The next morning Killian was back at the shelter, having dropped off Emma's coffee, getting another head-spinning kiss, and confirming she still could go out after work. He then headed to work on what Archie needed him to do next. However, the entire time he kept thinking about what Elsa asked him. What the hell was he going to get her for Christmas? And should he?

If he got her something and she thought it was too soon, or she didn't get him something…he sighed. He didn't want to make her feel bad. He honestly didn't care if she got him anything. He cared more about what she would think. But then what if he didn't get her something, and she did get him something? He ran his hand through his hair.

Of course the obvious thing would just be to ask her if they should exchange gifts. But he didn't want to sway her. He let out another sigh, his fingers running over his forehead. So he decided he would get her something, have it ready, and see how the night went. Maybe he would be able to sense if it was okay to give it to her or not, or maybe she would give him one and then he could give her his.

Now that his course of action in place he only had one hurdle left. What the bloody hell was he going to get her in two days?
===∞∞∞∞∞===

She could feel the gaze of her friend looking at her—more like willing her to spill the gossip. But Emma just kept eating her lunch and ignored the look. She knew it wasn't going to take much more before the look turned into a… just then her friend spoke up and Emma had to try not to laugh.

"Ugh… tell me!" Tink pleaded.

Emma looked up from her salad, while sitting at her desk. "Tell you what?" she replied with a smile.

Her friend pointed her fork at her, "You KNOW exactly what. I saw the two of you dancing. I also saw him leave your office this morning after opening the door." She winked at her, "So spill."

"We, uhh…we had a date on Saturday."

"What?" Tink asked in shock her eyes wide and almost spilling her own lunch. "How am I just hearing about this?"

She shrugged, "Wasn't sure what to say."

"Well, since I saw him leave your office this morning with a large smile on his face…" she watched her friend smile and blush at what she revealed, "I would say it went well, right?"

Emma nodded. "It went very well."

"Oh really… just how well?" Tink asked with a wink.

"No! No, no, no! That didn't happen." Her friend raised her eyebrows in question. "We kissed, as we did yesterday and this morning."

"Are you going out again?" She nodded in the affirmative and she continued, "When, where, do I have to drag it all out of you?"

Emma took a drink of her water and shook her head. "We have a date tonight, and…" She took a breath and Tink motioned for her to continue. "And I am going over to his place on Christmas Eve to meet his brother, sister-in-law, and their kids."

Her friend's mouth fell open, "Wow."

Emma raised her hand, "Don't make this a big deal! I'm already trying not to freak out about it." She took a breath, "He doesn't see them often and they are in town, and I'm just trying to think of it being just because they are here. I can't think of it meaning anything else right now." She took another breath and then another drink of water trying to calm her nerves.

"I think you are right."

"Really?" She asked. "You really think that?"

Tink nodded, "Absolutely. Why else would any man want you to meet their family on the THIRD date." She raised her eyebrows and emphasized the word 'third' with a wink. Emma threw her napkin at the other woman and she just threw it back with a laugh. "So… you are going over for Christmas eve…"

"Like I said." She took another bite of her salad.

"Did you find a gift?"

She looked up, "A gift?"

"It's Christmas Emma…you know…a time to give gifts." When the fear came over Emma's face, she continued quickly. "I mean if you have discussed not getting anything…" With a shake of Emma's head and the fear still evident, Tink kept going. "I mean, I don't mean for his family. Obviously, you all don't know each other. But…"

Emma swallowed and her panic was starting to rise. What the heck was she doing? Why was she dating again? Why did she agree to this? She should have stuck to her guns and not done this. What was she supposed to do?

"Emma, calm down. Why don't you tell him no presents. You just started dating. I'm sure he will be fine with it."

"Unless he already…" Her heart was racing and her anxiety level right with it. She wasn't sure if she should be dating at all, but at the same time she just refused to disappoint him.

"Emma, you need to relax." Tink stood from her seat and put her trash it the waste can. "You still have time."

She looked up into her friend's eyes, "But what am I supposed to get him?" What was she to get a man that could just plop down a million dollars to charity without anyone knowing. Well, without anyone supposed to know. She only had one date with the man. She barely knew him. No; that wasn't fair—she was getting to know him. She learned things while he was here, and at the party, and on their date.

