Emma age 23 and Killian age 27
Footsteps through the hallway, they're soft, but Emma's sword fighting tutor had taught her more than just managing a sword, so she heard them anyway. He had taught her to run away and leave no traces for enemies. To hear footsteps and know where said footsteps were headed. Unknowingly, her tutor had taught her to stay away from people, especially Thomas, in the moments she needed it most. This skill had been useful in the first few years, but then she realised he was not coming back, and she stopped running away - she had nowhere to go anyway.
The footsteps stop in front of her room, soundlessly she leans over the edge of her bed to reach for her sword. Whoever stood in front of her room took a long time before deciding to walk away. Curious, she got up, moving towards her door. As she bends down her knees to look through the keyhole she sees nothing but darkness at first. Then, a figure, male and his clothes as dark as the night. Yet his silhouette is enhanced by the moonlight shining through the big windows in the hallways. It doesn't take long for her to realise that he's a pirate. Likely the pirate from the warnings that were brought to court a few weeks ago. The figure moves slowly and hesitant, running his hands through his hair like he is making rather tough decisions. Another figure comes running towards the first, whispering words Emma can't hear. The first figure nods and the second scurries off again. And after flashing a look towards Emma's door, the first man starts pacing away as well. When he's around the corner Emma opens her door, thanking the Gods it doesn't creak like it always does. Barefooted, she hurries after the man, and creeps around the corner only to find that the man had not walked far yet. She takes few soundless steps and holds her sword up, readying herself for a fight.
"Stop!" Emma hisses, holding her sword against the man's back, even in the dark and with his dark clothes she can still find a way to push her sword exactly where she wants it to be; in the small of his back. "Don't move."
"Oh my, is that a sword against my back or are you just happy to see me, Princess?" His voice is deep and teasing, somehow familiar, and he speaks slow, like he's not at all afraid she will drive the sword through his back.
"You were coming to my room..." She starts, the man nods once. Now that she is closer to him she can see he's not carrying a sword, but he might have a dagger of some sort. Pirates don't go anywhere unarmed.
"Yes, I was."
"Why? Who are you?" She questions, feeling a desire to yell. Yet, she does not need any help from the guards to protect her from this stranger.
"Still so many questions," The man chuckles.
"Turn around," Emma demands, poking once him with the tip of her sword.
"Take your pick, love," The figure sounds like he has the widest smile on his face at this moment. "I can't stop and don't move, and turn around at the same time."
"Don't trick me, pirate," She pushes the tip of sword in his back a little more, "Turn around," he does, and like she thought, he does it with a wide grin on his face, even as she points the sword towards his heart. She frowns, thinking she knows his face, but she hasn't met any pirates before. "Step into the light," she orders, he takes small steps, allowing her to follow carefully. As the moonlight falls onto his face and his blue eyes she nods. "Killian," she mutters.
"Hello, Emma," He smirks, "Been a while." She lowers her sword, still holding a firm grip on it. So that she could still take him down in a split second. "I see you're still sword fighting, would you have really killed an unarmed man?"
"I doubt you are unarmed, that would make you a lousy pirate," Emma replies, examining him, taking in every detail. He exchanged his light navy clothes for black leather pants and a coat. He looks older than she remembered, but then again, it's been seven years. The corner of his mouth lifts.
"There is a knife in my pocket, but I wouldn't use it on you," Killian replies. "You are my friend."
"Were," She corrects him. "You left me."
"I didn't exactly have a choice, love. But you and I both know that I had to go on that quest, . Besides, you were sixteen, I was twenty, it's not like I would have had any benefit out of staying here."
"Have you had any benefit out of leaving?"
"Are you asking me if I've been with other girls?" She nods, "Why would you be jealous if I had?"
"No," She replies quickly, "I am engaged you know."
"Still? Shouldn't you be married by now?"
"They'll announce the wedding tomorrow. And then within a week I should be married to him. However I am still silently hoping he would fall down the stairs," Killian laughs softly as she speaks, "Stop laughing," she demands him, still somewhat angry.
"As you wish, Your Majesty," he replies, pressing his lips together, but he's still laughing, she can tell by the look in his eyes and the way his lips tremble.
"Intruders!" A guard's voice sounds through the corridors. Sure took them long enough. A fair share of footsteps coming closer, running and coming from both sides. Killian's face falls blank, realising he has no way to go. Emma drops her sword, taking Killian's hand, dragging him along to her room. She pushes him in, closing the door silently.
"Emma, I doubt your room is a good place to hide me," His last words barely a whisper as she walks straight past him.
