Two months had passed since Emma ventured to the past. She understood that in her time society was too busy to take advantage of the beauty found in nature. Nature could only occupy her time for so long until boredom took over. Normally, Killian would occupy her time by telling her stories or being silly, but unfortunately, he was attending a task. When she was left to her own devices, she was at a loss.

The day was fair and she was laying on the deck cloud watching. Footsteps caused the deck to vibrate. By the force, it was heading towards her direction. She had to lift her head up slightly to see who was approaching her.

"Hey, Liam," Emma acknowledged before returning her head to rest on her two arms, serving as a pillow.

"Emma, How are you this fine day?" Liam greeted cheerfully. She didn't have to look to know he was smiling from his voice.

"Bored," Emma answered, voice slightly monotone.

"The crew not keeping you company?" Liam chuckled at her response.

Like Killian, she knew that Liam wouldn't leave without her opening up to him. A trait Killian must have picked up from his brother.

"No they're…" Emma didn't know how to completely phrase her response. "Back in my land, I was used to being active." Stealing always kept her on her toes, not that she would ever let Liam know. Hell, she missed running, not that she could do much running on the ship. What if I do something exciting? She sat up suddenly at the thought, causing the captain to flinch back at her sudden movement.

"These chores really help, but I have a request." This was a crazy idea. She didn't know whether Liam would agree.

"If it's reasonable, I don't see why not." He shrugged, brows furrowed in contemplation.

"I want to learn how to use a sword." She didn't miss the raised eyebrow at her request.

"Haven't you asked Killian about this?" He asked, propping his elbow on the side of the deck as he considered her.

"I brought it up a couple of times, but he never gave me a straight answer. Also, he seemed distracted these past few weeks. " Killian had been edgy with her lately. Like a skittish schoolboy, he had these gaps where he said her name then chicken out of whatever he was going to ask her.

"Then again, suppose we get boarded or something. I would like the opportunity to defend myself." She threw out this hypothetical scenario to support her reasoning.

"I can't argue with that logic, but I don't think you need to worry about his distraction." Liam started laughing and shot her a knowing grin. He walked to the corner of the ship, lifting up a crate, and began rummaging through its contents.

Emma figured Liam was laughing at some particular joke, dealing with her and Killian. If Liam said Killian was all right, then she wasn't going to overthink the matter.

"Okay, Emma." Liam's voice broke her out of her thoughts. He approached her, holding a sheathed cutlass with the grip facing her. After gingerly removing it from his hand, she tested the weight and looked at Liam with determination. He unsheathed his own and Emma took that as a sign to do the same.

Liam was about to give her an instruction until she felt surprise and hurt flood her being.

I guess Killian found out, she thought.

"What do you think you are doing?!" Killian shouted, intruding their practice session.

"What does it look like? We're sword fighting," she quipped. Her head whipped to Killian as she felt an emotion she could not place. She wondered what was going through the lieutenant's head.

"That's not how you hold a sword," Killian said, arms crossed, judging her stance.

Emma looked at Liam and they both shared an incredulous look. Liam shook his head in confusion and approached her.

"Killian she's fine," he reassured, finally stepping in front of her to observe her form. "Stay there, Emma." She stayed at the spot while his eyes looked for a flaw in her stance. " Hold your arm like this." After she held out her arm, he put a hand on her elbow to prop it a little higher. When Liam placed his hand on hers, she felt that same feeling as she did before.

That was when it hit Emma. Killian was jealous at his own brother. Emma would have found the situation more comical, if it weren't for the clenched jaw and the dark look that Killian was throwing his brother. Emma didn't know whether it was due to Liam touching her, or the fact that Killian wanted to be the one to teach her. For all that bravado that Killian put up, he was very insecure. Did he think that she would prefer his brother to him? She had to fix things fast.

"Liam, thank you for showing me the basics. I'm sure Killian can take over from here." Emma offered a small smile.

"My pleasure. I'll leave you both to it," Liam agreed and left them. Emma didn't miss Killian's eyes glaring daggers at Liam's retreating back. She sighed at the imminent conversation that they were about to have.

"You asked him to teach you?" He whirled his head at her in accusation. Emma could feel the jealousy and hurt, despite him appearing unaffected.