"It doesn't have to be anything big. Just something that you know he might like." Tink walked to the door. "Relax. Something will come to you; you have time." She gave her friend a soft smile, "And if that smile this morning I saw on his face is any indication. I don't think 'what' it is will matter."

She nodded at her friend and saw her open the door, but at the last second she ducked her head back in.

"Actually, the smile did give me an idea."

"And what is that?" Emma asked.

"Maybe something with lace and a garter belt."

With that, Emma's mouth dropped open, and she threw her napkin across the room. It hit the floor as Tink ducked out of the room with a laugh.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

It was almost the end of the work day and he was headed towards the offices. He had spent every free moment on his phone trying to figure out something to get Emma for Christmas. Something that he could pick up locally since there was no time to get it online anymore. He sighed and had to admit that he was no closer to having figured it out now than he was earlier.

Killian got to her door and saw her still hard at work. He knocked softly, this time she didn't lift her head, she just waved him in. "Almost done, I swear."

He smiled and then walked in and sat in the chair in front of her desk. "No problem. Take your time love." He took the extra time while she was typing to look around her office. He was hoping to get an idea. There were motivational posters, and flyers about the shelter. There was a picture of the sheriff on her desk, along with whom he assumed was her sister-in-law. There was a plant on a side table that looked like it was really thirsty for some water. The office was well used, boxes, books, and files stacked all over. But besides the one picture on her desk, nothing else was her. Nothing else was her personal belongings.

It didn't help him think of what he could get her, but it did give him a little more insight into her. He was pulled out of his thoughts when she hit one key rather loudly, "And done!"

"Perfect," he said as he stood and so did she and then gathered her things. They then walked out of the office and the shelter with his hand to her back guiding her to his car.

"Actually, do you mind if you follow me home, and I drop my car there?"

"Not at all. I'll see you there."

In less than fifteen minutes, she was parking in her garage and walking outside and he was there with his car door open. She smiled and got inside as he closed the door. He walked around and then got inside as well, and pulled away from the curb.

It wasn't long and they were walking up to the theater and looking at the offerings. "Completely up to you, Swan."

She looked up at him with an amused smile, "No matter what I pick?"

"Whatever you want."

"I could pick the foreign film without subtitles."

"You could, but I think you would suffer more than I would. I know a tad bit of French."

"You know French?"

"London isn't far from France, love. Also, when I raced in Formula One, we all got pretty familiar in swearing in multiple languages."

She laughed. "Okay, you are right. I hate foreign films, even with subtitles." Emma continued to look at the movies, "Ohh, the new Nicholas Sparks movie is on." She turned to watch his reaction, waiting for the cringe. But she didn't see one.

He took her hand, "Sure, it starts in twenty minutes." He started to walk to the ticket booth and she stopped him.

"You wouldn't mind?"

"Why would I mind watching a romantic movie with you Emma?" He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

She rested her hands on his chest, her fingers feeling the hard muscles under her fingertips and looked up into his eyes. "Honestly, I'm just testing you. Sorry." He laughed and gave her another grin and then a soft kiss. She bit her lip, "Actually. I was busy with the fundraiser and then the date Saturday and Sunday doing work at home, I never got a chance to watch it sooner…" He waited for her to continue, "Unless you have already seen it…"

"Emma, come on love, what movie?"

"Star Wars?" His eyes blinked a few times, trying to make sure he heard her. She sighed, "I know, I know. It's okay, I can pick something…"

"Wait. Wait. You really want to see it?" She nodded to his question. His smile got bigger. "Can I ask you why?"

"Don't worry we can…"

"Emma, I am just trying to get to know you better. I haven't had a chance to see it myself, and I have been meaning to."

"You like Star Wars?"

He nodded, and pulled her to the ticket booth, "And Star Trek, and Doctor Who, and Battlestar…" He was cut off by her laughing. "Oh, now you laugh at me?"

"Just trying to wrap my head around you being a nerd… a hot nerd."

"Well Swan, did you just call me hot?" he asked with an arched eyebrow.

