A/N: I'm sorry for the angst—it had to happen eventually! Sadly, the rocky seas are not quite over for these two. Enjoy anyways!
Listened to: 'Wipe Your Eyes' by Maroon 5, 'In My Veins' by Andrew Belle, & 'Let Her Go' by Passenger.
Killian looked down as Emma called his name, knowing damn well that he couldn't turn around and see her. He would have to stay if he met those green, tear-rimmed eyes. So, he kept his head down as he walked out of the palace gates, trying his best not to let his own tears fall. Emma loved him and trusted him so quickly, and without any qualms. The likelihood, he thought, of that happening again with anyone else was impossible.
Killian sulked back to the Jewel, his legs feeling as if he were treading through mud. Liam waved to him from aboard the ship, and Killian forced a smile.
"How did it fare, brother?" Liam smiled, then let it falter as Killian looked down.
"The King and Queen do not wish for her to marry anyone but a prince." Killian spoke softly.
"Oh, Killian, I'm-"
"I'd like to have some time to myself, if that's alright." Killian said, walking to the main mast and ascending the small ladder with ease. He crawled into the small lookout, making himself comfortable by crossing his legs at the ankles over the edge. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes for only a few seconds before opening them again. The sky was filled with stars and constellations, making Killian's lips tug up into a half-smile.
He remembered the night he saved Emma's life, remembering the multitude of stars that littered the skies. He recalled looking up for the ship and becoming captivated by the stars.
"Killian, you know you have to come down eventually!" Liam called. Killian rolled his eyes, continuing to stare up at the brilliant sky.
"I'm serious, Killian, you can't stay up there forever!"
"Watch me." He grumbled.
Killian kept to his promise-he didn't move from his spot for nearly two full days. Only to get food or use the bathroom.
That is, until Emma came aboard.
"Killian?" She asked, causing his ears to perk up. He looked over the edge of the lookout to see Emma in her riding outfit. He scrambled to get down to her, nearly falling a few times. He skipped the last few rungs, running straight for her and picking her up in his arms, making her laugh.
"Emma." He whispered, slowly turning her before setting her down and pulling her face close enough for their lips to meet. Emma pulled away quickly, brushing some of her curls behind her ears.
"I've been trying to get out, to leave, but—"
"It's okay, I know." Killian spoke with a sweet smile, "I would have come for you, but… I couldn't risk being caught."
"I understand." Emma nodded, still holding onto him, "I couldn't wait to see you."
"How did you escape, Princess?"
"I told my parents I was going out hunting with Graham, one of the guardsmen. He helped me."
"I must thank him later." Killian smiled, "You don't know how relieved I am to see you."
"I think I do, Lieutenant." Emma grinned with a blissful sigh, leaning into his arms again. He gently rocked them with the rhythm of the ship, pressing a kiss to her curls.
"How long do we have?"
"An hour."
"What would you like to do with that hour?" Killian whispered, earning a shrug as Emma pulled away, her bright green eyes meeting his.
"I don't care, so long as I can be with you." Emma spoke softly, offering a smile.
"Why don't we spend it here?" Killian suggested with a smile. She nodded as he took her hand, leading her down to the cabin.
"Maybe we could find something more enjoyable to do down here…" Killian smirked, locking the door behind him. Emma giggled as he led her to the bed, falling back onto it. Killian smiled and climbed on top of her, setting his hands beside her head.
"How much time do you think we have for this?"
"Not enough." Emma sighed, then smiled, "But, we could start…"
"Not a good idea, love," Killian chuckled, "I know the feeling."
Emma reached her hand up to his hair, ruffling it a little with a smile.
"Now, you're bloody teasing me." Killian whispered, sitting up and slipping out of his jacket, tossing it to the side. Emma did the same, giggling as he pulled her shirt up and off from the bottom, laughing harder as he tossed it aside.
"Are we just going to strip, or are our lips going to meet?" Emma teased, "Because, honestly, I might just have to—"
Killian wrapped his fingers around her shoulders, bringing her closer and giving her what she wanted. She giggled into his lips, hastily undoing his cravat. He tossed it aside, not even pausing to break their lips as she started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Killian?" A voice called. Liam's, to be exact.
The two snapped away at his voice, their eyes widening before scrambling to get their things together. Killian tossed her the shirt he had previously strewn onto the table, trying desperately to re-button his own shirt and tie the cravat.
"Killian, where are you?" Liam asked, making Killian roll his eyes.
"I'm down here, hold on!" Killian called out, nodding to Emma when both of them were finished. She giggled and quickly fixed his mussed hair before he opened the door and the two walked out onto the ship.
"Afternoon, brother." Killian smiled, standing beside Emma with his hands behind his back.
"It's nice to see you, Princess." Liam nodded to her.
"The pleasure is mine." Emma smiled nervously, glancing between the brothers, "Well, I ought to go find Graham… He's probably looking for me."
"Right." Killian nodded, smiling when he found her lips on his. He set his hand on her waist to prevent her from moving, making Liam clear his throat quite loudly to break them up.
"When will I see you again?" Killian asked.
"As soon as I can find another way to escape." Emma sighed.
"Maybe I'll try coming to you tomorrow morning, early."
"I'll keep an eye out for you." Emma smiled, kissing him one last time before hurrying off the ship.
"You are so lovesick, brother," Liam chuckled, clapping him on the back, "It's quite entertaining."
"Lovesick is an exaggeration—"
"You've known her all of five days and you two are acting like you've loved each other for thousands of years." Liam smiled, "And you two were going to have sex in the cabin."