"I know you tend to forget things, me, for example," She flashes him a glare before moving her wardrobe, he walks towards her, helping her slide back the wardrobe. "But do you remember where it ends?" Killian nods. "Good, that's an advantage, because they don't."
"And for what reason are you helping me?" Killian questions as he faces her. Her eyes scan his face, and then his body. Even if she won't admit it out loud, she wishes she could take a simple step and pull him into a hug.
Instead she raises her eyebrows and replies formally, "You were my friend once." He nods, taking a few steps on the hard stony ground. He turns around to see her already move the wardrobe back into place.
"Emma?" He questions, she stops moving the wardrobe, through the small opening he can only see half of her face.
"Yeah?" She whispers, he looks at her, wondering if he should, but he has nothing to lose.
"I didn't forget you. Every day, I have thought of you, and my biggest regret is leaving you behind," he whispers, she frowns, looking at her hands on the wardrobe.
"Then don't leave me again," She whispers before closing the space. Emma looks around in her room, taking a deep breath before messing up her hair and opening the door to her room. A guard runs towards her quickly, she squints her eyes, pretending to be tired.
"Your Grace, please remain in your bed," The guard tells her.
"What's going on?"
"Nothing, Milady," he replies.
"Don't lie to me, I heard someone yell intruders!"
"It is nothing to worry about, we have your room secured, no-one can come in, Your Grace." She nods, turning around to close the door. Emma walks to her window, leaning on the sill. The moon flickers on the water. In the corner of her eye she notices a movement, in fright, she gasps so hard her lungs hurt.
"Don't scream," A boy voice says, "I mean no harm." She turns to face the voice. A boy, hardly any older than seventeen, sits on the windowsill of the room next to hers.
"I won't," she replies, her voice a little sore from gasping too hard. "Why exactly are you sitting here, this high up?" He seems to think about that for a moment, maybe wondering if he can trust her.
"I came with Killian's ship, I heard your guards coming, ran into this room, but I locked myself out," the boy smiles sheepishly. "Can you perhaps help me?"
"Perhaps, but first I want to know, what were you all doing here?" Emma smiles, leaning her arms on her windowsill. The boy marvels again.
"I don't know, we all had our own task. I needed to get my hands on an invitation to the ball, for Killian." Emma smirks, raising her eyebrow.
"Did you find one?" The boy shakes his head.
"Thought so, there aren't any left," She leans over the windowsill, reaching out for the boy. His cold hand grabs hold of her arm and she drags him in. He's about as tall as she is, bronze hair and blue eyes.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," The boy smiles, running his hands through his hair.
"You're welcome, so, shall I write an invite for Killian?" She smiles, the boy lifts his eyebrow.
"Yes, that would be great," he smiles, Emma nods, making her way to her desk, "But Your Grace, I don't understand. We are trying to steal from you, and yet you help us."
"I only help you for my own benefit," She answers as she takes her quill and paper from her drawer, "I'll write the invite, if you tell Killian that the promise he made to me is urgent. As in, within this and a week urgent, can you do that?" The boy nods and looks over her shoulder as her hand slides over the paper, writing beautiful letters. She lays down her quill and folds the paper, sealing it with a royal seal. "Now, let's get you out of here," she mutters, more to herself as she hands the boy the letter. Once again, she slides the wardrobe away. "Give me that candle, will you?" The boy reaches behind him, taking the candle from her nightstand.
"It's cold in here," he says, handing the candle over to her.
"That's because it leads directly outside, if you know the way," Emma replies, taking the candle and holding it up. Her first few barefoot steps on the cold ground nearly hurt, but she gets used to the cold, and after a while it even feels pleasant. They keep walking, up until they reach a point where they see a dim light at the end of the corridor. "Just keep walking straight forward and you end up in the harbour."
"Thank you," the boy whispers, clutching the letter against his chest.
"See you later," she smiles at him, but before he has the time to ask her what she meant, she turns around and walks back. The light of her candle fades, and disappears completely as she turns around the corner.
"Sweetheart wake up, your future king has already arrived, and wants to see you," It's her mom's voice. A soft voice, a recognisable voice, one she had once loathed.
"Don't call him that," Emma replies, grunting softly as her mom turns on the light. She reaches out for the sheets and pulls them higher.
"But he is," Snow White pulls the sheets away. "Now get out of bed."
"Yeah, I think I'm staying in bed today," Emma mutters as she pulls the sheets back up, this time over her head.
