A/N: Okay, so another week has come and gone, we've gained some new story followers, and so many of you have commented and sent me messages about the story, it has been so exciting! I am so happy you guys seem to be enjoying it, and I only hope I continue to do you guys proud. This chapter is filled with cuteness and both Emma and Killian dealing with the aftermath of their conversation on the pier. Thanks for reading!

Emma

Finally! The thought ran through Emma's mind as she kissed Killian just like she'd been wanting to since meeting him. She ran her hands through his hair, demanding and needy and he was right there with her, pulling her close so her hips ground against him. She could feel the hard contours of his body, and his arousal pressed against her, but they were still separated by too much. Cautious, agonizingly guarded Emma was gone and instead there was a hungry, desperate, completely willing woman in her stead. She felt safe here, in his arms and with his kiss and she never wanted it to end.

"Are you all together real, Emma?" Killian posed the question he'd asked her last night but this time his voice was filled with awe and raw sensuality. He murmured the words against her neck as he moved to kiss her there, the tickle of his breath only setting her desire to a higher crest. Emma held onto his arms for support, but hell if she could understand what was happening to her. She was completely ensnared in everything about him, wanting – no needing – more from him than kisses and tender touches.

As if reading her mind, Killian pulled back and removed her shirt, flirting with the front clasp of her bra. Her breath caught at the moment he released her breasts to the warm air around them and the growl that came from him branded itself into her very being. His eyes, nearly black with his own desire, roamed her figure, his hands charting a course just behind them. Where she'd expected rough callouses, his skin was surprisingly soft, but the touch ignited the fire burning inside her all the same.

"Killian, I need –"

The plea was interrupted by the blaring of her alarm, waking Emma from what she now realized was just a dream. How it could have been all in her imagination, she had no idea. Every touch, every word he'd said made her feel more alive than ever before and she was asleep. Emma looked down to find that her sheets were mangled, and her hands had been roaming in her sleep. She let out a frustrated groan. Even if the dream wasn't real, the effect was the same, she was extremely turned on and had roughly forty minutes before she needed to be at the town's rec center to take 'activity pictures' for all the little kids signed up for different classes.

Resigned to the fact that actual life today might not live up to the world of her dreams, Emma got out of bed and into her shower. She took care of her lingering tensions, but the release she found she already knew was nothing to what Killian could have given her. Half of her was sorry at the fact that it wasn't him touching her, and the other was completely thrown off. She'd known him a little more than twelve hours, not even a full day, and he was already taking up this much room in her mind.

And my heart, the thought should have terrified Emma but it didn't. Yes, this was going crazy fast, but they'd already gone through a lot what with yesterday's incident and all. Killian knew more about Emma and her baggage than all of her exes did, and he'd let her in on his demons too, confiding in her and trusting her with his burdens as well. She knew that wasn't normal operating behavior for either of them, but though Emma couldn't explain it other than to say that he was a kindred spirit. Emma had only ever clicked with two other people as fast and they were Anna and Elsa, but what Emma felt for Killian was absolutely not sisterly.

All forty minutes of getting ready were consumed with thoughts along the same lines about whether putting herself out there, with Liam's brother no less, was worth the risk. Emma knew she could trust her gut, it had never steered her wrong, but the intensity of her emotions despite not knowing him long still scared Emma. If she felt for him this much, he could hurt her that much more, and though she knew him well enough to believe that he would never intentionally hurt her, she also knew he was struggling. Maybe neither of them was whole enough to do this. What were the chances that two broken people could actually mend together? That sounded like a fairy tale, and those stories had always seemed flawed to Emma, nothing more than beautiful fantasies that could never come true for her. But god, how she wished they could, just this once.

When Emma opened the door to finally leave for work, she stopped suddenly. There, delicately placed on the white front railing of her house was a single red rose. Immediately her heart rate kicked up, the gesture was so thoughtful, and so unlike what she was used to and she gingerly picked up the flower, bringing the blossom to her nose and taking in its beautiful scent. Attached to the rose was a note and written in neat cursive was her message.

