AN: So I'm obviously late to the party with this one, but I couldn't resist the urge to write Captain Swan on New Year's.

Thank you to everyone that's reviewed/followed/favorited so far!

She was awake before him, for once. Emma propped herself up on one elbow, considering the (usually rises-with-the-sun) pirate still asleep beside her. It wasn't that it was late, actually, but that Emma was up far earlier than she was accustomed to. Typically, she rose when the sun was already shining brightly through her window, turning to meet Killian's long-since opened eyes.

Today, though, she was up at what was barely dawn; the first few rays of sun were just peeking over the horizon. Emma hadn't intended to be awake at this hour, but the excitement of what the day (and night, to be more specific) entailed had kept her from sleeping very restfully.

It wasn't that she had always been a huge fan of New Year's. In fact, for most of her life she'd dreaded the holiday (it was hard, as an orphan, to get into the spirit of a holiday dedicated to friends, family, and hope for the future), finding copious amounts of alcohol to be the only highlight. Now, though, Emma could get into the spirit. She allowed the excitement to wash over her, knowing the day would be spent with the family and friends she had once yearned for (and would never need to again).

This year had been a good one, though (ice witches and curses aside), especially as it drew to a close. Storybrooke had been particularly quiet these past few weeks (a very long calm before the inevitable storm), and Emma was enjoying it as best she could. There was always danger lurking around here, but Killian had been right to suggest that they savor the quiet moments. And this year, she'd had her parents, her son, and her pirate there every step of the way; in quiet moments and loud. Emma wanted to celebrate that, just as much as she wanted to kiss the year goodbye. While there had been many good things about this past year, for the first time in her life, Emma felt ready to embrace the one that would follow. She knew that whatever it brought, she'd be prepared with her family by her side.

A family which had begun to include the man beside her, now stirring awake with all the grumbling of her teenaged son. "Swan?" Killian asked immediately, voice low and hoarse as he blindly reached for her hand.

Emma took his searching fingers in her own, a small smile crossing her lips. "I'm here." she assured, amusement and something sincere coloring her voice. It was still new, waking up with him there, first thing. Her and Henry's new apartment had quickly become their new apartment. Killian opened his eyes at last, peering up at her. A laughed bubbled out of Emma at the sight of her clearly still sleepy pirate. "Shouldn't you be used to waking up at this hour?" she teased, squeezing his fingers, "To 'swab the deck', or something?"

Killian snorted at that, turning his face back into the pillow. "Your realm has spoiled me, love." he explained, voice muffled. "It appears I've lost my touch, no longer having a purpose for waking at the crack of dawn."

He looked back her, eyes narrowing. "And why exactly are you up, Swan?" he questioned, suspicious of the gleam in Emma's eyes. "While I may not rise as punctually as I once did, I'm fairly certain I've always woke before you."

Emma smiled again, an irrational glee filling her. "Too much excitement." she said, pressing a kiss to Killian's lips. She laid back down beside him, the grin still on her face.

"I can see that." Killian quipped, amused. "And what occasion is it which has you so eagerly awake?"

Emma released his hand, moving closer until she was nestled against his chest. Killian had a fleetingly moment of appreciation for how affectionate his Swan was in the morning. "It's New Year's Eve today." she explained, tilting her head up to him.

The words gave him some inkling of what the holiday was in celebration of, though Killian didn't quite grasp the reason for Emma's giddiness. "And there will be a celebration, I presume?" he asked lightly, curious about the festivities but not wanting to appear entirely clueless.

"Yes, there will be a celebration." Emma confirmed with another bright smile. Killian grinned in return, finding her enthusiasm infectious. "Most of the town's going to be at Granny's tonight for the party my parent's planned." Seeing the questions beginning to form on Killian's lips, Emma went on, "New Year's is a big deal in this world. People dress up, go out with friends and family, and get wasted. Then at midnight, there's usually fireworks or confetti or something big like that. Couples kiss as a way of bringing good luck for the new year."

Emma could see Killian considering this information, smirking at the last part. He decided against asking what confetti or fireworks were, presuming he would find out later that evening. He couldn't deny that he liked the sound of drinking and kissing, though. "In that case," Killian said warmly, "I do look forward to ringing in this new year with you, Emma."

She grinned at the sound of her real name, moving back slightly to bring their lips together. If the the night ended as well as it was starting, Emma could already call this holiday a success.

"Are you nearly ready, Swan?" Killian asked gently, entering Emma's bedroom at Henry's prompting. The two of them had been waiting in the living room for twenty minutes by that point, impatient to get to Granny's and let the evening begin. "The lad's getting restless-"

He stopped upon seeing her, leaning into the mirror before turning to face him. "Well?" Emma prompted, smirking at Killian's slack jaw. She'd worn the red dress specifically with him in mind, calling their first dance to back to memory. She'd even gone as far as to do her hair up as it had been that night, pulled back into an intricate bun. She was pleased with herself now, seeing his reaction; Emma had wanted Killian to remember the evening as she did, as one of the fonder memories of their year. (The plunging neckline and low back had just been an added bonus).