"You always tried to talk me out of it," she reminded, sheathing her sword before returning her gaze to the lieutenant. Killian muttered something under his breath and paced along the deck before pivoting his body to stand in front of her.

He let out an exasperated sigh. "You don't need to learn. I'm here to protect you." She knew there was more he wanted to say. Hopefully, he would tell her why this all was a big deal.

"Killian, you can't be around me all the time. Look, we shouldn't be arguing. But let me ask you something." She took his silence as a permission to ask. "Was that completely necessary?"

"What do you mean?" He feigned ignorance.

"Interrupting us like that."

"He was teaching you all wrong," he threw out.

"Yes, I'm pretty sure that it's so hard to hold a sword," she replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. Maybe being sarcastic wasn't the best way to handle the situation. Killian looked like he had been slapped. Powerlessness and unworthiness flooded Emma's being, causing her to gasp. He ran a hand through his hair before walking to the side of the deck, gripping the wall hard and was hunched over tense.

Well, that went well, she berated herself.

"Do you like Liam?" He asked. "It's okay if you do. He's a good man." He finished, hurt laced in his tone.

Where the hell did that come from? Emma stared at Killian dumbly. Everything was spiraling out of control quickly. At this point, Emma had to be careful at how she handled things.

She closed her eyes as she tried to get into Killian's mindset. She thought about some of his memories they once shared. She remembered that Killian looked at Liam with awe when the soldiers praised him. He strived to be like his brother so that he would be proud of him. Then she realized that Killian felt like he was under his brother's shadow and had to constantly prove himself. How could he ever think that he was second best, or that she would prefer Liam over him?

"Killian." She approached his side, wrapping her arms around his waist, chin resting on his back. His breathe hitched at the contact. Unshed tears were threatening to spill from his eyes. To affect his being so and to literally hold his heart in her hands was a little daunting. She didn't like the idea that she could break him if she wished.

"Liam has nothing over you, nor can he replace you. I hope you know that I only have feelings for you." She kissed, the corner of his mouth, hoping to reassure him.

He turned around and kissed her hard. When he removed himself from her lips to stare into her eyes, he smiled at her cheekily. "Well, Swan, if you put it that way, I can't refuse you anything. Pick up the cutlass and let's begin."

Two months later, sounds of metal upon metal could be heard on the deck of the Jewel of the Realm. The spectators were watching the sparring of the lieutenant and his blonde companion.

Their swords clanked and Killian leaned forward smiling, as he tried to overcome Emma. Their swords crossed together, arms struggling for them to get the upper hand. Suddenly, both stepped back to their respective sides and circled around each other in a dance, watching for a sign of weakness to strike at the most opportune moment.

"I see you have improved," Killian teased.

Emma snorted at his saucy wink. He was trying to get a rise out of her. His left flank looked unguarded. She took the opportunity and ran towards him. He immediately adopted a defensive stance, ready to meet her horizontal swing and he lazily blocked it by holding his sword down with one hand vertically. Show off. She believed that he was going easy on her. Her competitive nature started to kick in and she wanted to at least disarm him.

Emma didn't have enough time to compose herself before he swung at her. He pressed relentlessly. Emma winced at his movements as she met each of his blows. Killian was very dexterous with his hand and she had a hard time meeting his blows. She learned that her advantage was her force, Killian, on the other hand, had speed to his advantage. Her arms were starting to lose stamina for every hit she blocked. When he pulled back for another swing, she jumped towards him and swung down vertically. Killian raised an eyebrow as he put two arms on the hilt of his sword, guarding above his head.

"Now, you decide to get serious?" The lieutenant teased, waggling his eyebrows.

"Don't treat me as an invalid." Emma panted as Killian parried her thrust aimed at him to the right, but her sword was still connected with his.

Even if she did not beat him today, she would prove him wrong one day and knock that smug smirk off his face. Or get close to beating him, she huffed as she ran to strike him with another vertical strike, but he held out his sword in the air, ready for them to connect. The swords clanked and he leaned forward smiling, as he tried to overcome her. The swords disconnected and he decided to lunge at her.