"I also called you a nerd."

"Just remember, you picked the movie." He bought two tickets and they walked inside. "Would you like any popcorn or something to drink?"

She tilted her head back and forth trying to decide, "We are having dinner afterwards right?"

"That is the plan, unless you are planning to bail on me with my nerdiness."

She smiled back at him, her hands moving to the lapels of his shirt, pretending to straighten them. "You are in luck—I like your inner nerd showing. It's rather endearing actually. Not to mention you will get along with my brother perfectly."

"Good to know, love."

They continued to walk inside, and decided to get a small popcorn to share and some drinks. Then they headed into the theater, finding some seats near the back of the room. Luckily they were at an earlier showing, since the one later would be a lot more crowded.

They shared the popcorn as they waited for the movie to start. He rested his arm behind her, and she smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. His arm then wrapped around her shoulder, and she giggled. "I feel like a teenager." He laughed as well. "Feels pretty good." She admitted.

"It really does." His fingers played with a strand of her hair. "So, how did you come to like Star Wars?"

"David, my brother, he was into all the sci-fi and fantasy shows, and when I came to live with the Nolans, he took it upon himself to introduce me to all the things that I had 'missed'." She said her fingers making quote marks. "We bonded over Star Wars, and Harry Potter, and all kinds of shows and movies." She sighed with a happy sound.

"So what's your favorite?"

Her hand reached for some more popcorn, "Favorite what?"

"Movie, show, or fandom."

"Harry Potter. I guess. I just liked the idea that an orphan could have magic and be important, and have a destiny. Make a new family and friends." She then shoved the popcorn in her mouth to stop talking.

He rubbed her shoulder, "Yeah, I guess that's why I like Peter Pan, with Neverland and the Lost Boys. Though I now like Captain Hook most, I guess because I grew up, and the moniker works really well with my racing nickname."

She laughed, and took some more popcorn as the lights started to dim. They watched the movie, both engrossed with the film. Towards the end, both sat in shock, tears traveling down Emma's face. He saw them and pulled her close, and once again her head was on his shoulder, and he was rubbing her back as they continued to watch.

Soon the movie was over and they were making their way out of the theater. She stopped him, and looked up at him, "How bad is my make up?"

He smiled and looked down at her. His thumbs came up and lightly rubbed the smudged makeup from under her eyes. "There; perfect." He helped her back into the car and then he drove over to the restaurant.

"I still can't believe they did that," she said in slight shock.

He smiled, "Yeah, that part of the movie was definitely unexpected." In a few minutes he was pulling up to the restaurant and two valets were opening both doors. He got the ticket from the man and quickly made his way to Emma and with an arm wrapped around her they walked into the restaurant.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

Dinner was wonderful, his pasta was fantastic, the wine was great, but the company was even better. They had talked about all kinds of things. He may have led a few questions in a manner that would give him ideas for a gift. But so what? It got them to know each other better, right? But from all their conversations about books, movies, tv, and music, which they shared a lot of the same likes and dislikes, he was no closer to figuring it out.

She finished her ravioli and picked up her wine glass as he told her about his nephews. She couldn't help but smile because he was so happy when he talked about them. He finished the story and she sat her empty glass down, "You miss them a lot when they aren't here, don't you?"

Killian looked down for a second and then nodded. "I only get to see them maybe once a year." He looked back up, "I see them on Skype, but…" He sighed, "It's not the same."

That's when she realized: he missed them so much, but he was out with her tonight. And even though she didn't want to, she had to ask. "Then why are you out with me tonight, instead of spending time with them?"

He blinked a couple times taking in her question, his brain trying to come up with reasons. Reasons that wouldn't scare her away. But in the end, he knew he just had to be completely truthful with her. "Because I didn't plan on meeting you. I didn't plan on wanting to date you, or anyone really. But I did meet you, and everything I thought I wanted flipped on its head."

He took a minute to look at her, trying to gauge how she was taking it. "And I couldn't bear holding off dating you, and putting what we are or could be on hold." He watched her take a breath, her eyes not leaving his. He could see a bunch of conflicting emotions run through the green depths. "Besides, I didn't want to subject you to my idiot brother on just our second date."

