So this is the smallest chapter there is. Happy New Years for those of you who are before me. I still have nearly an hour and a half. I will try to finish this up, but I hate to say the inspiration is drying up. I don't feel that it is right for me to do the 12 nights of pleasure where they currently are. So would you all comment on how you would like this story to end? Would you be alright with that? Is it too soon? I will wait your judgement as I start the last chapter.
Thank you so much for reading and staying with me so far. Enjoy.
Eleventh day of Christmas
On the eleventh day of Christmas my Swan girl gave to me: eleven bottles of rum.
Killian woke, feeling at peace. Emma still lay there with her head resting on his shoulder like it was her pillow. He gazed down at her, brushing her hair away from her face. Never had he wanted to keep something, as much as he wanted to keep Emma in that moment. It was the day before Christmas, and he knew just what to get her. He eased out of bed, careful not to wake her. He dress rapidly, then headed out of the apartment. First stop Archie.
Archie looked startled when Killian entered his office in the wee hour of the morning. "Hello, Captain. What a surprise."
He looked around. "Is there something I can do for you?"
Killian nodded. "Aye, there would be something. Emma came to see you yesterday."
Archie frowned. "Yes, she did. I won't tell you what it was about, if that is what you are after."
"No, I would like help. Emma had given me more than I could have ever thought possible. I love her." His eyes narrowed. "I never want what happened to ever transpire again. She said you might be willing to help this old pirate change his naughty ways."
Archie smiled brightly. "Well, that I can help with. I hope. Why don't we start now."
Killian sighed. "Well, I guess we shall. It all started in this little port town..."
Emma woke not long after Killian left. She felt better after a good night sleep and there was something about being held in his arms that made the world seem just a little bit brighter. She went down to the station, in high spirits. It was Christmas eve, and she only had two more things to purchase for Killian. She thought long and hard of what to give him on these last two days. Her thoughts turned dark when she thought of Neal, who was most likely still aboard the Jolly Roger. Sure she wanted to hit him herself, but she did not want him to die. She would have to think of a way to persuade Killian to free him. It was about noon when Ruby stopped by and paid her a visit.
"Hey, Ruby. What's up?" Emma had been taking a break from the pile of paperwork she had been finishing up. Ruby smiled, holding up at bag. "Killian sent me on this errand. And I am to tell you he would like to see you in these cloths sometime soon, but he might not be home till late." She smiled brightly. "He is at Archie's."
Emma smiled brightly. "Really?"
Ruby nodded. "Now open what he got you. I want to see."
Emma removed the tissue paper and removed three pieces of clothing: jacket, shirt, and jeans. Each of them had a rip in them. There was a note at the bottom of the bag.
I tried to get you some new cloths, but they kept ripping. So when we are bed mates again, will you wear them so I can rip the cloths right off of you? Keep thinking of the good times, and I will see you tonight. Killian.
Emma blushed, as Ruby rolled out the cloths. "Well girl, there are eleven rips in totally. Someone was edger."
"Yes, I do believe he was." They shared a grin, before collapsing in giggles.
Killian came home just after ten. He wasn't expecting Emma to be up waiting for him, but she was with a plate of food and a cup of coffee. He didn't say much as he wolfed down the food, having spend all day trying to get everything out had left him weary. Emma cleared his place when he was finished. She took his hand when she came back. "Ruby gave me your gift."
He quirked an eyebrow. "Did she now?"
Emma bit her lip. "Yes, she did. I liked it." She paused. "I want to ask you something before I give you my gift."
Killian turned to her, and rasped out. "Anything, you know that love."
"Release Neal." Her voice was quiet, unsure if she had crossed the line in the sand. Killian sighed, standing. He pressed his lips to her forehead.
"Very well. I will have one of the boys escort him to the edge of town and boot him over the line. Will that do, Princess?"
She turned her face up to his, bring their lips together in a soft kiss. "That would be fine." She glanced over her shoulder. "Though you might want to share your gift with them."
He looked at her quizzically before following her eyes with his. In the kitchen were stacked eleven barrels. "Lass is that what I think it is?"
She smiled. "Eleven bottles seem too small, but Ruby knows a dealer, who still makes it in the barrel. Apparently your crewmen taught him after they got their memories back how to make the best rum."
He wrapped her in a hug. "I think the boys will be happy at your thoughtfulness. I thank you on their behalf." He kissed her again, before pulling away.
"I do believe, we should get some sleep. You little one will be sure to be awake the moment Christmas arrives."
Emma snorted. "Yeah, just what I need to be woken up by, my kid jumping on my bed."
Killian smiled. "You wouldn't have it any other way."
She wrapped her arms around him. "Only if I spend the night with you."
He kissed her again. "Couldn't do it any other way, lass. I couldn't do it."
Together they walked to their room, slipping off to dreams of a cheerful tomorrow in each other arms.
That is all for this chapter. Short and to the point really. It seems strange that it would come to this, since everything was so much more passionate earlier. But like I said, I don't think they are ready for it. Not after what happened. Though a thought just crossed my mind. The last day will be of Christmas a year later. What do you think? Please let me know.