Emma turned her body to avoid his thrust. She heard and felt the air behind her get sliced by the sword. She pivoted her body one hundred and eighty degrees and elbowed him below the ribs. He grunted from the force. She completed her full rotation by darting her right leg behind his knees, sweeping him to the ground. The thud when his body hit the ground caused her to wince, but she held the tip of her sword above his neck.

"I think I bested you." Emma smiled before sticking her tongue at him playfully.

"Bad form! You fight dirty," He protested, but she could see the twinkle behind his eyes. She could tell that he was proud of her. Her swordsmanship that she acquired was thanks to him.

"Okay, gents, return to work. Let my brother recover his dignity in Emma's capable hands." Emma blushed under Liam's wink. The men laughed with mirth before returning to their respective stations to work.

"I still won," she answered cheekily, holding a hand out towards Killian. He grabbed it and she pulled him upwards.

He let out a playful growl before lunging at her with both of his hands. She did not have time to make a noise when his mouth attacked hers. "You are." Smooch. "Bloody." Smooch. "Brilliant." Smooch "And amazing." He panted, his lips barely touching hers. Her hormones plus the combined adrenaline made it hard for her to concentrate when he was holding her against him. It didn't help that they were both sweating too. The position was oddly intimate.

"I can't believe it has been four months already. Coming to this time seems like a distant memory." She breathed against his lips, wondering how he would take her confession. "You know. I did some thinking." She began, causing him to hum in acknowledgement.

He sighed as he rested his chin on top of her head. He was avoiding her eyes, in case her words disappointed him. Even though she couldn't see his face, she could feel his apprehension.

"Relax, I think it may be good news. Well, it might be good news, depending how you feel," she said nervously. Who knew opening up on her own was hard? She hoped she made sense.

"Okay, love. Let's hear it." His forehead was pressed against hers, bracing himself for what she had to say.

Emma found a better position to tell him. She ignored his confusion as she removed her forehead against his and pressed her lips near his ear. One arm remained embracing Killian while her other hand covered his other ear as if to keep her words in his head.

"If there is a way, I don't want to find a way back to the future. I'm perfectly content here with you," she whispered into his ear.

He pulled back and was searching her gaze for any sign of a lie. "Are you absolutely sure, Emma?" He asked hoarsely. Hope and love flooded her being.

"I haven't been so sure of anything in my life," she answered with a laugh.

"Do you know what you are doing?" He confirmed, threading his fingers through her hair. Did he think she bumped her head or something? The way his fingers were massaging her head implied he was searching for a bump.

"It's not like I have anything back in my world." She shrugged and felt nervousness and hope take over her confusion. Why was he so nervous?

She watched him shakily reach into his coat pocket, getting on one bended knee. She wondered what got into him.

"What are you doing? You're going to ruin your pants," she asked, staring at his lightly colored pants touching the dirty deck.

"It's a sacrifice all men must face once in life." He joked lightly, his voice suddenly finding courage.

She rolled her eyes at his antics. He must have felt her nervousness because he tugged on her hand with his left hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

That was when she saw a faint glimmer in the sunlight reflecting between his right thumb and index finger. Holy shit, is that a ring? "Wait a minute... Are you proposing?"

"That was the general idea." He smiled lightly, trying to deflect his nervousness.

"Killian..." She wanted this more than anything, but all her fear and insecurities decided to assault her with a passion. She felt his fear as he got up from the ground and embraced her, pressing his forehead against hers. "Emma, please listen to what I have to say. If you don't, I don't think I can muster enough courage to do this again."

He let out a held breath at her nod. "When I grew up, my life was uncertain. I had Liam to guide me to what sort of man I wanted to be. I thought I was content with my life-with my brother. Until I realized, that my future was uncertain. Until, I met you. Now, my future became clear. I saw a chance at happiness and I wasn't unsure of my life if you were in it. Will you please be my wife?" Each one of his words was filled with love and a caress to her face. Her breath hitched at his proposal.

The rest of her future was based on two words. Words taken for granted everyday but on this day held so much weight. This was a decision she couldn't walk away from. Looking into his ardent gaze, she could see his promise of a happy future if she decided to take a chance.

