A/N: Another week has come and gone which means it's time for a new chapter of 'Some Call It Magic.' This installment brings us to a Storybrooke Thanksgiving and will include all of the big players I have introduced in this AU so far. As such there is lots of cuteness in store for all of us, and some good set up for all the fluff still to come in the chapters ahead. Let me know what you all think and thanks as always for reading!
Staring down the overflowing mass of ingredients on top of Killian's kitchen counter this Thanksgiving morning, Emma knew that she had only so much time to make a meal that would at once be spectacular and feed all of the people that were coming to share in the holiday this year.
Usually they were a pretty large group between all of Emma's friends, their significant others, and any other neighbors who might just decide to 'pop by' last minute, but this year with the addition of Killian and Liam Emma had increased ambitions to make it a special spread. She was crafting all kinds of ideas about where to take this in her head, and though she'd been considering this day for a while now her final decisions would still come down to the wire as to what dishes would make the cut and grace their Thanksgiving table this season.
"Wow, Mom. Even for you this is a lot of food."
Henry's words were uttered from where he stood across the kitchen and Emma laughed aloud when she heard them. Her son wasn't wrong by any means, and there was way too much food for all of them even with the added two mouths to feed (especially considering that Ruby and Mary Margaret were bringing multiple dishes as well), but that had never stopped Emma before. After all, half the fun of Thanksgiving dinner was figuring out how to use leftovers in a creative and satisfying way for the week thereafter.
"I have to admit, Swan, the lad has a point. Can all of this even possibly be prepared by dinnertime?" Killian asked as he came to stand beside her.
"Definitely," Emma stated with total confidence as she leaned into Killian's touch when his arms wrapped around her.
"If you say so," Henry responded, shrugging his shoulders and then coming around and clapping his hands together like he was ready to get to work. "So where do we start?"
Emma pulled Henry close and kissed the top of his head happily at his eagerness to play a part in this with her. Cooking this elaborate meal together was one of their longest standing traditions and it was one that Emma cherished over almost any other. Thanksgiving had once been a stark reminder of all she didn't have when she was a child, but when Henry was born it changed Emma's outlook completely. Suddenly she had family, and though it was incredibly difficult raising a baby and then a little boy all on her own Emma was grateful for her son each and every day, just as she was grateful for the many people who had come into her life and taught her that she wasn't alone and that there were good things to cherish and be thankful for each and every day.
From that point on the morning unfolded as was to be expected with Emma, Henry, and Killian all playing some kind of roll in getting things ready. It left Emma with a feeling of elation to see how easy the three of them were together and how welcoming Henry was to the change that Killian's presence could bring. This could have been an awkward moment, and part of the reason Emma had put off dating as long as she did was because she didn't want to sacrifice her one on one time with Henry. But today proved those old hesitations were misguided or at the very least that Killian was the exception to that now dated rule Emma once held dear. This year actually felt much more filled with possibility and that had everything to do with Killian's presence and with Henry's wanting him there just as much as Emma did.
A few hours into the preparations, another addition joined the ranks of their party. Liam showed up in the kitchen later in the morning and when he did he was slightly dissociated from how late he'd slept in after years of being a naturally early riser. But once he was awake with a cup of coffee in hand and some breakfast in his system he was a great help and another positive presence in the fray of the holiday. Liam had jokes just as Killian did that kept them all laughing, and he engaged with Henry in a way that made Emma's heart so happy to see. They were already bonding almost to the same extent that Henry and Killian had, and since the surest way to win over Emma's approval was to gain the approval of her son, the already warm feelings she had for Liam only solidified into a genuine gladness that he was here and a part of this day meant for family.
"I have no wish to jinx the current success, love…" Killian said at one point from his spot beside her while Emma was putting in one of the last dishes for the meal. "But dare I say we're doing rather well with all of this?"
Emma laughed at that apt summary of their current situation, stepping into Killian's arms despite the smatterings of flour and other ingredients he'd picked up through this process. Then she kissed that optimistic smile of his right there in front of Liam and Henry. Killian was just so darn endearing with his constantly having hope and a positive attitude, and between the accent that always did something to her and the oftentimes elevated way in which Killian spoke that was just the tiniest bit nerdy she was hooked. For her, Killian was the total package and she wanted him to know that even if she couldn't put all those feelings into words right now.
"I think we're in the clear. Remember, I've done this a time or two before."
