A/N: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Hopefully you'll all forgive me with this chapter?
I actually don't remember what I listened to as I wrote this chapter, but I'd assume maybe some of the songs from the OUAT soundtrack. Enjoy!
"Emma, are you okay?" Killian asked, hurrying to her and gently touching the bit of arrow left from her tumble.
"I was shot with an arrow." She whimpered, holding her arm close to her body.
"Stay here, okay-?" Killian asked, only to be interrupted by footsteps. He quickly spun around, slashing into another man's arm. He stood directly in front of Emma, allowing no one to touch her. The pain in her arm was absolutely burning, causing tears to begin bubbling up.
"Emma, love, I'm going to try to get you back to safety, okay?" Killian spoke softly, returning to her side. He helped her to her feet, keeping her stable as they walked quickly back the way they came.
"Follow me." He said, wrapping his arm around her side that was injured, lifting her off the ground and keeping her close as he broke into a run. They found her horse, and he hurriedly grabbed the reigns, trying to calm it.
"Emma, do you think you can climb on?" Killian asked.
"I'll try." She sniffled, trying to pull herself on. Her arm felt like it was on fire, but she was able to pull herself up. Killian climbed on behind her, grabbing the reigns and tugging her close.
"Hold on, love. We'll get you some help." Killian spoke with a soft smile and kiss to the top of her head.
The ride back to the palace seemed like it was never ending, the pain in her arm at its peak.
"I need a nurse!" Killian yelled as he rode into the gates. Some of the servants hurried off inside the palace as Killian stopped the horse just before the stables.
"Emma, love, help is on it's way." Killian spoke softly, holding her close as she cried, "I've got you."
"It hurts, Killian." Emma hiccupped.
"I know, love, I know. The nurses are going to help you with that arrow. Just don't think about it, okay?" Killian asked, carefully sliding out of the saddle, "Just look at me."
He carefully pulled her off the horse, carrying her into the castle.
"Killian." Emma cried, holding her arm.
"Shh... Just look at me, love. Don't think about it, okay?" Killian asked, smiling when she met his eyes.
"See, love?" Killian smiled wider, "Just focus on me. We're almost there."
"Emma!" Snow called out, causing both Killian and Emma to look up, "What happened?"
"She was shot with an arrow, she needs help." Killian explained. Snow took him by his arm and led him quicker to the infirmary. Emma could barely keep her eyes open any longer, the blood trickling from her wound catching up with her.
"Emma, love, stay awake." Killian said as he carefully laid her on the bed when nurses started flocking over.
"Killian?" Emma asked, scared when she didn't see him, "Killian!"
"I'm right here, love." Killian spoke with a quick smile as he took her hand in his, "Don't look at it, okay? Just keep looking at me."
Emma winced as the nurses peeled her layers of clothes off, trying to get down to the wound and leaving her in nothing but her undergarments.
"Ah!" She cried, clenching her eyes tight as the nurses started working on getting the arrow out.
"Emma, Emma, look at me. Squeeze my hand." Killian spoke with a smile, "C'mon, love, you can do this."
Emma turned her head away from her arm, squeezing Killian's hand tight.
"It's almost out." One of the nurses said.
"Just a little longer, love. They'll clean it and wrap it, and you'll be okay." Killian said.
"It hurts, Killian."
"I know it does. You were hit in a weird spot." Killian said, continuing to hold her hand, though she was squeezing it incredibly hard. There was a sudden release of pressure, and Emma finally exhaled.
"See, love? It's out. They just have to clean your wound now, then you can rest." Killian spoke with a smile, pressing a kiss to her temple, "You're doing a wonderful job, love."
"Killian, it hurts-Ah!" She exclaimed with a sharp wince as the nurses put some alcohol on it.
"Shh, love, it'll help it heal." Killian promised, "Look, they're wrapping it up. You'll be better soon."
Emma closed her eyes and looked away as the nurses wrapped it, squeezing Killian's hand tighter.
"You're all set, then." One of the nurses said, "Just keep still, okay? Your mother is bringing new clothes."
Killian nodded to the nurse, dismissing her.
"You saved me." Emma sniffled, looking up to Killian.
"No, I simply took you out of harm's way. It was instinctual." Killian smiled, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"Always, my princess." Killian replied. Emma looked around, then down to her chest, realizing why she was so cold.
"Here." Killian smiled, stripping off his jacket and setting it over her shoulders.
"Thank you." Emma spoke softly, closing her eyes and leaning against his side.
"Shh... You're okay, love. You're okay now, I've got you." Killian whispered as he felt her body shake.