"Emma?" She was starting to feel his resolve wavering.

"Yes, Killian! A million times yes!" She answered with tears escaping from her eyes. He showed his happiness by pulling her into a passionate kiss.

The Jewel of the Realm was docked at a small town. Liam was awaiting orders from the king that were due to arrive within the next several days. She was surprised there was a dress that was tailored already available. Killian and she could get married in a few days time. Liam was overjoyed to be the officiator of the wedding. Knowing Liam, he wouldn't waste an opportunity to tease his brother. She couldn't help but smile at the thought. She was stuck in a funk at how her life had suddenly turned into a fairy tale.

"This isn't right. That's three times the price of normal wheat!" A man protested.

"I make the prices, that's what I charge for cowards like you."

Emma's good mood soured. The merchants were asses treating a man differently because of something he had no control over.

"I have a baby son and a wife," the man pleaded.

"Well, ain't it a shame that they even know you, or in your son's case, share your blood," the merchant spat.

She watched as the man's head dropped down to his chest in shame. She had a feeling he actually believed the merchant's words. It broke her heart to imagine what this man went through constantly.

Emma stared at the gold in her hand and made a decision to help this man's family. The gold was her allowance that Killian gave her to buy something nice. She didn't want for anything since Killian spoiled her constantly. Throughout her shopping venture, she found out that the man came from a village- a day's journey from the town. Once, he was able to buy food freely from the town until word spread from his village about his reputation. Now, the merchants took advantage of his pariah state.

It didn't take long for Emma to catch up to the man because of his broken foot. She could see his worn, brown-cloaked figure limping away. With a determined nod, she took her bought items and chased after him.

"Excuse me, Sir!" She called, voice loud enough for only him to hear. The corner of his jaw clenched, a sign that he heard her.

She knew, in order to get his attention, she had to try harder. "Excuse-"

"What?!" He yelled, stopping her from calling him. His brown eyes were filled with anger and unshed tears. "Are you here to make fun of the village coward? Come on do your worst!" The man said, looking at her expectantly.

Even though she expected an outburst, actually getting yelled at caused her to be taken aback. She winced when she felt Killian's concern. She had to deal with this man quickly before Killian ran towards her and made a scene.

"No, you misunderstand me. I just wanted to give you these." She handed him the bushels of wheat, some seeds of various vegetables and fruits he could use to grow a garden, and the goat she bought.

When he accepted the offered items, he looked like he wanted to cry. Emma had to look away from him to stop herself from crying.

"I know what it's like for people to treat you differently because of some connotation towards you. I hope this will help you with your family."

"I-I don't know how I could possibly repay you?" He stammered.

"You don't have to, knowing that your family is fed, is all the repayment I need." She began to walk away until an idea came to her.

"Actually, I know of a way. I am getting married in three days at the town cathedral. I would love to see you and your family there." She invited, hopeful. She had a feeling that he didn't get invited to any social gatherings due to his state. She didn't want him to lose his faith in people.

"You're the bride the town is preparing for," he recalled.

"I really wish the gossip didn't spread. I wanted a small wedding, " she muttered under her breath before returning her gaze to him. "I am Emma."

"Emma, what a lovely name. The name's Rumpelstiltskin." He greeted until his brows furrowed in contemplation. "I'll be at your wedding." He finished and left with a genuine smile.

Emma wanted to play with her veil for the thousandth time in front of the mirror. She would have, if it wasn't for the glare of her handmaiden. She was being supervised because she messed up her original hairstyle. She couldn't help that nothing looked right. The loose strands of hair sticking up bothered her. She was seeing things wrong with her that weren't there. Killian felt her distress at one point and sent a handmaiden to check up on her. The handmaiden threw up a fuss as she made everything right.

Emma returned her gaze to the mirror to really see herself. The stranger that looked back at her she didn't recognize, for she was smiling in pure happiness. The dress she was wearing was white, ruffles adorned everywhere at the base. The way the ruffles protruded made it look like feathers. A white, gloved hand reached to touch the pearl bracelet that Liam gave her for comfort. She missed her ring, but it was only a temporary loss until the ceremony.