"And she's not kidding. You know we have almost this exact same dinner in May too?" Henry asked and Killian and Liam both looked surprised at that announcement. Emma meanwhile bit back her smirk, letting her kid explain why they'd have a second Thanksgiving spread at the end of spring. "Yeah! After the first year Mom cooked for everyone, Mary Margaret decided that once wasn't enough and she decreed that there should be two Thanksgivings six months apart."
"She decreed it?" Liam asked skeptically. "What is she a queen or something?"
"In another life maybe," Emma joked, knowing her friend could get a little bossy at times but that it always came from a place of loyalty, love, and wanting to do the right thing. "But it's not like she had to strong arm any of us. I mean who doesn't want another day filled with mashed potatoes and pie?"
"I guess I'll have to take your word for it," Liam said. "Can't say I've had any Thanksgiving dinners in my life, and certainly none of them, if ever there was one, looked like this."
Emma could tell that Killian's brother meant his words as a compliment and she grinned, feeling the same pride that always came when she impressed people with her cooking grow inside her. But if Liam was impressed, that was nothing compared to Killian's views. He looked at Emma like she was the most awe inspiring thing he'd ever seen and this was a look Emma was growing more accustomed to by the day. Still it always sparked something in her that she absolutely needed to hold on to and that she never wished to let go.
"Trust me, Liam, all it's going to take is one excellent Thanksgiving and this might just become your favorite holiday ever," Henry said in a matter of fact tone and this prompted a laugh from everyone that was only interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.
Emma looked at the clock then and saw there was still an hour before her friends were set to arrive. It's being a holiday there shouldn't be anyone else showing up that Emma could think of. There was no mail, no deliveries, no neighbors who didn't already have a place to go for a family-style meal, so Emma was confused. Who would be coming here now?
"Come on, Swan. Why don't you help me with answering whoever might be here?"
Emma looked over to Killian curiously and she wondered what he was up to. There was definitely a look about him like he wasn't surprised at a guest this hour but Emma didn't deny him his strange request even with the air of mystery surrounding it. Instead she took Killian's hand and headed for the door, leaving Henry and Liam to finish their last task of putting the prepared pies in the fridge. On the way she tried to concoct a list of scenarios that may await them on the other side of the door, but when they got a look at who was actually there on the front steps, Emma was honestly surprised.
"Elsa, hey…" Emma trailed off, shocked to see her least intrusive friend here but still happy that Elsa was coming today. "You're early."
"I know. Killian called. He said you guys needed help with some decorating," Elsa explained as she held up a cardboard box filled to the brim with different leaves and autumnally themed objects.
"We do?" Emma asked, not understanding at all, but then Killian was there, placing a hand on the small of Emma's back and filling in with his intentions.
"Aye. I was at Elsa's the other day to drop of those baked goods she needed and I noticed her office was outfitted perfectly for the season. I thought it might be good to have her bring some of that here so the place is worthy of the meal you're making us."
Emma appreciated the praise and she smiled at the thought that Killian was including her friends in things, but she couldn't help but feel like there was something Killian wasn't telling her. Then he shot Emma a look that silently insisted she trust him as he took the box from Elsa's arms and he led them back inside to the dining room where they'd need the bulk of any table adornments. Emma meanwhile was growing more and more and curious by the second, but she bit back any open queries and went along with Killian's plan whatever it might be.
"It smells amazing in here, Emma. Like home and happiness," Elsa said as she smiled and closed her eyes soaking it all in. At the exaggerated (but still heartfelt) reaction Emma laughed, bringing her friend in for a side hug as they both took a look at the current state of the dining room.
"That's the goal. But trust me we are so much better off with me on cooking and you on presentation. You remember that first year I had all of you over?"
Elsa muffled a giggle and nodded, no doubt recalling how Emma had tried to create a truly amazing Thanksgiving meal for Henry's sake that swiftly unraveled into a less than pristinely orchestrated holiday. It turned out that using all natural adornments wasn't always the best idea (hello accidentally bringing a chipmunk into her house that was hiding in a pumpkin), and that paint needed a lot more time to dry than she'd originally thought…
"Oh I remember alright, and this year I can safely promise the festivities won't end with Ruby and Anna on opposite sides of a painted gourd fight."