'Emma, I don't have something as valuable to offer as your compass, but you have my word I'll keep it safe. In the meantime, this flower is for you. Consider it a show of thanks for being exactly who you are. x K.'

Emma's throat closed up with the flood of emotion that came barreling into her chest. It wasn't a huge grand gesture, but somehow it was perfect. Part of her fear this morning had been wondering if maybe she'd built up the connection in her head. She'd worried that perhaps the pull between them was one sided, but this showed her it wasn't. For better or worse, Killian was with her in this, and Emma was profoundly grateful for that. She quickly put the rose inside in a vase with water, but the note stayed in her jeans pocket. Emma liked the idea that she could carry it with her today and have a piece of Killian, even if it was a small one, along with her.

"There you are, Emma! I was starting to get a bit worried, you're usually never late." Anna said as Emma got out of her car and made her way to the front of the center. Emma checked her watch and groaned. One minute – she was a whole sixty seconds late and Anna made note of it. When Emma looked back, her younger sister was grinning, knowing she'd gotten to Emma a little bit with the jest.

"Hey, I can find someone else to help me, thus effectively denying you the all access pass to today's activities." Anna sobered immediately. Emma knew her sister would never want to miss this both because she loved watching the little kids finding enjoyment in their assorted activities, and because Garrett and Lena were here amongst the dozens of other children attending today.

"You'd never be so heartless," Emma laughed at Anna's dramatics, as the two sisters brought Emma's camera equipment inside. While many would assume that pictures of this variety wouldn't be too extensive, they would be incorrect. There was something about parents and their kids, Emma had discovered, that made them go gaga for pictures. It was great for Emma, because in one day she'd make a lot of money from enjoyable work, but it still amused her. Did the parents of the four year olds in the 'Tiny Tumblers Pre-Gymnastics' class really need staged photos of their kids on podiums like Olympic winners? No, but it would be great for her portfolio, and fun for the kids, she'd make sure of that.

"Oh Emma and Anna, thank goodness you're here!" Mrs. Hubbard, the head of the rec center looked a little frazzled, and Emma couldn't blame her. All around, kids were swarming, running around in costumes and squealing with glee. At least there was no crying, but Emma knew that probably wouldn't last.

"We are. Where do you want us?" Mrs. Hubbard moved them through each room, showing them the ten groups that needed their pictures today. From there, Emma charted a course and she and Anna were off, starting with the more physical activities, in the hopes that they'd catch those kids before they got too cranky or tired. Their biggest challenges would be the Tumblers, the 'Kickball Kings' (which Emma was pleased to see included boys and girls), and the 'Fearless Fencers' where both Garrett and Lena were members.

Everything went smoothly and without a hitch through all of those clubs, despite all the hyper energy of the little kids. Emma was able to capture amazing shots of the little tykes, running around with boundless energy and fun. It was contagious, that kind of happiness and it had a huge smile on her face as they moved to the quieter activities. It wasn't until they reached the 'Beads of Beauty' jewelry making class for the eight year olds that Emma got her first wave of trouble.

"So are we just not going to talk about it?" Anna asked as she and Emma moved around the classroom getting candid shots of the kids and their instructor while they each worked on their designs. Emma knew Anna was talking about Killian, but she wasn't giving in that easy.

"Talk about what?" Anna sighed at Emma's evasiveness.

"About last night…" Emma's eye stayed trained on finding her image, and through the lens she got the best picture of two girls laughing together as they worked to find the right shade of pink for their necklaces.

"You know, I did think the chicken was a little dry, but I wasn't sure Liam would take too kindly to my opinions on the cooking." Emma didn't have to look at her sister to know she was rolling her eyes.

