A/N: This is my favorite chapter of this story to date. Fluff, UST, a little angst, some snark...Feels! :) The title says it all. Lots of character development in this one. Thank you again for all the positive support. A big shout out to a new friend who's been supplying me with massive doses of motivation in addition to some eye-opening conversations about our favorite couple. Hopefully, I live up to her namesake. LOL

Enjoy!

Chapter 7

Truthful Transitions

For the second morning in a row, I bolted upright from sleep with anxiety coiling in my veins. Only this time, I was well aware of what startled me. My heart was still pounding from the dream, and to my dismay, my cheeks were wet with tears.

I'd been dreaming about a woman with long, wavy brown hair and startling blue green eyes. She was standing aboard a ship with the sun framing her silhouette, a look of pure terror on her face. Her eyes connected with mine before she collapsed – almost as if in slow motion – and an unbearable wave of pain crashed over me. I'd reached out to catch her, but she vanished before my hands could take hold. An inhuman cry rent the air, just as I felt my knees hit the deck, waking me with the remnants of emotion clinging to my psyche.

Pressing a hand over my heart, I willed the beats to slow while drawing measured breaths into my lungs. "Are you alright, love?" Killian's voice was thick with sleep. He shifted nearer, bringing his hand to rest lightly on my back.

"Yeah," I croaked, wiping my eyes and turning to smile down at him. "This time it really was a bad dream," I murmured. "Must have been all the rum," I joked, though in truth, I'd only had a few swigs before my 'gentleman' insisted I get some rest.

After he led me back onboard the ship, he'd excused himself to clean up while I peered out over the dark waters, feeling emotionally wrecked and physically drained. When he joined me minutes later, he was carrying the remainder of the rum from his cabin. We'd toasted to calm waters and clear skies – apparently a token of good luck. He was unusually quiet; maybe sensing my turmoil, and true to his word, he'd demonstrated nothing but the utmost 'good form' for the remainder of the evening. Later, when he'd attempted to depart for the crews' quarters – leaving me the large bed in his cabin – I'd taken his hand and urged him to lie down next to me. I couldn't remember the last time I'd literally just slept with a man, let alone someone I cared for to this degree. I'd waited for the feelings of panic to rise and ruin the moment, but it was actually the calmest I'd felt since this whole ordeal began. I'd fallen asleep to the gentle rocking of the ship and the warmth of Killian's body against mine.

"I've been known to be a fair listener on occasion," he prompted, interrupting my reverie. Unspoken concern simmered in his eyes in spite of the soft smile playing across his face.

Something in the way he was looking at me was too serious, too honest. I was both humbled by it and a bit unnerved. Falling back into usual patterns I challenged, "Oh really? And here I was thinking that your listening skills were only available on ridiculously-difficult-to-climb beanstalks."

He laughed. "Yes well, I was trying to get you to notice me, love." He rolled onto his back and stretched like a cat in the sun. The action pulled his shirt a few inches from his waistline, revealing a strip of skin marked by a trail of dark hair leading beneath the enclosure of his pants. My mind danced with the possibilities of what I might find should I be brave enough to follow it.

"Oh I noticed you alright," I mumbled, feeling my face warm. He turned toward me again, giving me the full weight of his spellbinding sapphire eyes. All traces of my nightmare were obliterated. The moment felt charged. The hairs on my arms stood up as tendrils of electricity licked across my skin. I felt my lips part as a tiny gasp escaped my throat. Slowly, keeping his gaze locked on mine, Killian shifted up onto his elbow until his lips were mere inches from my own. His warm breath whispered over my skin. My pulse was alive, sending sharp staccato beats all over my body.

The sudden shrill ringing of my cell phone caused both of us to jump, breaking our spell more thoroughly than true love's kiss. Killian chuckled before rolling over and groaning into his pillow.

Grabbing the phone, I pressed the accept button. "Yeah?" I snapped, a bit more peevishly than I intended, but talk about a mood-killer.

"Well good morning to you too," Mary Margaret's voice resounded over the line. "Bad time?"

I cleared my throat and stood. "No, not really," I lied. "Sorry, Mary Margaret…you just woke me up is all."

"Oh? Are you over at Neal's?"

"Um, no…why would you assume that?" I frowned, glancing back at Killian who had yet to reemerge from the pillow. Not that I in anyway doubted he was listening intently regardless.

"I just thought…never mind, it's nothing." A moment of awkward silence passed before she spoke again, her voice noticeably more upbeat; "Your father and I are headed over to Granny's for breakfast and we were wondering if you'd like to join us? We didn't get a chance to really talk yesterday."