Emma groaned at the reminder of that part. Here she had been thinking tiny painted squash would be festive and fun, but then her new friends had taken a tiny accidental paint stain on Anna's cream colored dress and turned it to a full out attack outside. Emma's lawn had had colored splotches on it for weeks even with the rain, but it had been fun even if at first Emma was mortified.
"I'm sure Killian will appreciate that," Emma said and she looked to gauge his reaction only to find her man had slipped out of the room. What the heck? What was he up to?
Not two seconds later Emma had her answer when she heard footsteps coming down the hallway and a whispered conversation between the brothers. Emma couldn't make it out fully, but she sensed that Liam was confused as to why he was being wrangled from where he'd been talking with Henry and that Killian was just trying to get Liam moving through whatever means necessary. Then the next thing Emma knew, the Jones brothers were at the doorway and Killian's potential plan was more fully revealed.
Instantly a change came over Killian's brother, and in the moment that his eyes landed on Elsa Emma saw so much emotion roll through Liam's features. The usually unflappable man looked thrown for a major loop and it was amazing to witness. He stopped dead in his tracks, but Emma felt like she was experiencing every bit of intrigue and excitement and subsequent awkward nervousness that Liam displayed over the course of a few seconds. He was totally enraptured by Emma's friend, and Elsa meanwhile was oblivious as she stood there removing different elements from her box she wanted to decorate with. It took Emma clearing her throat loudly for Elsa to look up and then Emma grinned when she saw Elsa appeared just as affected as Liam (but in a more understated and better concealed way).
"Do you want to make the introductions, love, or should I?" Killian asked as he slipped back over to wrap his arms around her. Emma turned at him and smirked, so ready to poke fun at his newfound matchmaking skills, but she knew that could wait. For now she needed to put these two clearly interested people out of their misery.
"Elsa, this is Killian's brother Liam. Liam this is one of my best friends Elsa."
"Hi," Elsa offered quietly as she waved her hand in greeting, and to a stranger it would appear that Elsa was just being her usual polite, if somewhat shy, self. But Emma felt the impact of that one word greeting and she couldn't have been happier. Her friend was totally smitten after less than a minute, and that was a very good sign indeed. Oh crap! Maybe Emma had some of that matchmaker instinct buried in her too.
Liam on the other hand… well he was already gone over Elsa and where Killian had also made no attempt to hide his interest in Emma when they first met, at least he'd been able to form words. Liam just moved towards Elsa and took the hand she'd raised to wave holding it in his. It wasn't a handshake per se, just an affectionate hold, but where Emma expected some sort of verbal greeting, Liam remained silent with his eyes never straying from Elsa.
"Now might be a good time to fall back on that military training brother. They did teach you proper introductions in the service didn't they?" Killian joked and Emma shoved his chest playfully to keep him from giving Liam too hard a time, but Liam looked their way for only a split second before he shook his head and collected his thoughts.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Elsa," Liam said with a renewed sense of smoothness and Emma noticed the slight shudder that went through Elsa when Liam said her name. Her friend was positively weak in the knees and Emma could relate. Killian had a way of bringing out the exact same response in Emma more than was fair, but if she could give Elsa any advice it would be to give in and run with that feeling instead of fleeing from that overpowering surge of emotion as Emma once tried to do.
"Uh, yeah," Elsa said, still clearly dazed from Liam's touch that lingered even all these moments later. "It's nice to meet you too."
Liam's responding smile to that practically glowed, and where Emma had seen the man in good spirits before, especially when he was enjoying himself with Killian and Henry, she had never seen him this happy. All the shadows that followed him (that, to be fair, Liam did a pretty good job of hiding given everything he had probably witnessed overseas) seemed to be gone now. It was also the closest Emma had ever seen Liam come to looking like Killian, and she leaned back into Killian's embrace knowing that he only ever had that look for her because he loved her so much.
"How did you know?" Emma asked Killian a few minutes later when Killian had made their excuses to the new couple that they needed to get back to the kitchen and had asked Liam to help Elsa with her work.
"That my brother would take one look at your friend and fall instantly?" he asked and Emma nodded. "I didn't. But they're both good people with kind hearts and I knew that what they both wanted more than anything was a chance at something like what you and I have found."
"And do you think they'll find it together?" Emma asked, looking through the doorway as she heard the sound of Elsa's lighthearted laugh flitter through.
"I think, given first impressions, they might one day come close. But what we have, Emma, could never be recreated. There's simply no comparison because it's more than anything else ever could be."
