickly. She wanted to make herself presentable for tonight's special dinner. When she was finished, the last pin placed in her hair, she slipped on her shoes and dashed out her door. Jogging down the hall while gazing at her ring wasn't a great plan, she ran straight into her father, luckily he'd seen her coming and had his arms out to brace for impact.
"Whoa, there princess, in a bit of a rush?" he laughed, when she slammed into him.
"Sorry, dad," she apologized slightly winded from their crash, I didn't want to keep everyone waiting."
"No one's hurt," he said taking both her hands a holding them out, "let's have a look at this fabulous dress your mother had made." Emma didn't know, but the King was actually looking for a ring. He'd waited anxiously as a mother hen all day for their return, dying to know if Killian had asked, and if Emma had said yes. When he spotted the elegant piece of jewelry on her ring finger he felt his heart swell just a bit. He dropped her hands and pulled her into a hug. "You look beautiful," he choked out. He let her go, and wiped at his eyes, "Must be some dust in the air," he tried to cover, knowing it was a lost cause.
"Thanks dad," she replied, not sure what to make of his small outburst, "let's go to dinner."
When Emma and her father entered the dining room, several things happened all at once.
Snow looked to her daughter admiring her beauty, then to her husband. She shot him a questioning look at the red rims around his eyes.
Killian stood up to greet his princess, "You look sensational, Emma," he praised and held out his hand to guide her to her chair.
Hearing Killian's words, Snow looked lovingly to the young couple again as Emma took Killian's extended hand. Her hands shot to her mouth, and a small squeal of excitement escaped her.
Emma startled, "What mom, are you okay?" she asked worriedly.
Snow nodded her head vigorously, affirming that she was indeed alright, but she didn't trust her voice to speak yet.
Emma just continued to stare at her as everyone took their seats, Emma and Killian on one side, David and Snow on the other.
Snow had the goofiest smile on her face.
Emma began to giggle at her mom's antics, "What is it mom, you're acting bizzare."
"Emma, what's on-," Snow started but couldn't quite get out her whole question. She fanned herself, then tried again, "What's on your finger, honey?"
Emma's eyes widened in realization, immediately bringing her hands together, cradling her precious ring. "Oh, my goodness! Between dad's weird episode upstairs, and you giggling like a madman, I completely forgot," she lamented, "I've been waiting the whole day for your reactions, and I missed them, because they were so...odd."
Killian's laughed at Emma's choice of words. His heart soared when he heard his Swan speak again.
"It's my engagement ring," Emma spoke proudly, "Killian has asked me to marry him, and I've accepted."
Her parents could see the consummate joy on her face, could hear it in her words. She emanated happiness.
"Congratulations," David offered, "I knew the day would come, and although I didn't think it'd be this soon, I couldn't be happier for you both. I can't imagine a better partner than the ones you've chosen in each other." He raised his glass, "To your engagement, your love, and your future," David toasted.
They all raised their glasses to each other and toasted.
After taking a drink, Killian had to know what the King meant exactly, "You knew the day would come because I asked for your blessing yesterday, right?"
Emma and Snow both looked at their men, mouths open in surprise.
Emma being speechless just reached over to hug Killian, "Thank you," she whispered endearingly.
"You knew!" Snow accused, "and you didn't tell me?" she sounded a little hurt.
"Darling, first, you weren't available when Killian and I spoke. That was the day you and Emma were busy with the tailors for the very dress she is wearing tonight. Second, since you couldn't be there, why would I tell you and ruin the surprise. The reaction you just had was worth keeping you in the dark," he smiled at his wife affectionately.
Seeing the excitement on Snow's face go to sadness and hurt and then to loving understanding in just under 10 seconds, Killian could see where Emma had inherited her rush to misinterpretation.
"David, you are always looking out for me," Snow said lovingly, "thank you, dearest."
"Always," he simply stated, then added, "and see, you'll be planning the wedding of the year now, that's even better than planning a ball!"
Snow huffed, "Wedding of the year, you mean wedding of the century!" She couldn't contain the elation in her voice, she was almost jumping up and down in her seat.
Emma groaned, while Killian just chuckled. The four sat late into the evening, chatting, planning, and enjoying one of the best birthday celebrations they'd ever had.
A/N: The next chapter will be M rated. If M is not for you, please skip it, you won't miss any advancement in the story.