When she heard the oak door of her rented room open, she turned completely around to see an officer, holding his arm out to escort her. She gave him her left arm while she held her bouquet in her right hand. Was the name of the officer Caius or Charles ? The name eluded her. Only on her wedding day, all forms of coherent thoughts evaded her mind. The reason could be from the corset she was forced to wear, taking all the air from her, or it was the shock of getting married, overpowering all her other faculties.

Her footsteps echoed across the cobbled hallway as she made her descent to the aisle. She was pretty sure her nerves were shot to hell by the way she was shaking like a Chihuahua. She felt a little relieved when she felt Killian's nervousness through their bond.

When the doors to the cathedral opened, she could feel the eyes of three hundred people trained on her. Apparently, weddings were a free affair in the town. Still all those eyes… her eyes immediately darted to the decorations to divert her nerves. The ceiling had white draperies decorating one wall over to the next. The pews had rose bouquets, facing outside toward the aisle. There was a stained glass window, filtering the sun's light. The light focused on the altar and her breath hitched at the sight.

She almost fainted when she saw Killian Jones-her soon to be husband. He was wearing his officer navel uniform, that fitted rather well on him. She wondered why he didn't take more opportunities to wear it. His hands were folded before him, his head bowed until he heard the door finally close behind her. He looked at her as though she was the only person in the world. His eyes darted to every facet of her apparel, taking her all in. She closed her eyes basking in the love that she felt in the bond. It took all of Emma's self-control to not pull herself from her escort and throw herself at Killian. Her impatience was thrown out the window when he finally took her hands from the escort and brought them to his lips.

"Dear friends, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of my little brother, Killian Jones, and Emma Swan." Emma had to fight a laugh at Liam's jab at Killian. Liam ignored Killian's glare with a smile as he continued.

"I understand that the bride and groom want to exchange their own vows. Killian you can begin when you are ready. " Liam gave his brother a comforting smile. Emma could see Liam fighting back his tears, despite his playful jest earlier. He was looking at his brother as though he had fulfilled all his hopes and dreams.

Killian's eyes were filling with tears. Emma felt tears building up in her own eyes. She must have done something right in her life to earn the affections of the sweet man before her. Mouthing "I love you" to him gave the lieutenant the courage to speak.

Killian's voiced hitched as he began his vow. "You came into my life and you made each day significantly brighter. You are the missing half of my soul that I did not know was missing. For you, I will be the best possible version of myself as your husband. I will strive to bring and see the best in you. Emma Swan, my true love, my dearest heart, my soulmate, with this ring I vow to spend forever cherishing you, loving you unconditionally, and supporting you through all of life's adventures. I will never abandon you and will always fight for us." He promised, shakily slipping his mother's emerald, gold wedding ring on her finger.

"Wow… he said forever. It sounds like from his vow you are stuck with him forever. Are you sure you want to marry him?" Liam asked in a teasing drawl.

"Liam!" Killian chastised, voice filled with shock. All those in attendance laughed at the banter. Killian on the other hand didn't find it funny because he shot Emma a pleading look.

"I'm sure," she answered with a radiant smile, squeezing his fingers in reassurance.

"If you are so sure, go ahead with your vow, Emma," Liam permitted, shooting Killian a wink. Killian's gaze softened as he stared into her eyes.

"All my life, I was used to being alone. I never wanted to open myself to anyone that was until I met you. You took down my walls that I tried so hard to keep up, and you made me realize that it's okay to be afraid because you will always comfort me. I never felt safer than in your arms. For you, I will be the best possible version of myself as your wife-"

She promised herself that she would never be a sappy emotional person at her own wedding, but dammit she couldn't stop the tears from falling from her eyes. Killian raised a hand to brush the tears from her eyes, smiling in encouragement for her to continue. That was all she needed to give her courage to speak.

"Killian Jones, my best friend, my true love, my soulmate, today with this ring, I give my whole heart to you. I promise I won't keep any secrets nor will I ever forsake you in times of hardships. I will never lose faith in our love or in us. I will cherish you always, and I will strive to bring and see the best in you for eternity," she vowed, slipping the gold wedding band that she bought on his finger.

"If anyone is brave enough to even think they have a good reason to object to this union, please, by all means speak now or forever hold your peace." Emma swore she heard a pin drop at Liam's threat as he glared around the room, hand resting on the grip of his sword, daring someone to object. Emma forgot that attendees could object to marriage unions. She silently prayed that no one had an opinion. By the way Killian was tensing, she assumed he was sharing her sentiment.

She let out a relieved breath when Liam cleared his throat again. "By the power vested in me as the captain of King George's navy, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

At that particular moment, all sound and people were forgotten. The only thing Emma was aware of was Killian's kiss, sealing their future together.

Emma's feet were killing her. She didn't know how many people she was forced to shake hands with and greet out of propriety. All she wanted to do was hurry up and get Killian alone. Her musings were cut short when she saw a familiar figure, limping towards her and Killian's direction.

"Rumpelstiltskin, You made it!" Emma was happy to see him with a slight smile on his face.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Dearie. It was a beautiful ceremony. It is heartening to see love flourish in these troublesome times. Congratulations, to you both." He nodded in acknowledgement.

Emma squeezed Killian's arm in affection at the praise. "Killian, this is the friend I told you about," she introduced.

"Any friend of Emma's is a friend of mine," Killian greeted, shaking Rumple's hand warmly.

A loud crash sounded somewhere in the banquet hall, causing all those attending to turn their heads at the source of the distraction.

"Wait here, dearest. I'll see what's going on," Killian instructed after kissing Emma lightly on the forehead. He left, leaving Emma and Rumple alone.

"Is your family present?" Emma asked hopeful. Rumple flinched at the question. She sensed that something wasn't right between Rumple and his wife.

"M-My… wife believed that the current festivities would upset our child, Bea," he answered uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze.

"That's a shame. I would've loved to meet them," she said politely. She felt bad for making the situation awkward. His business was his own.

"I have a wedding gift to give you." His voice broke her out of her musings. She knew it was rude to reject a gift, but knowing his situation made it hard to keep her opinions to herself.

"You shouldn't have." She hoped he didn't spend any money on her because he could have used that money for his family.

"Nonsense, I was fortunate to have met you. I'm glad to call you a friend," he dismissed, rummaging in his cloak for the object. Eventually, he pulled out a pendant with an emerald fitted in the middle. Diamonds surrounded the emerald like sunrays. When the lighting of the room touched the emerald, it reflected green light.

"It's beautiful." Her appreciation of the gift caused the man to smile slightly.

"I saw it at a stall and thought it was the perfect gift. The old lady was eager to supply it to me for your wedding at no expense." Emma let out a breath she did not know she was holding when she heard the price. "Apparently, there is a legend that when the moon is full over the ocean, the pendant will turn the sky green when held over the water. The Goddess Calypso will sing about love. Those who can hear the song can make a wish. If the purest of hearts makes a wish on the pendant, their wish will come true.

"It's a fascinating tale," She said. She couldn't help but wonder how much of that story was true.

"Indeed. I find all legends interesting. May I?" At her nod, he went behind her and clasped the chain around her neck. " You have kept me company these few days, and I can't be selfish by taking any more of your time. Enjoy your day. I'm sure we will meet again someday."

She watched as he limped off, clutching the amulet close to her heart.

"There you are, love. We are almost late!" Killian acknowledged. His hand on her back was lightly guiding her forward. She didn't know where they were going. Suddenly, the orchestral music filled her ears.

"Late for what? " She had to raise her voice slightly over the music.

"Our dance," He said as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. He was grinning at her goofily.

"Killian, I don't know how to do this." She looked around the room uncomfortably as she watched couples beautifully glide across the dance floor. Oh God, what if he realized he made a mistake in marrying her when he found out she couldn't dance?

"What dance a waltz? Luckily for you, I know what I am doing." He smiled at her affectionately, holding his left hand for her to take. When his fingers interlocked with hers, he put his right hand on her back. All her nervousness was thrown out the window when they began to move across the dance floor.

Everything at that moment seemed liked perfect bliss, and Emma couldn't think of ever leaving Killian's arms. This happiness was the most Emma felt in her life. However, with all things in life, happy moments must eventually come to an end.

Next: Neverland