"You can't, the masquerade is today. Now get out of bed or I'll send your husband-to-be to get you." And with that, she leaves her daughter's room. Emma gets out of her bed, slowly waking up. Lock the door, quickly. She tells herself in her head. Weary, her fingertips slide over the cold door, finding their way to the lock and turning it around. She takes a deep breath and turns around. Moving slowly, numb, she walks over her bathroom, and fills her bathtub with warm water and soap. She takes off her nightgown, letting the fabric slide over her body. The water is warm against her cold skin as she steps in the tub. The water is somewhat too warm almost burns her skin. She slips down, letting the water touch her chin, what if she slipped further, would she be able to keep herself down long enough to let the water fill her lungs?
But maybe Killian would come back for her, maybe, she thinks as she slips down to wet her hair. She then comes back up after staying down just a bit too long and takes a deep breath. Someone knocks the door to her room, coming in immediately after. Didn't she lock the door? Maybe she didn't do it properly; she was still sleepy after all.
"I'm in bath mother," Emma assures her.
"Except that I'm not your mother," A male voice replies and then proceeds to walk in the bathroom.
"Thomas, get out!" She yells, trying to cover herself up with her long hair, but he shrugs and continues to walk until he sits on the windowsill that looks over the kingdom, and if you look down, you would be able to see guests arriving.
"Emma, I'm to be your husband in a few days, we'll see each other naked after that," He answers, but he is not looking at her. Growing up made him handsome, he still had his dark lashes to go with his dark eyes, chestnut hair that laid tousled most of the days. His personality, on the other hand, still had lots of growing up to do. Thomas was still a bitter man, but he didn't care anymore. Once he had been envious of Emma and Killian's friendship, after Killian's departure, Thomas had been softer to her, but she would still not let him in - still angry for how he had treated her before. Thomas stopped trying as he realised that Emma simply did not want to marry him. She was going to, because she wanted to do good for her country, but somewhere she still wanted Killian. He accepted his fate and drank his misery away, for he would be tied to a woman who would not love him and he managed to make her that way all by himself. "That is, if you are not running away tonight," Thomas speaks up when she remains silent.
"I don't understand?"
"I know Killian is here," Thomas replies. Emma frowns, pretending she is surprised - and maybe she is a little surprised.
"I still don't understand," Emma mutters, hoping he speaks the truth.
"My personal guard told me, there's an unknown ship in the docks. Looks like an old navy ship, the one that Killian and his father were sent on a mission with," Emma nods once when he turns around, pulling up her legs. "You planning on running away with him?" He questions as he gets off the windowsill, walking towards her. "If you are, Emma, you should tell me, because then this night just got a whole lot more pleasant for me," Thomas smirks as he kneels down next to the tub.
"I don't know," She whispers.
"Do you want to?" Thomas questions, stroking his fingers through the water. Emma nods hesitantly. "That's good enough for me, he'll probably be at the masquerade as well, if you tell him you want to leave with him he'll take you. I am certain of that," He takes her chin between his fingers, pulling her closer. "Just wait until after our first dance, then we're seen at least once together, and I can say that after that I simply lost you," Thomas flashes her a smile before kissing her, "It's sad really, for I would not have minded a wife with a body like yours," He then gets up and leaves the room. The urge to slip down and try to drown has gotten even bigger, but the fact that Killian's ship has still not left, may really mean that he's coming back for her. And it's that thought that gets her to keep going, wash herself and get dressed.
Dressed in a rather big beige dress, subtle touch of diamonds to go with her tiara, one that allows her to move gracefully. The dress is beautiful, shoulders and collarbone bare, and even allowing her to show off that she is most certainly not a young girl anymore. With her dress comes a pair of elbow length, satin gloves. During this day, that is likely to end differently than her parents have planned, she'll at least look gorgeous.
She walks through the hallways, trying to make her steps as graceful as possible. Emma stops before the doors of the great hall, putting on her mask, she then realises that when she will enter the great hall, she will have to take steps down the stairs.
"Ready, Your Majesty?" The guard in front of the door smiles, Emma nods, unsure, clenching her hands. The guard opens the door. "Ladies and gentlemen, Princess Emma," He sounds through the great hall. She stands at the top of the stairs when people clap. A feeling of anxiety washes over her. The centre of attention had never been her place, her mom's or her dad's, but not hers. She breathes in softly, taking careful steps on the stairs. Like she feared, with the mask on she can't watch her step and be graceful at the same time, so when a masked stranger comes from the crowd and walks up the stairs and offers his hand, she gladly takes it.
"Your Grace," He whispers, his hand is warm, but not unpleasant. Oddly familiar. The touch of his hand makes the anxiety fade away, makes her feel at ease.