"I meant you and Killian. You guys were gone for a while, but you came back and both of you seemed, better, brighter somehow." Emma bit her lip, slightly concerned that she'd given so much away. That was how she'd felt after all, like things were good even if they were confusing. She just didn't know what to say to Anna, since it was all so new even to her.

"What do you want me to say? We talked about a lot of stuff and I gave him my compass." That last part had just kind of slipped out, but she couldn't take the words back, only wait for her sister's reaction. Silence was not the response she expected from Anna, and so Emma turned to face her, only to see the other woman's jaw practically hitting the floor.

"You gave him the compass?! Oh my God, this is huge – this is bigger than huge – this is-" Emma covered Anna's mouth with her hand and nodded towards the kids around them. Once certain Anna was under control she took her hand away. "Sorry, I just mean, like wow. That compass is so important to you, it was your sign, and you always have it. Oh god, Emma I'm so happy for you!"

As Anna's arms wrapped around Emma in a huge hug, Emma stood rigid, unsure of what to do. The kids were all paying attention to them now and she felt too on display.

"I told her we could get ice cream after this, and she's a little excited." The children laughed, returning to their tasks at hand as Anna pulled back.

"So when are you seeing him again." Emma frowned, because honestly she wasn't sure, but inadvertently her hand moved to her pocket. She pulled the note from there and showed it to Anna who smiled. "God this is so cute. I always knew you'd find someone."

"Anna, I love you, but the more you talk this way, the more freaked out I get. Humor me and just be cool okay." Anna nodded.

"I can be cool. I can be so cool, heck I practically invented cool. Cool and I are one. I am the cool and the cool is me." Emma groaned but it turned into a laugh.

"God you're hopeless. Let's just get the rest of this done and we can talk about it later.

"Girls night? Tonight?!" Anna asked, the hope in her voice undeniable. Even if Emma wanted to, she couldn't have said no.

"Sure, girl's night it is." Well, at least she'd have a drink in hand when she talked about her feelings. That was a plus.

…

Killian

Walking away from Emma's house after leaving the rose, Killian couldn't help but wish he'd been braver. Leaving it at her door instead of knocking like a normal person could be seen as crazy. At best it was childish, but he'd meant it to be kind of romantic. He didn't think he had words yet, at least not the right ones to say out loud given everything he was feeling, so instead he'd written her the note and found the flower. It wasn't nearly as beautiful as her, or as benevolently given as her compass, but it would have to do.

Last night… well, last night had completely changed his worldview. He wasn't cured of his demons, wasn't free from all the guilt he still carried around, but he also didn't feel alone. In Emma's eyes he'd truly seen acceptance, and faith that he could make it through this. Killian found a purpose in her compassion, a quest in her quiet comfort, and it was largely her influence that propelled him further now.

Killian was currently on his way to meet with David, who after Killian's abrupt exit last night had still been friendly and more than kind. This morning he'd called and mentioned a business opportunity that he could use Killian's help with, and Killian had offered to do his best, appreciating that he might be helpful to someone.

It was a welcome relief, to focus on work. He'd felt a little lost since leaving the service, going from full days of nothing but being on duty, to having all this free time. When he reached David's workshop just along the docks, he was taken aback. The space was far larger than he'd expected, but didn't hold signs of dust or decay like most big spaces near the sea. Instead there was lots of natural light, and a top of the line set up. It was very impressive, and the sailboat currently being worked on was a beauty to say the least.

"Killian, I'm glad you're here! This has rapidly become a two-man job and my man Gus has the stomach flu. Mind helping me with this?" Killian had to bite back a smile, for his new friend did appear to be struggling.

"Not at all, mate." Killian shrugged out of his jacket, leaving it on a chair as he made his way through the space towards where David was trying to get the bent wood fitted just right. He could see the problem, one of the bolts was slightly off angle, as if perhaps the measurements had been a tad shy. "Here, allow me." Killian adjusted the bolt with care and precision, allowing David to slide the plank into place. They then together had to secure the piece of wood exactly where it needed to be and use more tools to make sure it stayed where it was supposed to remain as the build continued.