"Emma!" Charming's voice exclaimed, causing Killian to rise to his feet and give them some space.
Emma leaned into her father's touch, tears still streaming down her cheeks.
"Are you okay?" He asked, tugging away. Emma nodded, forcing a smile.
"I suppose I owe you a monstrous 'thank you', Killian." Charming said, to which Killian opened his mouth to object, "You protected my daughter without any second thoughts. Thank you, Lieutenant."
"It was instinct, your Majesty." Killian replied, bowing.
"Emma, I've brought some new clothes." Snow stated as she hurried to the bed. Emma carefully slipped out of Killian's warm jacket that Charming returned to him.
"Be careful putting this on." Snow warned as Emma started undoing the buttons of the shirt. She carefully tugged it on over her wounded shoulder, wincing a little at the pain before finally tugging it all the way on. She did the buttons quickly, her cheeks reddening as she realized everyone was watching her.
"Now, let's get you to your room so you can rest." Charming said, rising from the bed and offering his hand.
"Can Killian come?" Emma asked as she sat up fully, "I need to speak to him."
Charming and Snow glanced to each other, then back to Emma.
"Sure, sweetheart." Charming spoke with a clearly forced smile, stepping back and allowing Killian to take her hand.
"Supper will be in a few hours, okay? We will call for you when it's ready." Snow smiled as the two walked by.
It was a silent walk to Emma's room, her head resting on Killian's shoulder, her body pressed against his side. Once they made it to her room, she carefully laid down on her well side, smiling when Killian sat beside her.
"Thank you again, Killian, for protecting me." Emma finally spoke, earning a smile and pat on the thigh from Killian.
"You know I would do anything for you." He replied.
"I do now." Emma smiled, setting her hand on his.
"Maybe now I can earn your father's trust." Killian teased, making Emma laugh.
"He'd better trust you now, after that." Emma smiled.
"The real question is: do you trust me?" Killian asked, brushing some of her hair behind her shoulder.
"Of course I do." Emma replied simply, "You've given me every reason to trust you."
She noticed his expression change. His eyes brightened, his features looked more relaxed.
"I'm glad to hear that." Killian smiled, making Emma giggle, "I do have one question, my princess."
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"How close are you with Graham?" He asked curiously, making Emma raise a brow and lift herself up on her well arm.
"Is that jealousy I detect?" Emma smirked, causing Killian's cheeks to flush as he shook his head.
"No, of course not. I'm just-"
"You're entirely jealous." Emma grinned as Killian stumbled over his words.
"Maybe a little." Killian smiled.
"Well, you have nothing to be worried about. He's like a brother. I've known him since we were kids." Emma smiled in return, taking his hand.
"Okay." Killian smiled.
"You know, I think my parents may finally like you. You were so willing to put my safety before yours, and... I cannot thank you enough." Emma spoke sweetly, "You saved me, again. I think I owe you now."
"Nonsense." Killian spoke with the wave of his hand and a smile, "You owe me nothing."
"Thank you." Emma whispered, meeting his eyes.
She could see the ocean in them as he leaned down, setting his hands on either side of her form. She adjusted carefully so she was on her back, closing her eyes as Killian's rough lips captured hers. Her eyes closed as Killian's lips left hers and began trailing down her jaw, her chin, her neck. Emma let her jaw fall slack, her eyes now fluttering as Killian pressed gentle kisses along the base of her neck.
"Killian." She whispered, causing him to stop and glance up to meet her eyes, "As much as I love this… Not now."
He nodded, leaning over her to press one last kiss to her lips, then roll over to settle beside her.
"How's the arm?" He asked, changing the subject abruptly.
"It's okay." Emma replied.
"I should have been back there with you. That arrow should have hit me."
"Killian, don't say that." Emma spoke softly, rubbing his arm, "I don't think it was really meant to hit anyone, just… warn us."
"You were hurt, Emma." Killian reminded her, "I could have prevented it."
"No one can prevent things like that, Killian, and you know that."
"Aye, but… I was there. I could have protected you."
"You got me to safety, Killian. That's all I could ask of you." Emma whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder, trying to be careful with her wound.
"I am in love with you, Emma Swan. I hope you know that." Killian spoke softly, playing with a strand of her hair.
"I'm in love with you, Killian Jones." Emma smiled up to him, pressing a kiss to his shoulder.
The two ended up falling asleep, Killian's fingers tangled in Emma's long, golden curls, and her hand resting on his arm. Snow was getting worried when she called for them and no one responded, only to find them in their current state. She smiled, unable to bring herself to wake them. So, she decided to let them sleep.