"Thank you," Emma mutters under her breath as he guides her down the stairs.
"Thank me later," The stranger replies and this time his voice is more clear, she squeezes his hand, softly, like a test, and he squeezes back. Killian. They stand still as they reach the bottom of the stairs and the people bow down to her. He does as well, kisses her hand softly, his blue eyes never breaking contact when he does, and lets go. Killian disappears in the crowd and that's when the angst returns to her. Eyes staring at her, waiting for her sign to stand up straight again.
"Do rise," She says, acting confident. The people believe her act and go back to talking. Her mother comes towards her, gracefully, like a true queen, in her wide gown. Yet, she'd recognise her anywhere, because of her crown. Snow takes Emma's blonde curls between her fingers.
"Who was the man?" She questions and lets go of Emma's hair again.
"Don't know, the purpose of a masquerade, right?" Emma smiles, her mother nods. Her father joins them, smiling at Emma briefly before the background music starts silently and the people part.
"The King and Queen," Is announced, her mother and father walk in the circle of people and start their dance. Suddenly a tall figure stands next to her.
"I prefer you without clothes though," The man mutters. Thomas.
"Thomas," Emma nods ignoring his remark, taking a bow, he bows in return, offering his hand, it is already shaking under the influence of the wine, but she accepts. "It's just one dance, couldn't you have stayed sober..."
"No, I-" He is interrupted by the cue of their entering in the dance. She lays her other hand on his shoulder. He places his free hand in her waist and pulls her closer in a rude movement. The steps are burned into her mind, one two, one two, one two, all day, every day. This dance had to be absolutely perfect, this day had to be absolutely perfect, for this was the day the announcement of wedding would be made public. His fingers press into her waist, his hand is cold, and even through the two layers of fabric she feels his cold touch. She looks at him, his brown eyes look back at hers. He's smiling at her, and then she remembers to smile back at him. He nods once, twirling her around and taking her back in his arms.
"You're good at playing pretend," he whispers, now that he is close to her she smells the alcohol in his breath, the red wine.
"As are you," Emma replies, "Shouldn't you be laying off the wine, you have to keep standing on your legs until midnight."
"Nope," Thomas answers, twirling her again, when his hand returns to his waist his grip is even firmer - like he's hurting her on purpose, "I want to be completely off the card when they announce I'm tied to you forever. You know if you're still here by then, the man that helped you off the stairs was Killian, wasn't he?"
"Yes, unlike you did, he helped me," She hisses, "And stop pressing your fingers into my waist so hard, it hurts," he loosens his grip a little, however his touch is still not pleasant.
"Tell me again why you don't like me?"
"You treated me as your property the minute it was announced we were to be married, that is no way to treat a girl." The music stops, and he bows down to her, when he looks up again he squints his eyes at her.
"You better run with him, because when I'm your king, you will indeed be my possession, and I can and will take advantage of that in every way possible," Thomas leaves her, returning to one of the servants to take another wine, she turns around walking to the balcony, seeing the one person she wants to see right now. As soon as she closes the glass door behind her, the other people notice her standing still and start to leave, realising she wishes to be left alone right now.
"Emma," Killian smiles, he's leaning nonchalantly against the stone balcony, his legs crossed, leaning on one elbow only, the other arm used to drink from his bottle of rum. And frankly, his nonchalance is handsome.
"Not enough drinks inside?" She points at his flask, leaning over the balcony sill.
"I'm more of a rum person, you however, look like you could use some," he notes, looking down on her. She looks up at him,
"If I jump down, do you think I'll be dead?" She questions, looking down once more.
"Don't know," he replies, taking another sip of his rum and looks down, "Depends, if the water is cold, you might die of shock. Or you could hit the rocks, but that is highly unlikely." She sighs and stands up straight, taking off her mask. He follows her movements with his eyes, resting his eyes on her thin hands, holding the mask, for a short moment. "I'll keep mine on, if you don't mind. People might still recognise me, and we don't want that now."
"Exactly why are you here?"
"You asked me to -"
"No, I mean, in the realm. You were gone for years and then suddenly you're sneaking through the hallways."
"I'm leaving again. To a land that is hard to leave. I was close and I suppose I wanted to see if you were all right. Yesterday I was merely here to search for the easiest way to get in the castle unnoticed," He answers, "However I didn't foresee you poking your sword into my back last night, but since you made me promise to steal you away, I am now here again."
"And your men are emptying the rooms right now?" Emma questions, Killian flashes a charming smile.
"No, I'm here alone, the only thing I'll be taking from the castle tonight is an unhappy princess, don't worry."