"You do cut quite the figure in that dress." Killian said after a moment's hesitation, collecting himself enough to cross the room. Emma smirked at his words and he pulled her into his arms, kissing her in spite of the bright red lipstick she wore.

"There's one more thing." Emma said, squeezing his arms as she pulled away, turning back to the mirror. She plucked something off of the dresser beneath it, presenting it to Killian. It was a thin silver chain from which hung a swan-shaped charm, embedded with a small ruby. Killian recognized it as the necklace he'd given Emma as part of her Christmas present, and felt his heart warm. Wordlessly, Emma turned her back to him, craning her neck meaningfully.

Killian placed the chain around her, clipping the necklace together before pressing a kiss below her ear. Emma whirled back around, offering a tiny smile. "Now I'm ready." she said, making her way to the door. Killian caught her arm with his hook, gently pulling her back.

"Just a moment, Swan." he requested, looking at her seriously. Emma raised her brows expectantly as Killian reached behind her, tugging the pins from her hair. She felt the blonde locks tumble down her back and looked questioningly at Killian.

"Much better." he said simply, quirking a smile before exiting the room, leaving Emma to wonder for a moment why she found the gesture so charming.

"Well, it's fair to say that the she-wolf has outdone herself." Killian complimented, taking in the sight of the diner along with Henry and Emma. The place had been decorated extravagantly by Ruby, both colorful lanterns and white lights left over from Christmas strung all around. The room was awash with silvers, whites, and golds-from the candles on each table to the streamers and stars hanging from the ceiling.

The restaurant was nearly filled, most of Storybrooke's patrons already in celebration mode. Emma spotted her parents, seated at their usual booth with Ruby and, to Emma's pleasant surprise, Belle. She pointed them out to Killian and Henry, the latter saying something about finding Regina and taking his leave. Emma frowned slightly at Killian. Regina had been in mourning, having lost Robin once again, and while it was hardly Emma's fault this time around, she still felt the guilt creep through her. Emma hated the idea of Regina spending the holiday alone with her misery, and hoped silently that Henry would convince her to join in on the party.

Killian rubbed his hand along her back soothingly, leading Emma to the table where David and Mary Margaret sat.

"Belle," Emma said immediately after scooting in beside her mother, "I'm so glad you decided to come out tonight." Since banishing Gold, Belle had withdrawn from everyone, even leaving the library unopened while she mourned the (for lack of a better word) loss of her husband. Emma was pleased to see her out with friends, evening looking a little happy, and wished the good mood would rub off on Regina.

Belle smiled, though it didn't completely meet her eyes. "I'm glad I did, too." she agreed, glancing around the table. "Ruby was rather persistent, and I'm...actually having a nice time."

"You deserve it." Emma said sincerely, touching Belle's hand for a moment. Emma would always be grateful for what the woman had done. Had it not been for Belle, Killian would not be sitting with them now.

Belle nodded, a little embarrassed, as the others recalled her heroism. Everyone in town appreciated what she'd done about Rumple, and acknowledged how hard a sacrifice it had been. Sensing Belle's discomfort, Ruby changed the subject.

"Snow." she said pointedly, "You were just about to tell us your resolutions."

Killian glanced between the two brunettes, quirking a brow before looking at Emma for explanation. "New Year's resolutions. You make a sort of list of things you want to accomplish in the New Year."

"Or things you want to do differently." Snow added helpfully. She looked down at Neal, somehow asleep in her arms despite the noise. "For example, one of my resolutions is to be a better mother."

The others looked at her, a bit surprised. David touched his wife's arm, concerned. "You're already the best mom Neal could possibly have."

Snow looked sheepishly at Emma, the meaning of her words becoming evident. Emma felt her face heat up, knowing how guilty her mother still felt for how she'd acted the day Emma's magic had gone haywire. The memory didn't bother Emma too much anymore, but hearing Snow acknowledge it did make her feel better.

"What about you, Charming?" Ruby asked after a moment, switching her eyes between her friends.

David was thoughtful for a moment. "I'd say my biggest resolution is to keep the town safe." he admitted, placing a hand on his son's head. "I don't want anymore curses in 2015."

"Good luck with that one, mate." Killian scoffed, drawing the table's attention.

Ruby smirked. "Then what's you resolution, Captain?"

Emma looked at the pirate, curious herself. She hadn't thought much about her own resolutions, having never really made any in the past.

"Appreciation." Killian said grandly, hardly missing a beat. "There's always some bloody threat looming over this town, and I resolve to enjoy the quiet moments in between." He shared a loaded look with Emma, tucked into his side, and winked.

"Emma?" Ruby was about to ask, but was interrupted when Granny summoned her to help fill the drink orders. Emma was relieved, not sure what her answer would have been. It was something to think about, though. What did she want to do differently?

The night passed in a blur of noise and drinks, Emma rather enjoying the company of her tipsy pirate. She was rather enjoying all of it, actually, which was a welcome surprise. She moved around the room, mingling with everyone and even partaking in a few drinking games.

