It's been three long days since she's had any time alone with Killian and Emma was bound and determined to not let any resident of Storybrooke get in the way of her much needed time with her pirate. The plan was to meet at the docks and "borrow" one of the boats for a private night on the water, perhaps some stargazing and hopefully more enjoyable activities. As she moved stealthily past the cannery, Emma stopped in her tracks when she saw Henry sitting next to Killian on the end of the pier.

She couldn't control the pang in her heart seeing them deep in conversation, heads close, as if they were sharing a secret all their own. After Henry called Killian that night in the diner, the two of them had really made an effort to connect more. Emma hadn't been privy to much of Henry and Killian's bonding time, as it usually involved boating trips where women, per Henry's instructions, were strictly forbidden. So, seeing them now she was able to really sense just how close they had become.

She couldn't help but see the future being laid out in front of her, the real possibility of an actual family with Killian and Henry. She had told Killian those many months ago back in New York that what she wanted and what she thought she could have for her life wasn't in the cards for her, the Savior. She believed it then, but now, she was starting to have hope that maybe she was wrong. She felt grounded for the first time…well…ever, in her life and the two men at the end of that pier were definitely her anchors. Men, wow, when did she start thinking of Henry as a man and not a kid? She knew he still had a lot of growing up to do and she hoped he would take his time and enjoy what was left of his childhood, despite the constant craziness that was life in Storybrooke. She didn't have a real childhood and that's all she wants for him. And, well…a family, which he has in spades…and a hook.

She sees Killian reach up to pat Henry on the back as Henry is stuffing something that looks like his book into his backpack. He stands and gives a small wave to Killian and makes his way up the pier towards where Emma was spying. She tries to look as though she just arrived, but the sly look on Henry's face as he approaches tells her that he isn't buying it.

"Hey Kid."

"Hi Mom. You're early. Killian said you weren't meeting him for another half hour."

Searching for a response that wasn't "I was going crazy not having kissed Killian in three days and cut out of work early to stick my tongue down his throat…" was proving difficult. She decided changing the subject altogether was the better option.

"So, what were you two doing?"

"Ah, nothing. I just wanted to talk to him about something, so I texted him. He met me here after school and we've been hanging out."

And, there was a second pang.

"He's texting now? That's good to know." Filing that information away for later, Emma reached up and brushed Henry's hair across his forehead. "I'm lucky to have you as a kid, you know? I don't think anyone else would be so cool with his mom dating Captain Hook."

Henry's eyes lit up at that. "Totally okay with it. I mean, c'mon, he's a pirate and he lets me teach him how to use a smart phone and he tells awesome stories. And…well, we've even talked about my Dad a bit more. It's nice having someone to talk to who knew him when he was young like me. It helps me to not forget him, you know?"

Unable to stop herself, Emma grabbed Henry and held him close, tucking his head under her chin. "I know, kid. I miss him, too."

Henry pulled back a bit and reached up to scratch behind his ear, something he had obviously picked up from Killian, causing the third pang to hit her straight in the heart. Henry lifted his head, seemingly nervous, and grabbed Emma's hand.

"Mom, even if my Dad was alive, I still think Killian is the best person for you."

"Oh, Henry. You don't have to…"

"No, I mean it. He makes you, I don't know, stronger somehow. You don't seem so lost anymore and you smile all the time. I know I didn't get to really see you and Dad together all that much, but I don't think he could have made you as happy as Killian does." He gave her hand a quick squeeze and shuffled back a few steps. "Go have fun, Mom. I'll see you tomorrow." Before Emma could say anything further, he was sprinting past her back into town.

Emma stood there for a full minute, watching as Henry got smaller and smaller in her view, still grasping with what her amazing, loving child had just admitted to her. She shifted her gaze to the end of the pier, where Killian was now standing, looking out across the water. As the setting sun grazed the horizon, Emma made her way over to him, mesmerized by his dark silhouette contrasting with the hazy oranges and yellows of the sunset. He turned as he heard her boots echoing on the wood and she had to stop herself from full out running into his arms.

"Hello, love. Did you.."

Whatever else he was about to say was swallowed by Emma's lips as they claimed his mouth in a fierce kiss. Not one to ask questions, Killian responded with equal fervor, sucking her lower lip into his mouth, causing Emma to gasp lightly. With one hand reaching inside his jacket to wrap around his waist, Emma used her other hand to grasp the back of his head and take back control of the kiss. The sun had set and the pier lights were beginning to flicker to life by the time they broke for air, resting their foreheads together, panting into each other's mouths.

"Not complaining, love, but what was that for?"

Emma had so much to say, so many thoughts rolling through her brain, but at this moment all she wanted was this. There would be time for big conversations and what's next and hey do you want to be a family with me and Henry, but right now she just wants to live in this happy bubble for a night.

Lifting her forehead from his, she searches the pier for a suitable boat for the evening before wrapping her fingers around his hook to pull him in the direction of her conquest.

"Let's just say that I'm ready for the fun to begin."