"Tonight?" She mutters, looking behind her. No one seems to be looking at them.
"Tonight," He answers. "You said you were to be wed in less than a week, and I don't want to make a scene at the wedding itself, so tonight."
"Okay," Emma answers nervously, looking at him as he takes another sip. He smiles as their eyes meet.
"I'm waiting for your sign," He replies with a nonchalant shrug.
"Okay, yeah, now," She clenches her hands to keep them from shaking.
"No goodbyes?" Killian asks, leaning over the balcony, looking at the shore while stuffing his flask of rum in his jacket. She looks through the window, her parents are dancing, her mother smiling, beautiful as ever. Her father looking down at her, still so in love with her. She loved them very much, but it wasn't fair of them to tie them to a man who would never make her feel the same way, or even look at her the same way. She was tired of him, and tired of her boring life and duties.
"No goodbyes," She says firmly, nodding once as she breathes out. Killian lifts his hand, she follows his gaze, seeing two men on the shore in the distance, the first man raises his hand as well, and both men start running, the first man in the direction of the harbour, the second towards the balcony. Killian takes off his mask and lays it down next to hers.
"Well then, get ready Princess," Killian smiles, laying his hand gently on her waist, guiding her to the side of the balcony. "Look down," He tells her and she does. In the water, up until their knees, stand four men, five once the man who previously stood ashore joins them.
"You want me to jump?" She asks, turning back around to face him, he's looking behind them, to see if anyone is coming.
Killian looks back at her, "Trust me?"
"Yeah," She replies as he holds her hand to help her up the railing.
"Trust them?" he asks while taking off her shoes.
"Not sure," She replies, looking down at them and then back at Killian.
"Bummer," He smiles and pushes her over the railing. The fall was shorter than she thought it would be, she ends up in five pairs of strong arms, but this only for a brief moment, the men place her on her feet in the cold water.
"To the shore, Your Majesty," One of the men tells her, she nods and steps through the water. The dress had been heavy before, and now it was only heavier.
"Stop them!" Emma hears coming from above, on the balcony. Behind her Killian had already jumped down, he's now pulling her arm, making her move faster. When they reach the shore they run,
"Brought your shoes," Killian holds them up grinning while running.
"How convenient," she hisses, pulling up her water soaked dress as she runs. The sand is cold, the water on her legs and dress is cold, and yet she's flaming with adrenaline. Finally, she can run away. On the pier she drops her dress again, while she ran most of the water dripped out of it, but it was still cold and heavy. She stops a moment, to look at the ship in front of her, Killian's men climb up the side of the ship, one by one. Killian steps by her, getting ready to climb.
"Not having second thoughts, do you?" Killian questions, she shakes her head. He smiles and turns around to climb on the boat, and starts to climb, Emma right behind him. The ship is already sailing away, slowly, but sensible. She looks down, seeing the distance between the ship and the dock grow bigger.
"Princess!" She looks behind her, holding on to the ship tightly, a guard is running on the pier. "Don't go with them."
"Stop running!" She demands him and he does, it appears she still has some authority over him, "And I'll go and stand as I please."
"But the wedding is about to be announced," the guard objects.
"Yeah, about that..." She trails off as she climbs on deck. She turns to face him, "Can you give my dear, dear fiancé a message for me?" The guard nods once, behind him the other guards come running. The distance between the ship and the dock is now too big to even jump towards the ship. Emma smirks and holds up her middle finger, "and a good life," She adds, she then turns around to face Killian and his men. They all have a smug smile on their faces.
"Well..." Killian starts, "That will be one interesting conversation, 'did she have anything to say?'" he imitates Thomas, "Yes, she wanted to let you know," he holds up his middle finger, "And furthermore she wishes you a good life," He imitates the guard.
"Shut up!" Emma laughs, pushing him away, her hands on his chest. He raises his eyebrows.
"That's not very princess like of you, come on, let's get you cleaned up." He walks down the stairs with her, "You do know life on board is not as luxurious as life in the castle, right?"
"I thought so, yes."
"We share a bathroom," Killian smirks, trying to scare her off.
"I'll get used to it," Emma shrugs.
"Small bedrooms."
"Mine was too big for me anyway."
"No manners."
"Killian, stop," Emma reaches out for his arm. He looks down at her. "I know what I chose. Who I chose." Killian smiles, reaching out for her cheek, brushing over her skin with his thumb. "I am going to need time, just a bit, to adjust, but I will be fine," She smiles, taking his hand away from her cheek.
"I have feeling you not only mean the ship," Killian replies, opening the door to a small bathroom. Just a bath, a sink, a mirror and a toilet.
"To you," Emma nods. "I'm thinking you did not exactly stay the same."
"You'll find I am not that much different," Killian replies, letting water run in the bath.
"Just a bit more leather?" Emma smiles, he smirks, not looking at her.
"Princess," A male voice draws her attention. She looks up, seeing a small man with a red hat holding quite a few dresses in all kinds of colours. "I think that these might fit you." He smiles.
"Thank you," she smiles, reaching out for the red dress. It's a simple, plain dress, but exactly that makes it so beautiful.
"I'll leave the rest on your bed."
"My bed?" Emma frowns, still looking at the dress, but the man has already left.
"There's one spare room on the ship. It's yours, so that you don't have to sleep in the same room as my men," Killian answers, walking past her. "When you're finished, just come to the deck."
"Killian wait, would you perhaps..." Emma turns around, moving her hair aside. She can hear him laugh softly as his hands start to untie the knots.
"Thank you," She whispers, holding onto her dress and corset until Killian leaves the room. The water in the bath, to her surprise is warm, and the soap even smells nice, like lavender.
When she is finished she walks above deck, straight into the night. Most of the men have already left the deck. Yesterday and today must have been two exhausting days. Plotting to steal a princess.
The man with the red hat stands next to Killian behind the steering wheel, taking a bow as she walks up the stairs.
"Could you perhaps... not bow to me?" Emma questions.
"Yes, Princess," The man answers.
"And call me Emma?"
"Yes, Pri- Emma," And it is then she notices the man is actually nervous around her. Killian gives him a small bump with his elbow. "Mr. Smee," The man says. "My name is Smee. William Smee."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Smee." Emma smiles.
"I'll be going to bed now," he says and leaves below deck.
"He's usually a bit nervous around... actually everyone, at first. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to the rest of the men," Killian smiles, "I'll show you your room, so you can get some rest as well." Emma nods, following him down the stairs again. He turns around, pointing at the door right underneath the steering wheel. "Captain's quarters, if you need anything and can't find me on deck, I'm usually there."
"All right," Emma answers, following him as he goes down the left aisle.
"Your room is at the very end. It's fit for female presence, but if you need anything more, write it down and we'll get it, next time we go to the village," Killian tells her. He opens the door, showing her room. When Killian said it would be small, she expected it to be... tiny. But this was actually not that bad. There was a bed in the back corner, above it a small window that looked out on the sea in front of the ship. Then a desk with a chair. A wardrobe on the other side of the room, and enough room to move around freely.
"Thank you, Killian," She gives him a polite smile and turns away from him, Killian nods, behind her back. She hesitates before turning around, seeing him still standing there, looking a bit bewildered. "I eh..."
"Yes, goodnight, Emma," Killian smiles and turns around to leave, closing the door behind him. She moved the dresses from her bed, laying down on the blankets, staring at the ceiling. Time passes by slowly when you're staring at a ceiling, your thoughts filled with things you should have done, and said, Emma realised when she lied awake for what seemed hours. She gets up from her bed, stepping towards the Captain's Quarters.
"Killian?" She hesitates before knocking his door hesitatingly. No reply, he's probably already sleeping and maybe that's for the better. She turns back around and as she does the door opens behind her.
"Emma?" Killian's voice sounds, it is soft, but not yet a whisper. Gentle, as if not to startle her. She turns around, he doesn't look like he just woke up, but he does look like he has been awake for quite a long time. He's wearing a simple white shirt and some loose pants, they look somewhat like the outfit that used to be the uniform of the Royal navy. But now it looks old and outworn, maybe he just likes the comfort of them, tight leather pants don't always seem that comfortable. "Are you all right, love?" She nods unconvincingly. Killian smiles and invites her inside his cabin, an invite she gladly takes.
"I just can't sleep," She whispers as he closes the door, standing still to look around. It's bigger than she thought it would be. She had been on a Royal navy ship quite a few times while playing pirate with Killian when they were younger. But she never saw the inside of the cabin. The red surroundings give her a warm feeling. Right in front of her is a circular table with four chairs around it, a chandelier in the middle with three out of five candles still burning. In the back corner is a huge canopy bed, still neatly made. In the other corner there is a desk covered in maps and paperwork.
"Here," Killian says, handing her a cup of tea, she faces him, seeing a small kitchen right behind him. Nothing big, nothing fancy, just a sink, a cooler, a fire and three cabinets.
"Thank you," She whispers, her cold hands tingle at the burning sensation that comes from the hot tea mug. He shoves a chair back for her and sits down on the chair next to it. "It's cosy in here," Emma mutters as she sits down. He just smiles, leaning his arms on the table.