Killian was surprised at how good it felt to do this, he hadn't actually been the one building boats since before he'd enlisted and had worked at a marina near home. He couldn't help but admit though, that building something always brought a sense of completion. A man could see his hard work moving along until it reached fruition and that was a thing of pride, when done correctly.

"Damn you're good, which should hopefully make this next part easier. I need a partner, and I think you're the guy." Killian stared at David for a minute, unsure of what the hell the man was on about.

"I'm sorry, Dave, is there a punch line in there? I seem to have missed it." David replied with a hearty laugh.

"It's no joke, man. Business is booming, I'm actually turning people away at this point, but I wouldn't have to, not if I expand a bit, which is where you come in." Killian raised a brow.

"You've known me all of twelve hours and you're inviting me into your business. You're – hell I don't know what you are other than mad." David shrugged his shoulders, just letting the comment slide off of him.

"Look, I've known Liam for years, never heard him speak more highly of a person, and last night I think I got a good look into who you are." Killian grimaced at that.

"Yeah, a man with more problems than any sane person would want in a business partner." David shook his head as he rolled up his sleeves a bit higher, showing Killian his own tattoo of the Marines insignia.

"Nothing I haven't seen before man." Well, that was a twist Killian hadn't expected.

"Bloody hell, is this town just a beacon for the broken?" David laughed.

"It has been called that once or twice. But if it makes you feel any better, I grew up here so I was always going to end up exactly where I am." Killian remembered David telling him that last night, but now he was wondering why David had kept his military service under wraps, and how Killian had missed the telltale signs.

"What makes you think this would be a good idea?"

"You've got experience, work ethic, and a like mind. I've had enough mess to last me a lifetime, so in my work I'm looking for peace. It's the design end that gives me that, but the building, especially with so many more orders and Mary Margaret and I trying to start a family, is starting to take its toll. Liam told me you worked with John Smee in Brighton before you enlisted, and when I called him just now, all he did was sing your praises." Killian arched his brow, not even bothering to ask how David knew John in the first place. The world of boat building was likely a small one, certainly people would know of each other.

"I'm sorry, mate, you checked references I didn't even give you?" Dave smiled.

"Yup. I had a good feeling, and he only confirmed it. So what do you say?" Killian was still in shock, he was struggling to process all of it. "Better question – if not this then what? If this isn't the right path for you, what will be?"

Killian thought long and hard about that, truly unsure what else he would ever want to do. He was trained for war and for order, and in all honesty not much else. But he did know how to build a boat, and he had to admit he liked his potential partner far more than he expected to. Still he was conflicted and so he spoke honestly.

"I think I'll be needing some time to consider." David nodded, and handed him a folder.

"I put the details of the offer in there along with some background on the business. Take as much time as you need." Killian appreciated the kindness, and as he walked back into the daylight, outside the walls of David's warehouse, he considered where to go. Sure, he could head back to his brother's and mull it over there, but Killian felt a walk might be best. He let his instincts guide him, and unsurprisingly they pulled him further down the marina.

Every step he took, Killian thought long and hard about whether this was right for him. David's terms were more than fair, the business itself viable and thriving just as he'd said, but Killian's hesitations didn't stem from David's honesty or character – they stemmed from Killian himself. He hadn't even been certain he would be staying in Storybrooke, and now, a day after arriving, he was potentially buying into a business and settling down.

At that moment, he came to the portion of the dock where he'd wandered last night. Even in the light of day, Killian remembered everything about sitting there with Emma. The way her hair had reflected the light of the moon through its blonde curls, and the way her features were soft and gentle. He remembered her voice, the way it sounded through the wind over to him and how each word she'd said pulsed inside him when she spoke. She'd been the embodiment of hope, but never at the expense of being real. She was the most incredible person he'd ever met and he'd only skimmed the surface of knowing her.