That got the desired effect; she laughed and he continued. "I need to make sure you see all my good qualities, so when you meet my crazy family you know it's not genetic." He winked at her and she laughed some more and shook her head.

The waiter then came over with the dessert menu, and asked if they would want anything. Emma waved her hands, "I can't, I already ate too much."

Killian smiled, "Same here." He looked back at the waiter, "I guess it's time for the check."

"I should get home anyways. It is a school night." She said with a wink, using his own words back at him.

The waiter was back with the check much too soon for his liking. She started to reach for the bill, but he reached it first. "Hey, you can't pay every time."

He smiled, "I insist." He could see she was about to object, and he superseded her, "Swan, let me do this. At least the first couple of dates, after that you can pay every so often." He laid down enough money to cover the bill and a tip, then stood and offered his arm.

She stood and slid her arm through his. As they walked out she commented on what he had said, "Pretty sure that we will date for a while, huh?"

He wanted to comment that he wanted much longer than 'a while'. But he knew he couldn't do that, so instead he commented, "A man unwilling to fight for what he wants, deserves what he gets."

She snorted and laid her head on his shoulder, "Do you use that line on all the girls?"

He handed the ticket to the valet and the man ran to get the car. He leaned his head on her hers, "Honestly? I have never used that line before… at least in reference to a woman."

She pulled back and looked into his eyes, "Really?"

"Really." He leaned in and gave her a kiss, he was about to deepen it when the car pulled up. He helped her into the car, and then went around to pay the valet and get in the car. They held hands as he drove her back to her apartment. This time she didn't say anything to stop him from walking her to her door.

Once they got to her front door, he didn't even wait and pulled her towards him, his hand already in her hair, his lips instantly on hers. Her arms were around him in a second, her mouth opening and teeth nipping at his lips. He groaned and when his mouth opened her tongue found his, and she moaned. His other hand pressed her lower back closer to him.

He was swimming in the feel and the taste of her, the small sounds she was making. He gripped his hand at her back into a fist and slowly pulled away. He leaned his forehead against hers, "Emma?"

"Yeah?" She asked slowly.

"I should go." He could see a flash of rejection cross her features before a masked smile found its place. He pulled away and tilted her chin to look up at him. "I don't want to rush this."

She nodded lightly, "Neither do I."

He needed to remove the doubt. "But just so you know, Emma." He kissed her softly, and then leaned in and whispered into her ear, "I want you, Emma. All of you." He felt the small shudder in her frame, "And I will fight for it; for you."

Her hands came up and grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled his head towards her, her lips pressed furiously against his. With a light nip at his bottom lip she pulled away. "I look forward to it."

With that she opened her door and retreated with a quick goodnight and a soft close of her door.

He was left standing in the hallway once again. He tried to catch his breath, his fingers on his lips, and with a loud exhale, he turned and headed for the elevators.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

The next day started like the rest: morning coffee drop-off followed by a sweet kiss. She started case files and he wrapped last-minute donations.

At lunch, he got out a tad early and headed to the mall. He needed to figure out something to get her. He first took one lap around just getting a feel for the stores and possible ideas. Gift baskets were a decided no, even if they held enticing fragranced lotions and body mists. She had her own unique scent that he already found himself craving. No way was he going to change it, and it was much too impersonal.

He looked at the high-tech store and almost got a coffee mug that would keep her coffee hot. He figured between their morning ritual and a well-placed innuendo, it would work. But looking at the reviews on his phone, and one specifically about the batteries overheating and burning them, he was back to square one.

His eyes wandered to the jewelry store next door. Was it too early for jewelry? Was it a cop out? She didn't wear much. She usually wore simple, small, hoop silver earrings and a small understated silver circle necklace. Which told him something small, delicate, and silver or preferably white gold. Now, he just had to find something that reminded him if her. If he didn't… he would be back to square one again.

At close to fifteen minutes after he should have been back from lunch, he found the perfect thing. He now had a smile on his face, holding a small metallic bag with a flat, square velvet box inside as he walked out of the North entrance of the mall.