Killian sputtered around his words, avoiding his brother's eyes before finally setting on one answer.
"No, we were not."
"Oh, please. Your cravat is all crooked, your hair is mussed—this is bad form, brother." Liam teased, ruffling his younger brother's hair, "You make it wholly obvious, Killy."
"Please don't call me that." Killian groaned, still smiling.
"Hey, look, I'm glad you found her. She seems to like you a lot."
"She does." Killian beamed, "And, I love her."
Liam couldn't help but smile at his brother's happiness, clapping him on the shoulder again.
"What do you say we go get a few drinks?"
"Drinking leads to bad form." Killian teased, causing Liam to whack the side of his head.
"I'm your Captain, and you will do as I say. It's time we had a drink. Then, you need to get some rest so you can go to Emma early tomorrow morning."
Killian offered a half-smile, following his brother off the ship.
Emma tried staying up as late as she could, to no avail. She fell asleep reading on her bed, getting caught up in a fictitious, dream world.
But, she stirred at the sound of someone on her balcony. She sat up abruptly, leaning over and grabbing a small knife before rising out of bed. She knew it was likely to be Killian, but she could never be sure.
"Killian?" She whispered as she drew closer. He appeared, causing Emma to set her knife on her vanity and hurry into his arms. He caressed her with care, holding her head against his chest.
"Oh, Emma," Killian whispered, "I cannot wait until you and I no longer have to do this."
"I know. I'll convince them. I promise."
"Have you told them yet?"
"I'm waiting for the right moment," Emma whispered, setting her hand on his chest, "There is a ball in a few nights to honor your brother, and I'm assuming you as well. I hope to convince them then."
"A ball?" Killian asked, "I don't remember Liam saying anything about it."
"My parents made the decision tonight at dinner." Emma replied.
"Well, I will do my best to prove to your parents that I am worthy of your heart." Killian spoke with a smile, tugging away enough to see her smile.
"You need to prove nothing, Killian." Emma spoke softly, cupping his face in her hands and bringing his lips to hers.
"I will always prove my love for you, Emma." Killian whispered between their lips. Emma couldn't help but smile and tug her lips away, looking up to meet his eyes.
"Your eyes are so beautiful." She whispered.
"Noted." Killian teased, earning a playful shove.
"I wish this was easier." Emma spoke softly, leaning into his arms again.
"I do, too, love. We will work this out. I promise." Killian whispered.
"My maids will be in soon—but, we have time to talk." Emma murmured, earning a nod from Killian. He pulled away from her arms and hoisted himself on top of the balcony railings, patting the space next to him with a smile. She climbed to sit beside him, leaning her head on his shoulder as they sat precariously close to the edge.
"Please stay." Emma whispered, wrapping her arm around his.
"I wish I could, my dear Emma." Killian sighed, "I wish it didn't have to be like this."
"Once the ball comes, I have to tell my parents. We have to tell them." Emma sighed, "Prove to them that this can and will work."
"I cannot wait until the day I can gloat about you to other kingdoms, telling them that my princess, my Emma, is the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, and that she has more intelligence than most nobility."
"Stop it." Emma giggled, playfully hitting his side.
"It's true." Killian shrugged in response, raising his eyebrows, "You have this way about you that I'm drawn to, and I can't quite place it, but I'll brag about it anyways. I want to spend my life with you, Emma. You mean the world and more to me."
"I hope this doesn't seem… rude, but I don't understand how I fell in love with you so… abruptly." Emma admitted, "It was like, I saw you, and… I was immediately taken away by you."
"That's why they call it 'true love', Emma." He smiled.
"You think it is?" Emma smiled hopefully.
"If not that, then fate, at least." Killian spoke softly, moving his hand to lace his fingers between Emma's, "Regardless, we have something incredible here. I don't wish to lose it."
"I don't either." Emma sighed, "My parents have to understand."
"They will, with time." Killian assured her.
"I hope so. I can't keep doing this." Emma whispered, then yawned.
"Love, are you tired? I can leave—"
"No, no, please don't leave." Emma pleaded.
"If you're tired, love, you ought to get your sleep."
"Would it be too much for me to ask you to lie with me?" Emma asked.
"I mean, if it's alright with you…" Killian spoke with a shrug, smiling when Emma tugged him towards her bed. He sat on the edge, tugging off his boots before crawling onto the bed and following Emma under a small blanket. Emma curled up beside him, looking up to his blue eyes.
"Oh, don't look like that." Killian chuckled.
"What?" Emma smiled.
"You want something."
"Only you."
"I'll stay as long as I can." Killian whispered.
The two laid in bed for a while, accidentally drifting to sleep, no matter how hard they tried to stay awake. They were both awakened by a knock at the door, causing Emma to jolt up, and Killian to pull her into his arms.
"Oh, no, the maids—Killian, you have to get out!" Emma whispered, shoving him towards the edge of the bed.
"Princess Emma?"
"I'm coming, just a second!" Emma replied, shoving Killian towards the balcony, handing him his boots.
"When can I see you again?"
"The ball. I'm sure if your brother is invited, you are, too." Emma smiled as they stood on her balcony.
"I'll ask my brother for further details." Killian replied, settling his hand just under her jaw and tugging her chin up to meet his lips, "Until then, my princess."
"Until then." Emma repeated with a sad smile as she watched him descend the vines again. The maids had finally broken in, causing Emma to turn.
"Are you alright, Princess?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I just thought I'd heard something." She spoke as she glanced over the edge, then to her maid with a smile.
"Well, you'd better start getting ready for your day." The maid smiled, "You've a jam-packed day, your Highness."
"Let's get started, then."