Killian's body filled with warmth, much of the unease that was burdening him now faded away, and he imagined having more than just last night with Emma. Looking from the docks down to the beach, he pictured what life could be like here, in this town, and in every snapshot and imagining, Emma was with him. She was the one thing that truly made sense to him. He wanted her, and though they weren't anything more than friends now, he didn't think he could bear to leave her. She captivated him, for better or worse, he was giving way to the spell she'd put him under, and though he knew without a doubt that she deserved better, he couldn't walk away – he wouldn't.

With that in mind, and the folder still in hand, Killian made his way back towards the warehouse, finding David joined by his wife Mary Margaret. The pixie-haired woman whom he'd met last night looked up in surprise, but quickly smiled.

"Killian, so nice to see you!" He nodded and replied that it was good to see her as well before looking to David.

"If you're serious, mate, I'm in. Though I'd be a terrible partner if I didn't insist that we start this on a trial basis first." David came around, slapping him on the shoulder and grinning widely.

"Look at you, already having my back. When were you thinking you'd start?" Killian's hand instinctively moved to the place in his pocket where he currently held Emma's compass. His fingertips moved over the metal and a smile of his own formed. Why wait when it's right? He thought to himself.

"How about right now?" His new partner was more than willing to comply with that idea.

For the rest of the day, David showed Killian around and worked with him on a couple upcoming projects. They considered more of what an expansion would look like, and decided that they'd need more than just Gus to handle their potential workload, at least this season. It wasn't until hours later that Killian noticed he should probably be heading back, but he promised to be in bright and early the next day. By the time Killian returned to Liam and Elsa's, he was excited to tell his brother all that had happened. Liam, of course, was ecstatic to hear that Killian was planning on staying and could barely contain himself when his fiancé returned home.

"Elsa, love, wait until you hear, Killian is staying!" Elsa appeared genuinely happy and relieved as Liam filled her in on the particulars of Killian's working with Dave.

"That's wonderful! Em – I mean, everyone will be so happy to hear that." Killian watched as Elsa blushed, but he was a bit preoccupied with the hammering of his heart in his chest. Had she meant that Emma would be excited? Gods he hoped so. Before he could ask, though, Liam was talking again.

"I heard from Anna that she's put out the bat signal. A girls night is in the works if my understanding is correct." Elsa laughed, but nodded.

"Yeah, she claims it's for Emma, but Anna will use any excuse to go out with the girls and have a glass of wine."

"Why would Emma need a night out?" Killian's question hung in the air for a stretch, but Elsa quickly regrouped.

"Because she doesn't go out often, and we like to drag her into social situations for our own amusement." Killian could tell from the bit of a blush that had formed on Elsa's cheeks that that wasn't all there was to it, but he didn't push, only nodding as he begged pardon from them to head into his room.

Once the door was closed behind him, Killian opened the shades and noticed a piece of paper taped to the outside of his window. He retrieved it, knowing instinctively it would be from Emma and opened the folded parchment with shaky hands.

'Killian, Thank you for the flower and your note, they both meant more than I can say. As for the compass, I trust you to keep it safe, and I trust it to help you realize exactly the kind of man I know you are. xE.

P.S. Liam really needs better security.'

Killian couldn't help but laugh at the post script, his fingers tracing over the piece of paper gently. Maybe it was greedy of him, but he liked to know he another piece of Emma. With great care, he folded the note back up and put it in the pocket just beside the compass. He'd guard it just as carefully as he would her prized possession, for her words had now become one of his.

Post-Note: Okay, so like I said, FLUFF, and there is more where that comes from. Next week's installment, I'm intending to do girls night and by the end of the chapter to have Emma and Killian ready to go on their first date. If you're interested in more fluff with only a touch of big emotional feels, I implore you to continue on this journey with me. I'm not entirely sure how we'll get to the end, but I know it'll be happy and adorable when we get there. Thanks for reading, and I hope you're all having a good start to your week!