Merry Christmas everyone!

Reviews and prompts are always welcome!

Laughter rang through the small loft, Christmas music playing softly in the background. Despite being a new, busy mother, Mary Margret had gone all out. The loft looked like something out of a Christmas card; garland, twinkling lights and festive decorations sprinkled tastefully throughout it. It seemed like the entire town had come out for the Christmas Eve gathering. Emma's pirate was no exception. Emma spotted him across the room, leaning against a pillar. His feet were crossed at the ankles, his hook resting on his belt. Excusing herself from a conversation she was only half listening to, Emma grabbed a glass tumbler and filled it, not taking her eyes off of him. Armed with a beverage, she made her way through the crowded room.

"Hey," Emma said with a smile as she bumped her hip playfully against Killian's.

"Swan," Killian said as he straightened up, his eyes twinkling. He looked at her in that way that never failed to make her heart flip. Like she was his whole world. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

"I brought you some eggnog," Emma said ignoring his quip. Although she couldn't help it when her smile grew, and a faint blush crept onto her skin. Ever since their scare, that's what she'd taken to calling the whole Gold, heart debacle, smiles seemed to come to her lips more easily.

"My thanks love, but alas, your father already provided me with a glass, and I am afraid it just isn't my drink."

"Well, good thing this one is mostly rum then," Emma said with a smirk.

"In that case," Killian said with a wink as he reached for the glass. His fingers brushed against hers as she handed him the small tumbler and the passing contact felt like a current of electricity shot through her. He took a sip, Emma's eyes never leaving his.

"I'm really glad you're here," She said sincerely, the noise from the rest of the party seeming to dim around her. She only had eyes for him. "I know you're not a fan of, of all this," She said lamely gesturing to the pomp and circumstance around them.

"Now Swan," Killian said. "You should know by now that I am a fan of anything that has to do with you." Emma's blush deepened and she toyed with the charms on his necklace, trying to distract herself. Killian placed the eggnog on the table behind him and stilled her hand with his own. "Truly Emma, there's nowhere I would rather be."

Emma brought her free hand up to his cheek and gently traced his scar with her thumb. His bright eyes stared back at her, his thumb trailing over the back of her hand. She knew they were probably standing too close, the party was at her parents' house after all, but she couldn't bring herself to care.

With a coy smile, Emma glanced up at the ceiling and feinted disappointment. "Where's the mistletoe when you need it?"

"I actually understood that! Henry's been kind enough to enlighten me when it comes to your holiday traditions," Hook said with a smug smile. "And Swan, if you want me to kiss you, I can assure you there's no need for a poisonous berry to be involved."

"So kiss me then," Emma challenged, her fingers tightening around the lapels of his shirt.

His deep, blue eyes widened in surprise, as they quickly darted around the room. After a second, his lips twisted into a broad grin. He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her close, his lips claiming hers slowly and deliberately. Emma sighed as she felt his smile, still ghosting against her lips. He tasted even more delicious than normal, like eggnog and rum. Sooner than Emma wanted, he pulled away. His face set in a smug grin.

"Sorry, love," He whispered with a chuckle. "But your mother is scowling at me and I would rather keep my parts intact."

Emma scoffed and rested her forehead against his shoulder. "Fair enough," She said, releasing her hold on him and stepping away reluctantly. He caught her hand as she slipped away, his thumb tracing the pulse point on her wrist.

"If you'll indulge an old pirate," He said, a hint of nervousness lacing his words. "Henry told me exchanging gifts is another aspect of this holiday." He swallowed thickly and reached into his jacket. With a small smile he handed Emma a small long box.

"Killian," Emma said, twisting the box in her hands. "You didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," He said interrupting her.

She smiled warmly at the sincerity of his words. "Did Henry mention that gifts are normally exchanged Christmas morning, tomorrow?" She asked, raising her brow.

"Aye," Killian said, scratching behind his ear nervously. Emma felt like her heart was melting. She couldn't remember seeing her pirate so nervous. It was adorable. "I just assumed you would want to spend it with your family…"

"You're right," Emma said swallowing thickly, her tongue suddenly heavy in her mouth. Who was nervous now? "I do," She said, resting her hand possessively on his waist, her eyes meeting his fiercely. Any apprehension she felt faded immediately as Killian shot her the largest, most sincere smile she had ever seen cross his face, his eyes twinkling.

"Then I'll be there," He said, his voice thick with emotion as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Good," Emma said as she returned his smile and kissed his cheek roughly, her lips lingering. Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she gestured to the box in her hand. "But can I still open this tonight?"

"Aye, love," He said with a chuckle. As if he could deny her anything.

With a sly grin, Emma tore into the paper, her heart jumping as she realized it was a jewelry box. She glanced at Killian, questioningly, but he only smiled at her in return. Her fingers trembling slightly, she opened the box. Inside was a silver necklace, a simple, yet breathtaking jewel encrusted anchor hanging from the chain.

"Killian—" Emma said, running her finger over the charm.

"I know you don't fancy jewelry, but I've noticed you wear necklaces," Killian said, the cadence of his voice slightly more hurried than normal. "But if you don't like it, I can exchange it, love. I just saw it and I thought of you, of us. The anchor was because—"

"Because you're not going anywhere?" Emma interrupted, a warm feeling of contentment settling over her limbs, already knowing what his answer would be.

"Aye," He said simply the smile returning to his face.

"It's perfect," Emma said, smiling brightly when she saw her words light up Killian's face. "Really, Killian, it's too much—"

"May I?" Killian asked, ignoring her concerns and stepping behind her.

With a smile, Emma undid the clasp and held the necklace up to her neck. Killian brushed her hair over her shoulder and, for a man with one hand, deftly closed the clasp. He placed a small kiss at the base of her neck which sent a shiver down Emma's spine. Toying with the anchor between her fingers, Emma turned to face him. Killian met her glaze, his eyes overflowing with passion.

"Meet me outside," Emma said, her voice embarrassingly raspy. "In five minutes." She commanded, giving his hand a firm squeeze. Killian smirked at her brazen request and nodded quickly.

Emma hurried up the stairs to her room. Quickly, she found the classified ad she'd left on her desk earlier. Any doubt she'd had before had been chased from her mind. He had a way of doing that. Hurrying down the stairs, she waved at her parents as she went. Snow eyed her questioningly, but Emma's steps didn't falter. Her only thought was her pirate and the look she hoped would cross his face when she suggested that they move in together. Emma Swan, finally letting someone in. It was a Christmas miracle.