AN: Based off of spoilers about the ball in episode two. This is pure, unadulterated fluff and I am very unapologetic.
"Oh, Emma."
She glanced up, making eye contact with her mother through the mirror. Mary Margaret gave her a watery smile, placing both hands on Emma's shoulders as she sighed. "You look beautiful."
Emma trailed her gaze back down, taking in her reflection. Her hair was done up in an intricate bun and she donned a light blue dress which Emma found beautiful, if a little over the top (complete with a flared waist and a corset already cutting off her oxygen supply.)
"You're not going to make me wear a tiara, are you?" Emma joked wryly, turning to face her mother. The tears were still threatening to fall as Snow placed a hand against Emma's cheek, ignoring the tease.
"This is all I'd dreamed for you." she said earnestly, taking Emma's hand and giving it a squeeze.
Emma forced a smile, her own emotions overcoming her. "Better late than never, I guess."
Her mother pulled her in for a hug, holding tight for a beat longer than usual. Moving back, Snow took a breath before flashing another smile, this one conspiratorial. "Wait until Hook sees you."
Emma let out a breathy laugh, feeling a sudden nervousness grip her. "That's if I can make it to the ballroom before this corset suffocates me."
/
Downstairs, Emma felt her breath catch at the sight of the lavish ballroom. Granted, she had only one other point of comparison, but the place would have put Midas's castle to shame. She continued to gape at the decorations as Mary Margaret guided her to the center of the room, joining the other early guests as they danced around.
"You know, I was skeptical, but I have to hand it to Arthur." Emma admitted as her mother spun them around. "The guy knows how to throw a party." She had rolled her eyes when the King had brought up his idea to hold a ball for his "honored guests", but being there now, she couldn't deny the atmosphere.
"It is beautiful." Snow agreed, casting her eyes around the room. "It's strange, though, experiencing this after so long. Your father and I used to attend balls like this one every other day."
Emma glanced past her mother's shoulder. "Speaking of…" she murmured, nodding her head to where Charming stood at the entrance of the hall. Catching sight of them, her father beamed as he strode over to where they were.
And close behind him, smiling just as widely, was Killian. Emma gawked a bit, her eyes raking over his attire, distracted by the regalia; even more surprised by how comfortable Killian seemed to be, wearing the clothes as if he belonged in them. He looked-
Emma couldn't help but snicker. He looked like her father.
She was still grinning as Killian walked up, immediately taking her hand. He raised a wicked eyebrow, running his gaze along her body. "Well, Your Majesty, if I may be so bold…"
Emma rolled her eyes with a smile, beginning their waltz before Killian could finish his sentence. "Like riding a bike." she noted, earning a perplexed look from Killian; unfamiliar with the phrase. With a smirk, Emma clarified, "I'm just surprised I remember all the steps."
"I told you, Swan." Killian said, spinning them around. "You're a natural."
"I thought the secret was just picking the right partner." Emma deadpanned, quirking a brow at him.
"It certainly doesn't hurt." he assured, grinning. "But I suspect you could do just fine on your own, Princess."
Emma resisted the urge to scoff at the title. She squeezed Killian's hand, bringing their bodies closer together. "Maybe." she replied, batting her lashes. "But now I'll never have to."
Killian hummed. "I take it you're not just speaking in regards to dancing?"
"Well, between all this Dark One business and being trapped in Camelot, I'm gonna need a little help." She inclined her head, fighting a smile. "Think you're up for the task?"
Killian raised his hand, his thumb finding the dimple in Emma's chin. "Well, you know me, love. Always up for a challenge."
They'd stopped dancing, standing in the midst of the other guests as they twirled around them. Emma stared at Killian somberly, her lips curved into a small smile.
"I love you." she said easily, taking a breath once the words were out.
Killian beamed, his eyes drinking her in. When she had told him, before, with the darkness whipping around them, it had been meant as a parting gift.
But now, in this time of happiness, without any immediate threat or looming separation, the sentiment means more. To hear her say it at that moment, simply because it's how she feels, simply because Emma means the words-
Well.
Killian trailed his fingers along Emma's jaw, cupping her cheek. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes, but Killian continued to stare into them, regardless. He found himself unable to look away as the words finally left his mouth, needing Emma to hear each syllable, to understand the truth of his declaration.
"And I love you, Swan."