December 31, 2016
"Killian, what are we doing here?" Emma asks impatiently. "Can't we just get back to the party? It's so damn cold outside."
"Just another minute, love, then you'll see," Killian answers with a smirk and a wiggle of his eyebrows. He offers his arm to her as they walk down the pier toward the docks. "Besides, you've survived colder than this, remember?"
"I try not to. Plus I blacked out a bit that night. Though it was nice of Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff to come to our New Year's Eve party." Emma smiled as she thought back to the night she met her newest friend. She would forever be grateful to Regina for creating the twin mirrors that allowed Emma and the rest of Storybrooke to stay in touch with their Arendelle friends. She was even thankful to Mr. Gold for reopening the portal to Arendelle, despite all the havoc he had created. Just then a thought popped into Emma's head, causing her to chuckle to herself.
"Swan? What's so funny?"
"I was just thinking how in this town, and in the Enchanted Forest for that matter, first impressions mean virtually nothing. When we met Elsa we thought she was a villain because she sent that snow monster after us. And Regina, she's done a complete 180. Even you," Emma answered.
"Aye, that is true. When I met you my only purpose for living was revenge on the Crocodile. Or so I thought. Actually that's why I brought you out here." They came upon a bench on the dock, so Hook said, "Please, sit." Emma heeds his request but shoots him a look.
"What is this all about? You're starting to confuse me."
"When I met you," Killian started, "all I could think of was killing the man who took away my love. But then you came along and turned my whole world upside-down. You reminded me that I could be a part of something, and made me realize that revenge would not bring me happiness; it would only create a hole in my heart. I've always told you that I excel at surviving, and I do, but that's all I had been doing since I lost Milah. You helped me to start living again, because you gave me new reason to live. You've brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible, and you repaired my shattered heart."
"Killian? Are you…?"
"Aye, love. What I'm trying to say is, you've made me whole again. And I quite like being whole. Almost as much as I love you and being with you." He turned to get up off the bench and got down on one knee, reaching in his right pocket. When his hand emerged, Emma noticed a small box within its grasp, and she let out a small gasp. Killian opened the box, revealing the most beautiful ring Emma had ever seen, a white gold band with a cultured pearl and diamond accents. "Emma Swan, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Emma smiled and brought her hands to her mouth as her eyes widened. "Yes. Killian, yes. Yes!" She held out her hand, and Killian slid the ring onto her slender finger. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight.
"Gods, Emma. I couldn't think of a better way to start the new year than with the woman I love."
"Nor could I," Emma says with a smile and a twinkle in her green eyes. "Wait, what are my parents going to say about this? We all know how long it took them to accept and trust you, who knows if they're ready for this?"
"No need to worry, Swan, I've already taken care of it. I asked your mother and father for their permission to marry you yesterday, and they happily granted it. In fact, I told them my whole plan, and they knew why I was taking you outside tonight and away from your so-called 'ball drop' which is why no one has come looking for you to make sure you didn't miss it. Come, let us go inside and share the good news." Hook once again offered his arm to Emma, and she gratefully took it, leaning into his shoulder. Together, they walked back to Mary Margaret and David's place to rejoin the party.