Gee, I wonder why? My internal thoughts were decidedly snarky. I considered her invitation seriously. While I was pretty sure Killian and I had more to discuss – amongst other things – I did need to talk to her and David. Since I'd given in and stayed by Killian's side, our bond had seemed content and pacified. But there was no telling how long it would last. I wasn't so naïve as to think one good orgasm was all it would take to cure our apparent desperation for one another. So I knew I couldn't attempt to stay away from him for long periods of time until we figured out how to manage it.

"Yeah, sure. Twenty minutes?" I held the phone between my ear and shoulder as I fidgeted with my hair, finger-combing through the snarls as best as I could.

"Sounds good. And Emma?" I heard her sigh. "Be careful."

She knew. She knew and it was clear from her tone that she did not approve. "Yep. See you soon." I disconnected the call and checked the time: 8:07am. I could just imagine her tip-toeing through the apartment, trying not wake me, only to discover my empty bed. That she immediately felt the need to check up on my whereabouts was slightly disconcerting. I'd like to think she meant well.

"And how are the Charmings this fine morning?" Killian rolled over onto his back, turning just his head toward me as he spoke. God, I'd never get tired of hearing that deep timbre in his voice first thing in the morning.

"Hungry, apparently." I frowned.

He rubbed his hand over his face before sitting up. The black fabric of his shirt gaped open without his customary vest to cinch it close to his body. I caught a glimpse of a scar etched on his ribs before he stood. Looking to his face, I was greeted to another of his sinful smirks as he reached over to the table to reattach his hook.

"What?" I questioned.

His smirk rose, eyes gleaming. "Nothing, love. Nothing at all."

My eyes narrowed, but I let it go. "I'm meeting them at Granny's in a little bit."

"So I gathered." He walked over to the wardrobe near the cabin door, opening it as he asked, "What is it you plan to tell them, exactly?"

I opened my mouth to speak, but was momentarily stunned as he reached to pull off his shirt. His back was a perfect plane of pale flesh, strong and lean. The scar on his ribs curled down along his side, but he was otherwise unmarked. I had a sudden burning curiosity to hear how that scar came to be, and to feel its texture against my fingertips.

"Bad form, Swan," he whispered, turning his head to catch my blatant staring.

I lifted my own gaze slowly, purposefully raking in every single inch of him before meeting his stare head on. "You must be rubbing off on me."

He laughed, "Oh love, I'm just getting started."

I rolled my eyes. "Pirate."

"Aye, love, and all the better for you."

I made quite the show of turning my back while he worked at putting on a fresh shirt and vest. "If I even sense the loosening of leather I'm out of here," I warned.

The doors of the wardrobe snapped shut. "Don't say things you don't mean, love," he chuckled. My lips twitched beyond his sight. "Alright, I'm depressingly decent."

"Hardly," I retorted as I looked around for the rest of my clothes. In hindsight, I was glad I'd dressed in layers last night. Nothing screams midnight rendezvous like rumpled clothes. He held my turtleneck out with his hook wordlessly. I reached to take it, but he jerked it back. My brow rose in wonder.

"You avoided my question; what are you going to tell dearest mum and dad?" His inquiry sent a quiver of uncertainty across our link. For all his outward bravado, it was sometimes difficult to keep in mind that I'd done little to certify his confidence as far as we were concerned.

"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I guess I'll just see how it goes."

"Your plan is to have no plan at all?" His tone was incredulous. "Perhaps I am a bad influence on you after all."

"Please. There isn't a moment that goes by when you're not scheming in one way or another."

He grinned and held out my shirt again. "Glad we understand each other, lass. But just so we're clear, you aren't planning on doing anything so foolish as to avoid me again." It really wasn't a question. I shrugged on my shirt before sitting to tug on my boots. "Or attempting to waylay me by sending me certain…temptations? Perhaps those of a particularly wolfish nature?"

I froze. I'd forgotten all about Ruby. A combination of jealous curiosity and righteous indignation flared within me. I wanted to know what happened, but I wouldn't allow myself to ask. I schooled my face into polite interest. "I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about."

He crossed his arms and leaned next to the large window. The early morning sunlight played off of his profile, highlighting the touches of auburn in his dark brown hair and beard. I felt as if I was seeing both Killian and Hook; coexisting in perfect harmony for a brief shining moment. His words were soft and playful when he replied, "It always amazes me how people seem to forget the unyielding focus pirates can have when they've set their sights on a particular treasure." His blue gaze never wavered from my face. "You wouldn't underestimate me, would you Swan?"