Emma couldn't resist pulling Killian in for another kiss when he said that because it was the perfect answer, and yet somehow also true. He wasn't feeding her a line; this was really how Killian saw them, and Emma felt that too. What they had was different from the norm. There was no equivalent possible and no story quite like theirs. So while Emma believed there was room for real magic between Elsa and Liam if given the chance, she couldn't believe any love could be as right or as perfect in her estimations as the one she'd found with the guy next door.
"It's kind of too bad though…" Emma said when they'd come back up for air and she came down from the dazzling haze that Killian's kisses always brought. His brow furrowed at that and his questioning was obvious. "I mean they only have an hour before the mother hens arrive, and there's no way they get through this afternoon without a whole bunch of attention."
"Aye, love," Killian agreed. "But if you'll remember, you and I had mere minutes our first time together, and precious little of that was spent alone."
Emma flushed a bit at that and she remembered that moment when they'd met. It felt like it lasted forever in some ways because her world had been changed by one single meeting, but it was also over way too quickly. She'd missed Killian already after leaving for Stay a Spell with Henry, and it hadn't made any rational sense because they only just met. But Emma had also been so wary and terrified of love that she didn't know if an hour would have been right for them. No. Thinking about it now, she knew things had to go exactly as they had for them to get to here, a place so worth being Emma wouldn't trade it, even for an easier path to love.
The next hour went by quickly, with Emma and Killian trying to give Elsa and Liam their space (and convincing Henry over and over again to do the same) while indulging in a little light eavesdropping every now and then. They weren't perfect after all, and as guardians of this new potential attraction between two people they deeply cared about, Emma and Killian reasoned it was in everyone's best interest to make sure things went smoothly as long as they could. But eventually reality did come knocking and when it did, the whole gaggle of friends was on the other side of the door all at once.
"Wow," Emma acknowledged as she and Killian greeted them all. "When did you guys start traveling in a pack?"
"It's just good timing," Anna explained as she waved her hand in the direction of all the others. "But I don't know about Elsa. She wasn't at home when we went to grab her. Maybe she's at the office?"
"Not quite," Emma said before explaining that Elsa had come over to do some decorating. This took everyone by surprise and then, in what Emma had to consider an amateur move, Killian mentioned that Liam was helping her and had been for a while.
Emma saw a look on every friend's face at the mention of Elsa with an eligible man that was all too familiar and spoke to real trouble. It told Emma there would be no mercy in the coming dinner, and that the meal would be filled with over the top hovering and thinly veiled inquisition. Emma, however, didn't want that to happen, so she pulled Killian outside with her and shut the door, intent on giving her friends some instruction before they came upon the potential new couple.
"Okay, listen up, because I am only going to say this once. There might perhaps be some chemistry between Elsa and a certain foreign sailor – but we will never know how much there could be if you all get crazy and smother the spark right from the get go."
"Crazy?" Mary Margaret asked as a hand came over her chest like she was almost offended. It was a ruse though because Emma could read her like a book and Mary Margaret had a hundred questions and little tests of love being written up in her head right now as they spoke. From the expression on David's face as he stood beside her, he could see it too, but he only smiled at his wife with a look of pure love and adoration. "We've never been crazy, Emma. Just… interested."
"Right… well today let's all do the 'too cool for school' thing and pretend we don't care, all right?" Emma's friends looked unlikely to commit until Belle spoke up.
"You got it, Ems. Everyone will be on their best behavior. If they aren't I've got the perfect spell to mimic temporary laryngitis, and Liam will be none the wiser."
"You wouldn't!" Ruby exclaimed, putting to words what all of them were thinking at Belle's casual threat, and Belle only shrugged which prompted Ruby to hug her tightly in what had to be considered a strange reaction. "Aww, Belle! I'm so proud of you. God, Elsa found a man, Belle found a kick ass new attitude… there really is so much to be grateful for!"
And even though it was slightly ridiculous, and even though Emma knew there was likely a long night ahead of her protecting Elsa to make good on her promise she'd made back at the Harvest Festival, she knew Ruby was right. Because there was so much in their world to be grateful for, and Emma for one had every intention of celebrating that good fortune and good luck as long as she possibly could.
…
In all the years that Killian had lived in the states, he'd partaken in a Thanksgiving dinner or two. There was typically someone when he'd been at University or working in New York who would invite him to tag along, or at a bare minimum there were restaurants serving only traditional fare for all those lonely souls spending the day by themselves. But he had never known a one like the one he had today. Honestly, Killian hadn't had a proper holiday with that feeling of love and connection since he was a child, and to think that all his annual traditions might be like this from here on out soothed something in him.
This evening had been nothing but pleasant and engaging, and hours had been spent with friends and family in the merriest way. No one had any sense of sadness or gloom tonight. The world seemed softer and safer than even the already idyllic way of Storybrooke living and there had even been new sparks lit and new bonds formed in a way Killian never would have dared hope even a few days ago.
He had to smile thinking about it, and he stole a look from where he sat on the couch curled up with Emma over to Liam and Elsa who were sitting in chairs side by side across the way. Since the very first instant of their meeting, Killian knew that the hunch he had about them being a good fit (that was largely prompted by Henry's mention of a potential romance between his brother and Emma's friend) was right. There was something there, something that hadn't taken any time at all to ignite, and as the evening pressed on the initial interest had only grown stronger. There was no denying that Liam and Elsa were at the start of something, and as happy as Killian was to see it he knew Emma was just as glad for the unexpected twist of events.
"They've managed to stay awful cozy all things considered," Emma whispered from her spot beside him and Killian grinned, gazing down at the woman he loved more than anything and seeing she was the picture of coziness herself right now all tucked up next to him.
"I think that has everything to do with your vigilance, Swan. Don't think I haven't born witness to your continued intervention tonight."
"Do you think they noticed?" Emma asked, looking back at the two might-be lovers and Killian followed suit.
"I think they're both completely wrapped up in each other already and there simply isn't room for the outside noise the rest of us can bring."
Emma laughed at that sweetly, the sound of it enveloping Killian like a warm blanket and lingering in his consciousness for a moment longer than it should. But there wasn't a chance to take things much further with Emma right now. He was honestly lucky enough to have her in his arms like this given everyone's presence in the room, and it would just have to do until everyone finally headed home for the evening.
"You know I was thinking all through dinner, that as far as holidays go, this was a pretty good showing," Belle observed happily. "I struggle to think of a better one actually. I think the only one I enjoyed more was the first holiday after Emma and Henry came to town."
Killian felt Emma's hum of approval at Belle's mention of that first Thanksgiving spent together, and he was unsurprised when all of the other friends readily agreed. It was obvious that Emma and her son had brightened everyone's lives when they arrived, and as much as Killian saw them both as precious gifts, he knew the others felt the same. There was no risk of Emma or Henry being underappreciated in this group of people, and that fact was enough to assure Killian that every one of Emma's friends was worth keeping always.
"Maybe it's just me," Graham said from his spot with Ruby across the room. "But I happen to think New Year's Eve two years ago was the best."
"Well of course you would think that," Ruby said with a knowing smile at her lips that still spoke to her true enjoyment. "That's when you married me. It is by definition the best day the world has ever seen."
This conversation spiraled to a point where everyone began giving their opinions on their favorite holiday memories, and those moved onto tales of childhood specifically. Even Liam and Killian joined in on that, regaling the group with accounts of their most bizarre Christmas ever.
In the story it was the two of them and their Mum and the essence of it all was that their mother had completely forgotten one year that it was Christmas. She woke up and went about the day totally normally for a full hour, and only when Killian, who was all of six years old at the time, had said something did she spring into action. To make up for it she'd been completely over the top the rest of the day and into the evening, and Killian could still remember how much they'd laughed and thoroughly enjoyed themselves even if he was just a lad.
"What about you, Mom?" Henry asked. "Do you have any good stories?"
Emma considered the question and a first she answered that today was her favorite memory because they were all finally together (which Killian loved to hear more than he could ever put into words). But it wasn't a satisfactory answer for Henry, and because he probably didn't realize it would be hurtful to his mother to dwell on memories from the past, Henry pushed further than anyone else in the room would have.
"I know today's the best one, but what about when you were a kid?"
Emma grew pale at the question and Killian could feel her go a little tense in her stance. It was clear she wasn't thrilled at being asked about a time in her life she would rather move past, but Killian also knew that Emma wouldn't run from this. If Henry wanted an answer she would do her best to give it to him and all Killian wanted to do was help in some way.
"Maybe it doesn't have to be from a holiday per se. Sometimes the best moments of the season aren't on the big days themselves. It's the little things that make the difference."
There was still a moment of hesitation on Emma's part when Killian's heart broke, and he knew there was a good chance she would say no to this too. Emma's life had been hard – far too hard in his opinion – and she should never have had to experience any of that fear or abandonment that she did. But when she finally smiled and nodded, sitting up a little straighter but without the same anxious set in her stature, Killian felt soothed from the harsh feelings sparked by thoughts of her troubled childhood.
"Actually there was. When I was eleven I was in a smaller group home right outside the city, and a couple of days before Christmas they took us on a trip and they wouldn't tell us where we were going until we'd already arrived. It was a horse farm, one of those ones for the huge Clydesdale stallions, and having never actually been that close to a horse I was pretty excited and also totally petrified."
"Were they giant? They always look giant on TV!" Henry exclaimed, clearly interested and Emma nodded, relaxing more into the memory as she continued to expand on it.
"They were. Or maybe I was just small. Either way they were beautiful and also surprisingly gentle. They definitely weren't as menacing as they first appeared."
"That sounds really nice actually," Elsa acknowledged with a dreamy look in her eye that immediately caught the attention of Liam. Before that, Killian had questioned if Liam was even paying much attention, wrapped up as he was in Emma's friend, but now there was no doubt he was on the alert.
"We went to a place like that one time," Anna said eagerly as she looked back at Kristoff for confirmation. "Only there were like a million reindeer and no horses."
"Of course there were," Ruby said with a shake of her head as she shot a smirk towards Anna's husband. "What is it with you guys and reindeer? I don't know anyone with as many reindeer stories as you two." Everyone laughed at that before Emma continued on.
"Well this place didn't have reindeer I'm sorry to say, but the people who ran the farm were great. They had games and all sorts of stuff for us to do. There were cookies and a fire for marshmallows and it was just a really good day when I didn't have that many of them back then."
"But…" Henry implored, sensing that there was something that his mother wasn't saying, and that perhaps it was something that had been missing from her rare positive experience.
"But there was one down side," Emma admitted, her eyes taking on a thoughtful quality and looking a bit remiss when she said it. "It was a really warm December that year, and because there was no snow, we missed out on the biggest draw of the place: the horse drawn sleighs that they had that could take you all along the property."
Killian could just picture in his mind a childhood version of Emma and her conflicted state on that happy day. On the one hand, she'd have already been feeling the weight of the jadedness she'd gained from a life without any real stability, but on the other hand she'd probably chosen to make the best of it. He wished he could go back and change things for Emma on that day and every day when she was but a child. If only he could turn back time and grant her a happier life… but for all of it's heartache, the path of Emma's early years had brought her to Henry and then to Storybrooke and then to Killian. There was no going back, but as Killian sat there, running his hands through the long wavy strands of her golden hair, he thought to himself that he could remedy all of her past pain in their present and their future, until those days of old were nothing but a hazy, faded chapter of the life she'd once led.
"Oh that would have been lovely," Belle agreed, her own expression taking on some wistfulness at the thought. "I wish we could have something like that in Storybrooke. Couldn't you just imagine? It's practically ripped from the pages of some fairytale."
"Maybe someday we will," Emma said quietly and in that moment, where he heard that there was still some longing in her voice and some wish for that kind of experience, Killian knew he would bring such a chance to Emma. He didn't know how, and he wasn't exactly sure when, but it would be soon and he'd make it as magical for his Swan as he possibly could.
From there, the conversation stayed in strictly pleasant waters. There were no more prying questions about anyone's pasts, just musings on their shared memories or their plans for things coming the rest of this winter season. It turned out that in three weeks time, just before Christmas itself, that the town had another seasonal festivity: a dance for the holidays that Emma and her friends were all involved in planning yet again and that had a special twist. For it turned out that in Storybrooke it was the women who always asked the men to be their date for the dance, and at the mention of that, Emma turned her eyes back up to him and pleaded for his attendance in a way that made his heart squeeze tightly in his chest.
"You'll come with me, won't you?" she asked, even though Killian could see certainty etched into her expression in every way. "Or are you one of those guys who need a big to do when a girl asks for your hand?"
The teasing words landed with a fierce impact on Killian's heart, and though he knew Emma's phrasing still revolved around the dance, he couldn't help drawing connections to his own personal wishes to ask for her hand in something much larger. Marriage was just as much on his mind now as it had been in the weeks before, and he was, even now, formulating a plan to ask Emma for forever sooner rather than later. He hated to think that the year would end and he wouldn't have told her everything he felt and all that he wished for in a future with her, but in this moment at least, his desire to lay it all out there had to remain subdued. He would get there, but the proper place wasn't now despite how he might wish it to be so.
"Of course I'll be there, love. And the only thing I need is to know you want me there. That's grand gesture enough, I promise you."
Emma seemed to love that response if the kiss she pressed to his lips was any indication, and though there was a murmuring of response from everyone around them (all of whom were still overly interested in all things Emma and Killian), there was one noticeably absent voice. Henry was not amongst the viewing party lobbing out gentle teasing or feedback, and when Emma and Killian broke apart, Killian saw why. Sometime in the last twenty minutes or so, Henry had fallen asleep on the floor curled up by the fire and he was definitely tired if he'd slept through everyone's reactions.
"Oh Henry," Mary Margaret said with a fond inflection. "Poor little guy must be exhausted."
"Can you blame him?" Emma asked. "He's been going going going all day and then he tried to keep up with Ruby at the dinner table. Any normal human who had that much turkey would have no choice but to sleep."
"That's all right. He'll get there someday. He just needs a little more training," Ruby assured them all as Emma shook her head and chuckled at her friend's antics. She then moved to stand, and Killian could sense that she was debating departing for home to get her boy to bed, but he held her in place, kissing her temple before offering another alternative.
"I know Henry needs his rest, love, but I also believe that if he finds out the party ended early on his account he'll be beside himself. Why don't I get him settled in the spare room I've got down here? Who knows, perhaps he'll rally and rise to challenge Ruby once again."
Everyone laughed at the idea as Emma smiled and nodded. A wave of relief washed over Killian that their time together wasn't over yet tonight, but when Emma offered to assist Killian in getting Henry to bed, he waved her off, insisting he could do this himself. Emma should enjoy the party, especially after she'd spent so much of the day preparing and cooking and hosting. Finally she was relaxed and totally at ease, and Killian wanted to make sure she stayed that way for as long as he could. It was no trouble for him to scoop up a sleeping Henry in his arms, and then he moved across the first floor to the quiet part of the house where the happy hum of the party could still be heard but wouldn't be so obvious.
With ease and care, Killian managed to get Henry to the guest room in his house that just so happened to boast the most sailing regalia of all of them. It was a happy coincidence, and one Killian was sure Henry would be grateful for if he should wake up before the party's end, but Killian didn't linger on those thoughts as he tucked Henry in and made sure he was all right. He put a light on so as to keep Henry from any kind of fear when he woke up, and even Luna had made her way here when she saw Killian bringing Henry away from the others. The tiny cat jumped up right onto the pillow beside Henry, curling beside him in an at once affectionate and protective stance that Killian loved to see. Henry should be protected, after all, for he was a remarkable boy who had wiggled his way into Killian's heart almost from the get go.
"Goodnight, Henry. Sleep well," Killian said when Henry was all tucked in and he ran his fingers across Henry's forehead, pushing some of his hair from his forehead before turning to go. But before he'd made it out of the room, Henry's sleepy voice warbled out to him.
"Killian?"
"Aye, lad?" he asked as he watched Henry try to blink away the drowsiness of having just been asleep.
"Are you going to ask my Mom to marry you?"
Well that definitely was not what Killian was expecting. There were actually about a million other things he would have been more prepared to have Henry ask him, but this… well it was unexpected even as it hit home to some of the thoughts Killian had only just been having. But now that it was out there between them, Killian found himself unable to lie or keep the secret from Henry.
"It's my sincerest wish that someday I have the chance to do just that. But I would only ask your mother for forever it would be all right with you, Henry."
Henry smiled at that with a warmth and enjoyment that said he was fully content with everything life had to offer even as he fought off another yawn. He looked so determined to stay awake, but Killian could tell it was a losing battle. Soon enough he would be drifting off to sleep again, but Killian was just so glad to have Henry's approval that he could hardly register anything other than Henry's sleepy grin as he nodded.
"It would be way better than 'all right.' But can you do me one favor?" Henry asked and Killian immediately said that he would, eager to grant Henry anything since he was giving Killian so much with his acceptance. "Can you maybe ask her soon? I'm getting kind of tired of all the waiting."
Killian chuckled at that since by most estimations there had been no waiting. This relationship between he and Emma had been on a speedy trajectory since first coming out the gate, but he supposed that for a ten year old, time would seem to drag a little more than the average person. Besides, this was hardly a sacrifice for Killian since he too wanted to take that next step as soon as could be.
"Well I'm sorry to have kept you in suspense, lad, but yes, I'll do my very best to get a move on."
"Awesome," Henry said as he closed his eyes and snuggled down in the bed more, but he left Killian with one last astounding comment just for good measure. "It'll be just like my dreams. Mom can find her true love and I can finally have a Dad."
Killian didn't know how to respond to those words, words that meant so much more than he could ever express, but fatigue won out with Henry again, and no sooner had the young lad whispered the confession than Emma's son was sleeping soundly. This left Killian a bit shell shocked but also more than pleased. He had never dreamed that Henry would ever see him that way, but if Emma's son was open to Killian stepping up as a father figure, then Killian was all in. Now he could only hope that Henry had truly meant it and that he'd remember those incredible words come morning.
Walking back down the hallway from the room where Henry slept, Killian tried to pull himself together. There were just so many things going through his mind and he was wading through a whole host of possibilities about when and how to ask Emma for her hand. The thought of instant gratification was tempting, and he could picture walking back into the living room with everyone there and bending down on one knee here and now. But it wouldn't be all that Emma deserved if he did that way. No. For their story and for this next step, Killian wanted something undeniably personal and romantic. He wanted a memory that none of them would ever forget, and he also wanted a way to include Henry somehow now that he was sure of his approval.
"Killian?" A voice asked from down the hall and Killian looked up to see Emma had wandered over here. "Is everything okay?"
She didn't know the half of it, and while Killian could try and articulate how things were far and away better than 'okay' right now, he didn't even attempt it. Instead he closed the distance between them, pulling Emma back into his arms and kissing her there in the hallway where they had some privacy but not nearly enough for what he wanted. To show Emma the true depths of his love he would need time, and a more secure divide between the party going on and their intimate moment here, but in this kiss Killian infused everything they could have in this moment, until they broke apart and were both gripping onto each other and hoping for more.
"Everything is perfect, Emma, and I have you to thank for that."
"Me?" Emma asked, a little surprised, but clearly dying to hear more as she searched his gaze with her expressive green eyes.
"Aye, love, you. All of this happiness – all of this goodness in my life now – I owe it all to you."
"You make me just as happy," Emma admitted, stealing another kiss in a playful manner that had him beaming down at her.
"Nothing could ever be more rewarding than hearing that you feel that way, love. But what you've done for me is almost indescribable. You woke me up. You healed something in my very soul I didn't even realize was broken. And most importantly you brought me love, love I will never turn away from as long as I live."
"That sounds pretty permanent," Emma whispered as her hand came to cover his heart and she looked back up at him, her eyes filled with the mistiness of so much unspoken emotion.
"That's because it is, Emma," he replied, bringing his hand to cover hers so she could feel the frantic beating of his heart more fully. "I told you once that there was nothing that could ever change my love for you and I meant it. I'm not going anywhere, and today… well today only further proved something I already knew."
"And what's that?" she asked, prompting a grin from Killian as he took in the breathiness of her voice or the thinly veiled desperation of her tone.
"It proved that at long last I've found my place in the world. I've found home here with you and Henry, and it's the sweetest thing I've ever known."
Words weren't needed in the face of that declaration and Killian knew from the way Emma kissed him again and the way she held him close that she saw things the same way. But eventually words did come, beautiful words about how he would always have a place here with her and Henry and how Emma would always love Killian back. They were magical, remarkable, and amazing in every way, and because of them Killian was even more resolved to wait just a little longer to propose to his Swan. For a woman who was constantly gifting him with miraculous moments deserved perfection in return, and Killian would do anything to find a way to get them to that perfection and get them there soon.
Post-Note: So I know that last time I said that I was planning to get all of this story written before the end of summer… well let's just say life has definitely gotten in the way of that and I very simply do not have the time. However, my new goal is to get us to the proposal (which is in the next chapter) and at least get that published before my life gets crazy hectic. I'm not sure when the subsequent chapters will get written – maybe right away maybe it'll take a longer while than I am used to – but I do know I am NOT done with this story yet and there will be a fair bit more before it's all over. Anyway I thank you all in advance for the understanding and I hope you enjoyed this installment for all it's fluffiness! Thanks for reading and hope you have a great rest of your day!