"How unbecoming of a princess." Killian had teased when Emma beat Leroy at shotgunning a beer. Emma had rolled her eyes and ordered another round.

Ten minutes before the ball dropped, they found themselves alone, leaning against the bar. The party was taken outside when too many guests had arrived to be contained in the diner. Emma and Killian had hung back, though, wanting to find a moment of quiet before they were swept back up in the festivities.

"Enjoying the party?" Emma asked, leaning into Killian. They were buzzed but not quite drunk, and she could feel the alcohol (as well as Killian's body heat) warming her.

"Aye. For a stern, elderly lass, the Widow Lucas certainly knows how to throw a party." Killian jested, grinning at his Swan. Her face was flush and her eyes just the slightest bit glossy, something about it incredibly endearing.

"I'm pretty sure it was Ruby's doing." Emma corrected, amused. At the mention of her name, Killian recalled something he'd meant to ask Emma about.

"Swan?" he asked, voice taking on a gentler note, "Earlier, when your parents were sharing their resolutions..." he paused slightly, taking in Emma's wondering look. "What are yours?"

Emma looked Killian over, sensing his genuine desire to know her answer. She thought for a moment about lying, but decided it was best that she share it with someone (particularly Killian). "I only have one." Emma began, and Killian nodded attentively, urging her to go on. "I want to be happy."

He looked at her, not comprehending. "And you are not, now?" he asked, an uncharacteristic nervousness in his tone. Emma smiled ruefully, realizing she had misspoken.

"I want to stay happy." she corrected. "I've spent my whole life waiting for the other shoe to drop, never letting myself get too comfortable somewhere-or with someone-" She gazed at Killian meaningfully, "because I knew it wouldn't last. So, this year I want to change that. I know there's always something waiting to go wrong, but if being the Savior has taught me one thing, it's that I can't live in fear of that next something. That's not really living." she added wistfully.
Killian held her gaze, awestruck. He smiled after a moment, pulling her tightly to him before kissing her senseless. They only parted, breathing heavily, when the bell over the door jingled.

"Guys!" Henry's voice called from the doorway, a mixture of horror and exasperation at catching his mom and her boyfriend making out, "The countdown's about to start!"

A little embarrassed, a little giddy, Emma followed her son out the door, tugging Killian by the hand. Outside, they found seats at their favorite table, where they had shared a kiss all that time ago (and many kisses since).

Looking down the street, Emma couldn't help but smile. People were everywhere, laughing and talking and (the dwarves, led by a very inebriated Leroy), singing. She noticed her parents standing in the road, Neal swaddled in their mother's arms while David wrapped himself around Snow. Some kids she recognized from Henry's class were running down the sidewalks, sparklers in hand, which were being passed out by Marco and Pinocchio. Ruby and Dr. Whale were leaned against the wall of Granny's, talking quietly to each other, seemingly in their own world. Aurora and Ashley (accompanied by their husbands and their babies, nestled in strollers), had taken responsibility for keeping Belle from being alone. Emma perked up even more when she spotted Regina some ways away, talking with Henry. She looks alright, Emma noticed, happy, even.

As the countdown began, Emma looked back at Killian. His eyes were already on her, a smile matching her own spread wide across his face. Emma pulled him to stand, wanting to try something.

"Ten!"

"Swan?" Killian wondered, still grinning as Emma closed her eyes, focusing on letting her magic flow.

"Nine!"

She thought about her family, all the times that year she'd almost lost them. All the times they'd found each other again. Her palms tingled, the spell beginning to work.

"Eight!"

She thought of her friends, and all they'd done for her. She thought of Elsa, back home in Arendelle, and how grateful she was to have met her. Small sparks began to shoot from her finger tips.

"Seven!"

She thought of her pirate, always be her side, whether in battle or at home on their couch. All the sacrifices he'd made, all the effort he'd put in, just for her.

"Six!"

The magic burst from her at last, powerful sparks shooting up to the sky and exploding in flashes of color. Several of the townspeople cheered.

"Five!"

Killian glanced overhead at the fireworks, entranced. "Are you- Is that your doing?" he asked, looking at Emma in awe. She smiled in confirmation, knocking
their shoulders together.

"Four!"

He spun her around, pulling them flush against each other. "You're bloody incredible." he said with reverence. Emma wanted to roll her eyes, her face warming under his intense gaze.

"Three!"

"They're just fireworks, Killian." Emma protested. Killian shook his head, not breaking their eye contact.

"Two!"

"I don't just mean your magic, love." he said earnestly.

"One!"

Emma matched his gaze for a moment, then tugged at his collar, crushing their lips together. They heard the pop of a cork as someone opened a bottle of champagne. Another one down, Emma thought. She tugged on the hairs at the nape of Killian's neck, feeling his hook at the small of her back, his hand tangled in her hair. They parted for air, breathy laughs elicited from them both.

"Happy New Year, Killian." Emma whispered against his lips, as the sentiment was echoed from the citizens all around them.

"I'm fairly confident it will be." Killian agreed, releasing her hair to cup Emma's cheek. "And may we face it all together."