A few weeks ago, or maybe even a few days ago, I would have ignored the veiled meaning of his words, taken the out he so kindly offered and dismissed his statement as just another tease. But through our bonding, or maybe just because I had allowed myself to begin to know him, I couldn't dismiss him any longer. "Not anymore," I whispered.

I stood and smoothed my hair, suddenly nervous. I wasn't sure how to leave him, but neither was I sure how to stay. "So, um, I'll see you later?"

He pushed off from the wall to approach me. His face was unexpectedly thoughtful and I felt another twinge of uncertainty in my chest. "Would you have dinner with me, lass?"

My eyes widened. "Dinner?"

"Yes, love. You know, the last meal of the day?" He fidgeted, scratching behind his right ear as he peered at me expectantly.

"Why not." I smiled, secretly charmed that the roguish pirate had just asked me out on a date. "Pick me up at six?"

"And if we can't make it that long?" He questioned, clearly hinting at our uncontrolled encounter the previous evening.

"I'm sure a captain of your skill will have no trouble finding me." I smirked.

His answering smile was more illuminating than the sun streaming through his cabin window. I was almost overcome with the urge to grab him and kiss him. It was only because I wanted to do it so badly that I didn't.

He held open the door and let me pass before him, then walked me to the dock. Seeing me home, an errant thought took note. As I moved to step over, he caught my hand and brought my knuckles to his lips, kissing them gently as he spoke, "Until tonight, my love."

I have very little memory of how I made it to Granny's.

E&K&E&K&E&K

"You were where?" David exclaimed, though from his tone I knew he didn't need me to repeat that I'd spent the night with Hook, with Killian. His sudden shout drew the attention of the other diners. Mary Margaret placed her hand over his forearm to steady him. He took a deep breath and met her calm expression. "You knew?"

She looked down at the table, her mouth a firm line. "I suspected," she admitted before looking up at me. "I'm not sure I understand why? I mean, aside from the obvious," she waved her hand, cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. I imagined both of our memories were replaying our brief Neverland conversation about me kissing him. She had been incredulous then, too.

I could practically hear David's teeth grinding.

"No offense, but it isn't really any of your business," I said as politely as I could. Internally, I was more than a bit annoyed at their intrusion; daughter or not, I was a grown adult woman. I was also disturbed at myself for feeling disappointed at their apparent lack of approval, but I'd think through that particular reaction some other time.

Mary Margaret in particular looked a bit hurt by my sharp reply. "Look," I lowered my volume, all too aware of potential listeners. "I know he hasn't made the best choices in the past, but that could be said of a lot of us, and there is more to him than just the vengeful pirate. I know you saw that on Neverland." I met both of their eyes. David's face fell into a faint frown. I could guess at what he was remembering, but he remained silent. Mary Margaret's expression turned thoughtful, though worry still reigned in her eyes. I shook my head, almost disbelieving what I was about to say. "He's important to me. I'm not sure if there's a future for us, but for now, I just need you to know that I will be spending time with him, and I hope you are willing to give him an honest chance, too."

An uncomfortable silence fell over our table as we neither spoke nor touched our rapidly cooling food. The strange tension between the three of us had been present from the moment I'd stepped foot into the diner. Our polite small talk had lasted through the first cup of cocoa and the delivery of our meals. But what was unsaid between us spoke volumes, and eventually, Mary Margaret had just outright asked what she had wanted to ask me this morning on the phone. If I wasn't with Neal, where was I? I could've lied, or at the very least softened the blow, but as I decided on how to respond, I was suddenly really annoyed that they even had to ask. Were they that oblivious to the triangle that had become my love life? Or was it that they so disapproved of Hook they'd completely disregarded everything they'd heard in the Echo Cave? So, ripping the Band-Aid off it was. I'd met their faces unflinchingly and told them I'd spent the night on the Jolly Roger in the company of its captain, launching us into our current predicament.

Finally, Mary Margaret reached over and covered my hand with one of hers. "Emma, we don't mean to judge," she paused as I arched my forehead in disbelief. "He's made it pretty obvious that he's interested in you, but is he being sincere? I just don't want to see you get hurt."

"I know, and I do appreciate your concern. But you have to trust me to make the best decisions for me." I couldn't really fault her for her worry. After all, she wasn't magically linked to the man's emotional core. She had no basis for knowing when he was being truthful and when he was simply teasing. But I didn't have the luxury of ignorance anymore.

"And Neal?" She asked quietly. I could see on her face that she hated to ask, but at the same time, she couldn't resist.

