A/N: Wow, you guys.

This is the last chapter before the epilogue.

Hooooooly shit.

I'm absolutely infatuated with this story, and don't be surprised if you see more of it in the future. It's become one of my favorites, and I'm sure that I'll be able to write a few things for the verse soon.

Listen to: 'Rather Be' by Clean Bandit and 'All This Time' by OneRepublic.

Enjoy!

Killian didn't speak a single word to Liam that night-he simply locked himself away and sat on the edge of the bed for hours, trying to figure out what he'd done wrong.

He tried texting her, and of course, she wouldn't respond.

Killian was running out of options.

He finally fell asleep after a long night of thinking, only to be woken with a nightmare-one that caused Liam to break into his room and turn on the lights.

"Killian? Killian, you're okay." He sighed, sitting beside him on the bed and pulling his little brother into his arms.

"I lost her, Liam, I couldn't save her-"

"Hey, it's okay. That won't happen. She's fine." Liam promised, rubbing Killian's back.

He'd had flashes of PTSD before, but never as terribly as that. It was like his life had fallen apart right in front of him, but he couldn't do anything about it.

"When does her plane leave?" Liam asked curiously, trying to get Killian's mind off of the nightmare.

"Ten, I think."

"Why don't you go after her?" Liam asked, tugging away and holding his brother's shoulders, "What have you got to lose?"

"Liam, I can't do that." Killian sniffled.

"Why not?" Liam asked, "If it can work for some schmuck in a rom-com, it can work for you."

Killian huffed out a laugh at that, shaking his head.

"I'm not that crazy, Liam. I can't just... I don't want her to hate me."

"That's the absolute worst that could happen." Liam spoke with a smile, "My guess is, she'll realize that you aren't giving up on her anytime soon, and she'll want to make it work."

"You really think so?" Killian asked.

"Yep. She'd be crazy to let you go, Killian. You're a great guy, and it's clear that you really like her." Liam said, "Go after her. Prove to her that you won't let her slip through your fingers."

Killian took a deep breath, nodding and running his hand through his hair.

"Thank you, Liam."

"Of course, little brother." Liam grinned, "Need me to stay in here, like I did when we were kids and you'd have a nightmare?"

"You don't have to-"

Liam didn't wait for Killian's approval before slipping under the covers and facing away from his little brother.

"Night, Killian. I'll make sure we get you to the airport before she leaves."

"Thank you, Liam."

"Anytime. Now, go to bed." Liam chuckled, causing Killian to smile and lay back down, facing the window.

He was going to get his Swan back.

In the morning, Killian was up and ready to go just in time, catching a cab.

"JFK, please." He panted as he got into the car, "And, if you know any kind of back way, please take it."

"The traffic is busy today, but I will get you there as quick as I can." The driver replied.

Killian was entirely too impatient as the cab went through stop and go traffic. He kept checking his watch, realizing that he probably should have left earlier.

Once they made it to the airport, Killian paid him and darted out of the car as fast as he could. He really hoped Emma wasn't through security yet. As soon as he got in, he raced around the kiosks, searching for her beautiful golden locks. He considered calling her when he saw her, just passing through security. He stopped in his place, knowing he couldn't go any further.

"Emma!" He yelled, hoping she'd hear him, "Emma Swan!"

She turned at his voice, her features softening when she saw him.

"Sir, can I please go speak with her? Just for a few moments." Killian pleaded.

"I'm sorry, only people who have a plane ticket can go past this point."

"Please, sir, I need to tell her that I love her." Killian spoke hopefully, "She has to know."

The man sighed and opened up the small gate, allowing Killian to run through.

Emma met him halfway, running straight into his arms.

"Emma, please give me another chance. Please don't let me regret losing you." Killian whispered, holding her tight and breathing in her shampoo.

"I don't want to run, but Neal-"

"I knew he had something to do with this." Killian sighed, tugging away and cupping her face in his hands.

"He threatened to take Henry away from me, Killian, and I-"

"If you give me a chance, I'll help you get through this. I know how much the boy means to you." Killian spoke with a sweet smile, "I want to be with you, Emma. I want to get to know you, I want to make this craziness work."

"I do, too, Killian."

"Then, please, tell me you'll stay." Killian said, "Not physically, since you need to go home, but-"

"Why don't you buy yourself a plane ticket and come with us?" Emma asked with a smile.

"Really?" Killian beamed, his heart nearly beating out of his chest.

"Of course." Emma smiled.

"Oh, just kiss already!" Henry exclaimed, causing them to laugh nervously. Killian set his hand on her cheek, pulling her closer with his arm around her waist. Their lips collided, and there was more cheering around them than they'd expected, causing both of them to laugh and tug away.

"I'm late, anyways. We're probably not going to make the plane." Emma smiled, "Not with you holding us up."

"Your baggage is already on the plane-go, and I'll book the next flight, alright?" Killian smiled.

"Okay." Emma smiled, kissing him one last time before walking away with Henry.

"Thank you." Killian smiled to the security guard.

"Yeah, yeah." He spoke with a smile, "I'm a damn sucker for love."

"Right there with you, mate." Killian grinned, sauntering towards the kiosks.

His life may have been crazy the past few days, but he wouldn't have had it any other way.