"Want to talk about why you can't sleep?" He questions a silence falls, she can hear the waves lapping against the ship, his breathing slow and steady, but aside from that it's dead silent.
"I was thinking about things," Emma replies, taking a sip from her tea, feeling the hot liquid seep through her oesophagus. Killian nods. "You, mostly."
"What about me?" He asks, his gentle voice in the silence makes him seem mysterious and yet she has known him her whole life and there is nothing mysterious about him. He used to be a boy who kept her out of trouble, a boy who made her feel safe who eventually grew up to be a man who made her feel safe, just a man who used to make her feel warm, until he left. But now he's looking at her, with his kind blue eyes, like he never left. And this man, he makes her breathing uneven, her heartbeat raise, and gives her that warm feeling, still.
"That I missed you," Emma mutters, her heartbeat agreeing with her words. She missed him, a lot. Killian smirks.
"It's about bloody time that you admitted that," In the fade light of the candles he can see her cheeks colour red, "I missed you too, love," He whispers, Emma looks away from him, trying to hide the flames she feels burning underneath her skin, colouring her cheeks deep red.
"No, I missed you, so much, all I ever wanted in those seven years was to feel the safety of your arms, and now I'm pushing you away all because I'm mad at you for leaving me behind." He gets off his chair, sitting down on his knees in front of her, taking her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. "The one mistake I will always regret is not coming back for you, leaving you behind was the hardest decision I ever made, and I realised quickly that I made the wrong decision, but I couldn't come back. I was ashamed, thinking you would not forgive me. When I received a note, telling me the wedding was to be made announced, I broke. I had to see you once, just once, before every chance of you ever being mine was gone. And I know I hurt you, I know, I promised to come back to you but I didn't, and no lifetime will ever be enough to make up for the pain I have caused you, but I will try my very best," he wipes away the tears from her cheeks, the tears that started to flow as he spoke. "I love you, Emma, still. I can't expect you to say it back, frankly I don't want you to, but I think you should know."
"Kiss me, idiot," She whispers, he smiles, standing up, pulling her up as well. She wraps her arms around his neck as their lips meet. Her lips taste of the tea he made for her, they're warm and soft, caring and tender. Not hungry, but loving. Killian curls his arms around her waist, sweeping her off her feet, dragging her lightweight towards the bed. She smiles against his lips as he lays her down on his bed, the sheets feel cold against her back, but with all these warm feelings, a little cold is nice. Her hands fall next to her body as he leans over her on his elbow, kissing her lips again, his hand strokes over her body, touching her almost everywhere. His touch is pleasant to Emma, it is hungry for her, but a kind sort of hunger; wanting to have all of her, but still patient. Emma, however, isn't as patient as him, she brings her hands to his shirt, unbuttoning his shirt with steady hands. He smirks against her lips as his shirt hangs loosely around his body, he is flattered that she wants him every bit as much as he wants her, yet he is unsure if she will even like what is underneath his shirt as he is not very muscular. Emma pushes him away softly, making him sit up, his knees bent underneath him and she does the same.
"Everything all right?" Killian whispers.
"Yes..." Emma starts, looking from his eyes to his chest, "I am nervous." Killian nods, giving her a comforting smile as she looks back up again.
"We don't have to do this, Emma," Killian offers. Emma shakes her head while reaching behind her, she tears the string of her dress loose.
"Believe me, I want to," She laughs, "I am just a bit nervous that's all," She says as she leans closer to kiss his lips briefly. "But I know that you will be gentle with me as you always have been."
"Of course," Killian replies, leaning in for another kiss. His hands brush over her shoulders, peeling her dress off of her body and letting it fall onto her lap.
"You can look at me, Killian," She whispers as he tries his hardest to look at her eyes, and he does. Somewhere in his mind, she is still that small girl that cried in his arms when she felt bad, or that small girl he taught all of those words her mother wouldn't teach her. But like he thought she would, that small girl grew up to be a gorgeous young woman, sitting right here in front of him, nearly naked. He lets his eyes rest on her body, her fragile, beautiful body. Skinny but not bony and yet curvy. He feels his pants getting tighter, and as if sensing his thoughts, she takes his hand and places it on her breast. He squeezes it softly, enjoying the feeling of her breast being big enough to fill his hand. Killian smirks and leans in for a kiss again, letting go of her breasts, giving her an opportunity to take off his shirt, and she does, throwing it next to the bed. Killian places his hand on her back, gently laying her down once again, he slides his hand down her back, grabbing hold of her dress, still on her waist, stripping it off her body, down her legs, only for the dress to end up next to his shirt; on the floor.