"He's Henry's father and he'll always have a place in our lives. But we had our chance. It didn't work out for a reason."

She glanced over to David, her one true love. When she looked back at me, I could easily read that sadness in her thoughts. "But he is your first love, and now he's back. You can have your chance again – "

I cut her off with a move of my hand. I hated to break their illusions of both Neal and me, but enough was enough. "Listen, I know you're hoping Neal is my one true love and that we'll get our second chance – just like you two – but you don't know the whole story. That's my fault."

I took a cleansing breath and picked up my fork to poke at my soggy pancakes. "Neal had me arrested. It's because of him that I gave birth to Henry in prison, and it's a big reason why I never open up to people. He recently told me that he only did what he did in order to help me fulfill my destiny, but even if I can forgive him for that, he still didn't want me enough to find me after the curse was broken."

"Oh, Emma," Mary Margaret's slim hands pressed over her mouth. Her eyes, filled with concern only moments before, now seemed heartbroken.

David, on the other hand, had regained that angry glare that threatened retribution by way of his sword. "I think Neal and I are going to have a very interesting conversation one of these days."

I fought back a smile, the memory of my seventeen-year-old self pleased by my dad's willingness to defend my honor even if it was eleven years too late. "As long as it's just a conversation," I hinted. "I would hate to lock up my own father."

Both of their faces softened at my acknowledgement to their parentage, just as they always did. We were three people trying to navigate an incredibly complicated relationship, burdened by unintentional hurts which ran so deeply that it was impossible to just completely forgive and forget. But we were committed to doing our best to claim each other regardless.

"So, the pirate it is, then?" David shook his head. "I suppose there are worse options. Though, I'll have to remind him soon about my ability with a sword."

"Don't you mean his ability to use a sword to save your life?" Mary Margaret challenged, referring to Killian hacking through the deadly Dreamshade vines to get the enchanted water which reversed David's curse. She hadn't quite forgiven him for keeping that little secret from her.

Seizing the opportunity to change the topic of conversation I asked, "Any word from Gold about the cure?"

"We're going to stop by the shop after this. I figured he deserved some time to rest, too." David answered. We all knew what he meant by time to rest. Belle. There should be absolutely no qualms about me being with Killain – if we did end up together, that is – considering even the Dark One had managed to find love.

"Want some back up?" I offered. They smiled, but declined. I could sort of understand. Given everything that happened, it was easy to forget that behind their tough 'fight for what we believe in' exteriors, they were two people who were incredibly in love, and who had had very little time to just be Snow White and Prince Charming since finding each other once again. This latest challenge was one they would face together; united.

We parted ways shortly after with their acceptance to watch Henry that night. I'd skirted the details, but they knew I was meeting Killian again. I'd like to say I was pleased by the significant decrease in judgment reflecting in their eyes, but it only made the whole situation more real. They didn't know about our bonding…yet, but telling your parents about your 'boyfriend' was supposed to be a big step in the relationship department. In our case, it was unavoidable, but I was still unsettled by how quickly things seemed to be developing.

I bumped into Ruby of all people as I headed toward Regina's to pick up Henry. She looked like the proverbial cat that ate the canary, or was it the wolf who slaughtered the flock? "Hey there, Emma. I was actually just looking for you." Her beatific smile did little to calm my rising suspicions. "Someone asked me to give you this." She handed me an aged looking envelope before stepping around me to continue on her way. "He cares a lot about you, you know," she called over her shoulder but kept walking.

I couldn't recognize the feeling which crept over my heart. It was cold and hot all at once. I stared at the innocuous rectangle in my hands as if it were a jury verdict about to condemn me to prison once more. Finally, I forced my fingers to loosen the seal and removed the folded paper. It took me a moment to adjust to the flourished-style of handwriting – clearly learned many years ago – but as the meaning became clear, the uncertain feeling in my chest solidified in a resounding way.

My Darling Emma,

You only just departed from my company, but already I yearn to be in your presence once more. As I watched you sleep last night, I thanked every star I've followed over the past three hundred years for leading me to your side. Where there was only loneliness and desperation, there is now hope. I eagerly await our reunion this evening, and leave this small token with you that you might embrace me in your thoughts throughout your day, as I long to embrace you once more.

He didn't sign it. He didn't have to. Reaching back into the envelope, I withdrew a gold coin. I recognized it as the one he pocketed in Anton's treasure room. Looking more closely at its face, I noticed a mariner star embossed on the surface.

Six o-clock could not come soon enough.

A/N: I'd love to hear your thoughts! Also, what modern technology would you like to see Killian baffled by? I may incorporate it into their upcoming date.