A/N: Here's a really long one. I hope it's not too choppy- had a lot to cover in a single chapter. I've been blown away by the response this story has been getting lately! It's all so amazing so I hope this lives up to expectations! I'm not sure when I'll be back- I'm having a really shitty time lately with my mental health. But I do know I want to be back before the end of the month with a chapter about a New Years party in the house. We'll see what happens. Thanks so much for all the favourites and follows, views and reviews! They've been so very inspiring and keep me writing! Let me know what you think of this one! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: All aspects of Once Upon A Time belong to ABC and the show's creators.

Killian was waiting for Henry when he came down from his bedroom looking for breakfast. It wasn't hard to get downstairs before the boy; Henry was starting to get the sleeping curse that seemed to hit all teenagers and Killian had recently returned to his early riser routine. Before Henry could go to the cupboard Killian pushed a bowl of Frosted Flakes across the counter to him. Henry raised a brow in a movement that was so Killian, so him, that it stole his breath for a moment. It was that action that told Killian that he had made the right decision.

"What's going on?" Henry asked, immediately suspicious. Killian couldn't blame him, he hadn't really been a good parental figure lately for the boy. Emma had really picked up the slack, returning to her mothering role now that she was feeling better. But that didn't mean Henry was feeling back to normal. He eyed the kitchen surrounding them, looking for clues. "Where's Mom?"

"She's out on a run, but don't worry. There's nothing wrong," Killian placated, knowing where Henry's thoughts would go.

Henry had been through so much in his short life. Despite having his grandparents' undying optimism and the heart of the Truest Believer, the constant onslaught of villains and traumatic events had taken its toll on Henry. The lad had been kidnapped and taken to the boy demon of Neverland, lost his memories and father, had seen one mother constantly struggle with her villainous past while watching his other mother murder another villain who had kidnapped him then turn into the Dark One to protect everyone and pull the heart out of his first girlfriend. Finally, he'd watched his mother kill his beloved father figure and then shove half her heart into his chest to revive him. It was a life that even Dr. Phil couldn't sort out.

Emma had been trying to get Henry to return to Archie and work through everything. Henry hadn't agreed yet and Killian had stayed out of the conversations. It was his opinion that Henry just needed time with the people who had almost been lost to him. When he'd lost Liam and Milah, Killian had only ever wanted a little longer with his loved ones. Henry would feel more secure with love and time.

"Oh, sorry," Henry replied grabbing the spoon Killian handed him and taking a mouthful. "So what's up?" he asked once he'd swallowed.

Now it was Killian's turn to get nervous. He'd been sitting down at the breakfast nook for a few hours waiting, trying to hold himself back from going and waking Henry up or taking off to the Jolly to blow off some steam by recorking the entire deck or something equally as ridiculous. What he was going to do that day might very well change all their lives soon. Killian took a deep breath. Easy question first. "Well, lad, I was wondering if you'd come Christmas shopping with me? I need to get your mother something."

Henry's face lit up at the prospect. "Really? You want my help?"

"Of course. No one else could help me with this," Killian answered honestly.

"When do we leave?"

"As soon as you're done." Killian laughed when Henry started to shovel the cereal into his mouth. It was touching to see Henry so excited to spend time with him. They hadn't been together much since Emma had been forced to kill him. With the house renovation Henry had been staying with Regina and Robin to keep out of the way and then when Killian had been recovering he hadn't wanted to intrude. He'd returned the night they put the tree up. It was nice having him in the home, his belongings spread around to remind Killian that life went on, that he had his family around him.

"Awesome, I'll go get dressed." Henry picked up the bowl and took it upstairs with him. Killian shook his head, disbelief filling him that Henry was so eager to spend time with an old pirate. Strong relief flowed through him as well that the relationship they'd been building before his period as the Dark One hadn't been damaged beyond repair. At times, before everything had once again gone to shit, