Hey All I'm back! 3

I can't believe the wonderful response this story has gotten. Thank you all so much for your kind reviews, they really inspired me to keep writing!

So without further ado, on to the story!

Enjoy :D

~In A Fairytale~

The boy in the slightly too long guards uniform ran after the golden haired princess, stumbling sideways as he rounded the corner of the stairs. She shrieked with laughter racing down the steps ahead of him, her pale violet-blue dress streaming behind her. Clutched in her grasp was a midnight colored cap with an ostentatiously large red feather attached to the brim. A cap which belonged to a certain too large guard's uniform.

"Swan give it back!" Killian yelled between breaths using the nickname he teased Emma's attempts at gracefulness with.

"Make me!" His holy terror of a friend cried without stopping.

Two years in the castle and he still could not best Emma at anything, except stealing from the kitchens that is. And Killian only did that to prove a point, he was never hungry here. The King and Queen treated him, a lowly street urchin, like a son. It was something that took Killian a long time to adjust to. In his life people were only kind to you if they wanted something - but not here. Here, Queen Snow fretted over how thin he was, and King David got him an apprenticeship with the royal guards. It was more than Killian knew how to repay.

Not getting their twelve year old daughter into constant trouble was probably a good place to start - but he usually was not the one in charge of these things, like now for instance. Instead of attending her dance lessons, Emma decided to make him chase her around the palace.

Killian would be lying if he said he didn't prefer this.

They raced into the grand entrance hall, both sliding on the cream and lilac marble tile floor. He lived for these games with Emma - honestly he lived for Emma. Her smile, her laugh, her exasperated frown when he did something particularly idiotic. She was his best friend, something he had never had before.

"Emma!" Called a stern voice which echoed off the walls.

Emma skidded to a halt causing Killian to crash directly into her. She kept her balance while he needed up in an undignified sprawl on the floor. The king marched towards them, a storm trapped in the body of a man. His handsome face was thunderous, but his crystal blue eyes revealed the laughter he was suppressing.

"What are you two doing? I know for a fact that you should be in the ballroom this very minute, little missy."

Killian scrambled to his feet, tugging down his rumpled jacket and hurriedly trying to flatten his raven hair. Not that the king really cared, but it did not sit well with him to act like a child before royalty. Especially when the king was resplendent in his best sapphire blue doublet. He and Snow were to attend a ball in the court of Prince Thomas and Princess Cinderella that evening.

Emma stuck out a pouty lip giving her father a reproachful expression. It was a look that turned nearly everyone to putty in her hands. He fought the urge to smile as Emma worked her own brand of magic. "The waltz is boring; can I not train with Killian instead?" She implored beseechingly.

The king rolled his eyes at her antics looking terribly put-upon. "You already train three days a week with me. You must learn proper etiquette - I had to. And give him his hat back."

She frowned adorably. Killian thought her rather like a kitten which believed it was a tiger. With a huff, Emma handed back the stupid cap which made him look like some sort of pissed off peacock. Thankfully only junior guardsmen had to wear the horrid things. Lancelot called it a "test of character".

"Fine." Emma consented. "I'm going." Making a show of acting lady-like she sauntered off head held high, before pausing and turning back to him. "You will be at dinner right?"

Killian nodded under her stern gaze that scared him nearly as much as her mother's did.

"Good." She said and left the hall.

King David sighed good-naturedly. "Try not to let her start a war while we are gone."

"Like I can stop her doing anything." Killian muttered once he had disappeared.

David helped his wife, resplendent in a white off the shoulder gown embroidered with little red roses and pearls on the bodice, into their carriage.

"Did you locate our wayward daughter?" She asked teasingly, while adjusting the yards of taffeta so she could seat easily in the couch.

He waited for her to settle. "And I even got her to go to her lesson."

Snow grinned exposing the dimples in her cheeks. "We should be thankful for small miracles."

He chuckled at her tone. His wife accused him of giving into their daughters every whim, which was not true- he did not give in every time.

"Dare I ask what she was doing?"

"Torturing Killian, what else."

His wife's smile grew day-dreamy. "Do you think -?'

"No." He held up a finger. "She is twelve, do not even go there Snow. We are not having this discussion till she is forty."

Snow burst out laughing. "Forty? Emma's coming out ball is in less than four years; somehow I do not think your plan is going to work so well."

David grumbled under his breath and crossed his arm petulantly.

Her 16th birthday approached quicker than Emma would have liked. She had no interest in suitors and being courted by men twice her age. Yeah, because courtiers who thought they could win her over with pretty jewels and ribbons were the stuff dream are made of. Emma sighed in annoyance at the new pile of trinkets that had arrived for her only that morning. Pursuing the inventory she could not help but admit the emerald earrings from Prince Neal were quiet remarkable - not that Emma was stupid enough to touch anything sent by the son of the Dark One.

There was a knock at her bedroom door before her mother slipped inside carrying a light blue gown. Just the sight of the dress made Emma queasy. The beautiful, layers of ruffles and the tight bodice lined in mother of pearl beading was designed especially for her coming out ball. After tomorrow night she was eligible for marriage - the very last thing she wanted.

Well, that was not entirely true; there was one boy Emma wanted to look at her that way. And sometimes she thought Killian did but he never said anything, never made any move. All he did was glare whenever the subject of the party came up. It was driving her mad!

"No glowering now." Her mother reprimanded lightly, laying the dress over her bed spread. "It is just one final fitting, you will survive."

Emma did not respond, turning her gaze to the window overlooking the courtyard. Some days she could watch the guardsmen marching across the square towards the village below the castle. There was no one out today.

Snow wrapped her arms around her daughter's waist pulling her into a warm hug. "I know what has got you upset."

Emma sighed knowing her mother was going to worm the truth out of her either way. "He has not eaten with me in three days. He will not talk to me; he hardly even looks at me!" She cried letting her frustrations bubble over.

Her mother chuckled and kissed her temple softly. "Oh honey, men are a patiently ridiculous sex. They get something stuck in their hard heads and you practically have to beat them with a mace to dislodge it. Killian will come around, you will see."

Emma bit her lip not wanting to show how worried she was. "Do you really think so?" She ventured cautiously.

"Yes." Snow tapped her chin lightly. "Your father did and he will too. Now try on your gown and I will have some lavender tea sent up." She glanced over at the table full of gold and jewels. "And possibly an appraiser."

She could not help but smile at her mother's lame attempt at a joke. "Okay." Emma said more to herself than her mother. "Okay."

"Good girl." Snow kissed her again before adding, "Granny sent over a basket of honey-cakes for your birthday, I will have a few sent up with the tea." With that she floated back out of the room in the way Emma could never quiet master.

She smiled; her mother really did know how to make her feel better. After a few moments inner musing Emma began to unlace the light butter-cream linen day dress she was wearing. It was unusually short, just above knee height, and paired with a coal belt and leggings. She was immensely grateful that her parents did not make her dress like a doll all of the time, for few things irritated Emma more than feeling like part of the palace's interior decoration.

Letting the fabric fall to the floor she slipped into the petal thin blue gown. It felt like water against her skin, cool and liquid. Surely there was some magic in its design. Emma deftly did up the bright buttons and admired the effect in the standing mirror beside her vanity. Even she thought she looked good. Spinning a little she made the ruffles dance around the curves of her body. Emma grinned at her reflection imagining the panic attack her poor father was going to have when he saw it.

That sight just might make up for having to go to the ball.

A light tap at the door caught Emma's attention. She skipped over to the door figuring her tea had arrived. Or maybe her aunt Red had arrived and come up to visit her. Smiling she pulled it open and her heart nearly stopped when she saw who was standing there.

"Killian!" Emma cried in surprise. She could hear the relief in her voice. His expression was graver than she had ever seen, but his eyes widened as they took in her gown. "What is -"

The rest of her words were cut off in a gasp which was stolen by his lips. Killian crashed into her like a tidal force, moving her backwards into the room, and Emma could not help but be pulled under. She kissed back hungrily wanting to drown in him and this moment. Her thoughts were spiraling, confused and elated, and overwhelmed.

"Emma." He breathed her name like a prayer, his lips ghosting along her skin. Her heart hummed at the sound, her mind spun and it was not enough.

She pulled him closer, their bodies molding together, and found his mouth again to steal the words from his breath. He was her best friend, the only boy she ever dreamt of kissing. Emma could not believe this was happening. Fingers tangled into her golden curls ash she leaned into him.

"I can't lose you." Killian murmured against her lips. "I can't."

Pressing her hands lightly to his chest, Emma pulled back to look up into desperate blue eyes. That's what he thought? That she cared about any of the suitors paraded before her day in and day out? It hurt her heart. She played a part for them, with him she never had to.

"You won't." Emma promised. "I'm not going anywhere."

At her words he closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. "Emma you don't understand." He leaned his forehead against her gently. "I'm nothing, I can give you nothing."

Something tightened around her chest. "Never say that." Standing on tiptoe she nosed at him, brushing their lips together. Trying to pull him back from the darkness.

He finally opened his eyes, his expression torn, and Emma marveled at how much older he looked now. When had they grown up? A sad smile spread across his features and he reached up to cup her cheek softly. She pressed into his warmth, supporting his hand with her own.

"I love you." He said simply. It sounded like hope and a funeral dire together on his tongue.

She froze staring up at him in wonder. Those three words tugged at her soul; at the part of herself she tried to keep locked away. Warmth and joy flooded through her, filling her till Emma thought she might sing with it.

Panicked horror flooded Killian's features when she stilled in his arms. He dropped his hold on her as if burned. "I shouldn't have! I'm sorry - I-"

"You idiot." Emma declared throwing her arms around his neck and yanking his mouth back to hers. "You. Complete. And. Total. Idiot." She exclaimed between kisses. "I love you too!"

Killian broke the kiss with surprise, blue eyes wide and confused. "What?"

She frowned not understanding why he couldn't grasp the painfully obvious. "I love you. I think I've always loved you." Her voice was serious willing him to hear the truth of her words. She did not share her feelings, her secrets, and her dreams with just anyone. Only him. Killian had to know that. He had to know what it meant to her.

The smile that lit his face could have blocked out the sun. Lifting her into the air he spun them around laughing with her, both drunk with happiness. This was all she would ever want. Forever. As Killian cradled her body against him as though she were the most sacred treasure in his world, Emma knew for certain.

"You are so beautiful, Swan." The pet name sounded like so much more when he said it now.

"You're not so bad yourself." She teased before turning serious. "Tomorrow? You'll be there?"

He sighed, a rueful smile at his mouth. "I'll be there. But that doesn't mean I have to like those flowery flops and the way they look at you."

Emma snorted. "Flowery flops?"

"Shut up. It's an apt description."

"You don't need to be jealous. You really think my parents, the patron saints of True Love, are going to make me marry against my will?"

Killian blinked at her words in surprise and she smiled at how foolish he was. Her mother was right, men were ridiculous.

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