Emma and Killian had been training for a few months now. Emma had gotten very good. She was a quick study. Killian still didn't know why he started teaching her how to sword fight, but he wanted her to protect herself if anything happened while he was not around.

Killian was drawn to Emma not because of beauty, but for their similar outlook on life. They understood each other, even though they never explicitly said it. They were open books to each other. It was if they soulmates or true loves. As if those things existed. He cursed at himself for thinking such foolish things.

Killian was in his cabin after one of their lessons. He was drinking rum in one hand, while starting blankly at an invitation in the other. It read in big letters at the top 'The Pirates' Festival'. The Pirates' Festival happened once a year where all the captains' and their crews get together and threw a big party. It was like a ball, but for swashbuckling pirates. Every captain who attends must bring a date. It was mandatory for all captains to bring someone, whether it was a spouse or a lady of the night. Killian sighed.

"Bloody hell" he said and finished off the rest of the rum in his cup.

Emma was out on the deck. She was leaning on the rails on the side of the ship. She was breathing in the sea breezes, while mingling with the crew who have all taken a liking to her.

When Emma went back to her cabin, she found something on her bed that was wrapped. She excitedly went to unwrap it. She opened it to find something she didn't except.

"It's gorgeous!" she exclaimed out loud. Emma had never seen anything so beautiful.

The pirate has good taste, she thought.

It was a ballgown that was as red as blood.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Yes? Come in!" Emma replied to the knock.

"Aye, uh Emma I—" Killian was cut off by Emma.

"Oh Killian! I'm glad you stopped by! I wanted to thank you for the beautiful dress!" Emma exclaimed.

"Well swan, I thought it complimented you," Killian replied back.

"It's very generous, but why would I need a dress on a pirate ship?" Emma questioned.

"I've been thinking." he said.

"Uh-oh, that's dangerous," she teased.

He shot her exasperated look.

"Aye,well there is a pirate's festival coming up..and wanted to take you along as my…as my…" he seemed to stumble on the next word as Emma's narrowed her eyes in confusion,

"..…I thought you could accompany me to this affair?" he finally spat out as he scratched his head and gestured his hand outwards to her.

Emma's confusion turned into realization. A smile slowly crept up on Emma's face.

"As your..date…?" she teased.

"Aye," he replied, looking into her eyes, searching her face to see if she would laugh, as a sign of rejection.

"I would be honored," she said with a soft smile.