"You cold?" He asks, placing gentle pecks against her skin, starting at her abdomen, moving his lips upwards, her breasts, her chest, her collar bone and her neck all get kissed softly. His tenderness gives her goose bumps all the way up her spine. Emma shakes her head.
"Not even close," She replies, feeling as if there is a fire burning inside her, she's even glad the dress is off her body.
"Help me with my pants, love," He whispers against her neck, pushing himself up a little.
"That would be the first time I would ever have to take off pants," She laughs softly, even though she is utterly enjoying his touches, a ray of nervousness still shines through. Yet she does as told, unbuttoning his pants.
"No better way to teach you, right?" He jokes, trying to comfort her. "Besides, we'll have to buy you a few pants as well, fighting pirates in a dress is incredibly sexy, but not very convenient," He winks at her, helping her a little with taking off his pants. They both laid there, next to each other in just their underpants, longing for each other as they shared more kisses. In-between the kisses, Killian had taken off her panties - and his too, so it appeared. He had been subtle she almost hadn't noticed, but she did when his hand was on her waist, slipping down her legs to part them. He looks into her eyes and he nods twice. He smiled and kissed her, trying to bring a distraction as he carefully brought his hips up to slowly meet with hers. She had held her breath, slowly breathing out now. "You're tight lass," He teases her.
"That's not a bad thing, right?" She mutters as he thrusts again, Killian laughs and kisses her lips again, trying to distract her from possible pain as much as he can.
"Gods, no. Not at all," he trails kisses down her neckline, "You still okay?" He questions as he starts to take a slow pace. He can feel her nod.
"Yes," she manages to bring out.
"Are you sure?" He questions, looking into her eyes. She smiles and nods again, slowly but surely getting used to him, his size, his body against hers, the feeling of him inside her and his pace. "Good," Killian whispers. Emma moves her head up, stealing a kiss from him. She moans softly when he thrusts again, taking the blankets in her hands. He takes her thighs, moving them upwards a little so allowing himself to go deeper. Again she moans, moving her hands to his back, trying to find something to hold onto. "Are you marking me, sweetheart?" He breathes in her ear, when her nails dig into his skin with every thrust. "If you wanted me to be yours you could have just asked, rather than to mark your territory," He laughs.
"Shut up," Emma hisses. "But yes, I want you to be mine."
"I like that you said that almost out of breath," Killian laughs, but he too, is slightly out of breath. Not too soon after she feels her walls clenching, followed by Killian upping his pace so that they climax at nearly the same time. Her legs tingle softly as he gets off her, laying down next to her. She turns to her side, placing her lips against his, giving him small, short kisses that he returned each time. And so they laid there, naked on the sheets, kissing until she fell asleep.
A small note of thanks and tears, explanation and a quick Q&A:
Thank you Silvia, for always helping me.
And thank you readers, thank you, reviewers, receiving reviews is an amazing feeling - if you write fanfics yourself you must know this too, even if it's just one, it's the best feeling. I'm easily brought down to tears by kind words, because when I was younger, I didn't hear them all that much.
So when you leave kind reviews, like "perfect", "wonderful", "amazing", "adore", and so on, that makes me happy. As in tears-down-my-face happy. So thank you, I can say it a million times, thank you, thank you, thank you, ...
I updated this fic already because I love you. And I had the chapter ready, since this was the first chapter I ever wrote. My first words to this entire story were ""Stop!" Emma says, holding her sword against the man's back, "Don't move."" obviously it changed a bit. I was initially going to start the fic here - and then have the previous chapters as flashbacks (which is why the length of the chapter varies so much.)
This is also the last time I make huge time leaps, and they remain this age for quite a while.
Quick Q&A:
Was David was a shepherd in this story?
I suppose yes, since Emma said "you married for love". However, Emma has to marry in the benefit of her realm. So - for now - this information does not matter.
Is everything the same as in the show? Or not entirely and Killian does not have a brother... Does this means that his father will die in Neverland that if they go there?
No, not all is the same as the show. I enjoy creating my own characters, and I don't like writing anyone else's characters, which is why all of my fanfics are AU's. That way the characters will not have experienced the same things as in the show, and thus will not respond to certain situations like the characters in the actual show would.
Killian does not have his brother here, because his character would not have any added value to the story - apart from Emma possibly having a second friend.
As for the last question, patience until the next chapter.
Why is Snow White such a bitch?
Snow White is a 'bitch' because I need her to be in the benefit of my story.