At almost the same moment Emma walked inside the East entrance of the same mall on her late lunch break. She walked over to the map of the mall and stood there for a few moments to get her bearings and plan her attack.

With plan in place, she decided to start with that high-tech place—she knew it had all kinds of things, and maybe something would call out to her. She walked through the aisles and repeatedly brushed off the sales clerks. As she walked, she was getting frustrated, and beginning to wonder if she knew Killian at all. She had to keep reminding herself they were just starting. And the biggest thing she didn't know was if he already had some of this stuff. She hadn't been to his place; she had no idea what to expect.

Instead of getting more frustrated, she decided to leave the store and move down to the sporting goods place. But soon she discovered the same problem. She knew he was in NASCAR but it wasn't like he was a fan—he was IN it. It wasn't like she could get him something for it he didn't already have.

She exited quickly and went to her last store on her attack plan, Spencer's gifts. She sighed; this was seriously a last resort, but they had all kinds of stuff. Maybe she could find something funny about something he mentioned he liked and it would work out. She sighed again and walked into the crowded store filled with teenagers.

She went through the whole store. She debated some superhero T-shirt but decided against them. She found a pair of TARDIS socks, but just couldn't give socks for Christmas. It brought up too many of her own past Christmases in foster care she would rather forget. Nothing seemed right, and with the store being so crowded, she decided to get out before she completely lost it.

She stood in the center of the mall, and looked at her watch; she should be back to work in five minutes. She knew Archie would never say anything, but she would know she was late. With a sigh of defeat, she started to walk back towards the entrance her car was at. She was almost there when she her eyes darted up at the name of the next store she was going to walk by. With a large smile and an idea, she walked into the Disney store.
===∞∞∞∞∞===

When Emma got back to her office, she had a smile on her face, her mission accomplished and gift hiding in her trunk. She sat her purse down and turned to her desk, and saw a chocolate chip cookie on her desk, sitting on a napkin with a note. She picked up both and took a bite of the cookie while reading the note.

'Swan,
I missed you for our sweet afternoon rendezvous. So I pilfered one for you. If you are gone for the day, adieu, and I will see you tomorrow morning.
- K'

She smiled and headed back towards the warehouse he was working in. She saw him taping some wrapping on a box and smiled. "Hey." She laughed at his startled jump.

His eyes saw her and a large smile graced his face, "Swan, I thought you had left for the day."

She walked over to him and the large pile of wrapped gifts behind him. "Nope; just some errands I needed to get done. Sorry I missed our afternoon snack time. But thank you for leaving me one."

He smiled and his arms came out to pull her into a hug. Their arms wrapped around each other, and he laid his cheek against her head. "Not a problem." He looked at the pile of gifts. "With these I wrapped today and those I have wrapped since I got here, it should be a really good Christmas for the kids here."

She looked at them, "They aren't all for the shelter. Yes, some of them are. Some go to the foster homes in the area for the kids placed there, and the rest go to underprivileged families in town." She snuggled a little closer to him and he held her a little tighter. "Each kid will get 1 to 2 toys depending on what it is."

Killian thought about all the gifts he had wrapped, and even if all the kids got two, that still meant a lot of kids. "I didn't realize there were so many children and families in the area needing help."

Emma sighed against his chest and then slowly pulled back. "Yeah." She looked to the presents and then back to him, "But these will help. Between these and the stockings you stuffed," she gave him a smile and a soft elbow to his side, "It should put a smile on their faces." It was certainly more than she got a lot of Christmases, but she wasn't going to say that; but from the look on his face, she thought he might already know. Heck, he probably had some that were similar. "I better get back to work. Besides, the rest of these need to be wrapped."

He nodded, "They will all be done before I leave tonight."

"Good, because they all get delivered and sorted tomorrow. A task that I even have to help with."

"You, get your pretty little hands dirty?" he joked and she gave him an evil stare that just made him laugh. "I look forward to it, love."

"Me too." And with that she was walking out of the warehouse and back to her desk. The day continued on, and soon he was walking her to her car, a soft kiss to her lips, and each driving back to their respective homes. Christmas Eve was looking to be a very busy day and night, and they were both looking forward to it.