Hey guys!

I didn't properly introduce myself in the first chapter (oops, I'm new here) but my name's Maria and I'm super glad you like my stuff so far :)

I do not own Once Upon a Time, or any of its wonderful characters. I wish I did though…

Enjoy!

At fourteen, Killian had teased Emma quite a lot as she was growing into a young woman. After her parents had taken him in, he worked as a kitchen boy. Though he had to work, he had a home and that was enough for him; especially because he had a friend like Emma.

He enjoyed teasing her and seeing her become flustered while trying to fight him back. He wasn't going to lie: he had developed feelings for her, but he wasn't going to tell her that. Not when she was a princess and he was the kitchen boy; but maybe someday. For now, he'd just have to tease her for her outrageous new gown.

"Emma, when is your mother going to realize that you are not a cloud? Much less a ghastly pink one?" Killian smirked as he sat down on the chair next to Emma's mirror. Emma rolled her eyes at him, which she was famous for, and said,

"I couldn't agree more." She looked at herself, slouched and sighed. "I hate it," she said simply. Killian laughed all too loudly at her comment,

"Of course you do. It's…" he trailed off.

"It's not what?"

"It's not you. At all."

"Then what do you think is me?"

Emma raised an eyebrow, something she had learned from him, while he simply shrugged. He got up from the chair and circled Emma, looking at her up and down. She grew nervous and started playing with a strand of her golden hair. Killian chuckled to himself and stopped right behind her, tossing the stand over her shoulder.

"Well first of all, pink is not your color. I was thinking more along the lines of a red dress. And exchange the ruffles for something more ethereal," he smoothed one side of her skirt slowly as he watched her tense up. He turned her to face him.

"It would bring out those emerald gems you have for eyes, lass. Believe me." That was the first time he had ever called her anything other than Emma. He tried not to look shocked, but that didn't stop her from showing it. Her eyes widened and Killian chuckled,

"Aye, those gems." He stroked her reddening cheek with his finger.

"What are you doing?" She asked, her eyebrow still raised. He froze; he'd been caught in his own flirty act but quickly recovered.

"You had an eyelash on your cheek," he said as he waved his hand behind him, quickly turning to leave.

"Killian."

"Yes, Emma?"

"Thanks."

"For?"

"The dress suggestion. And for always being there for me when I thought no one else was." She smiled as she saw him slowly grin, lick his lips and nod.

"You're welco-" He trailed off with widened eyes when Emma planted a kiss on his cheek. She turned around so he wouldn't see her cheeks glowing red. He chuckled and walked out of her room.

Emma sat down on her bed and buried her face in her hands; she suppressed a smile and sighed.

"Oh you've done it now, Emma. What the hell have you gotten yourself into?" she muttered to herself.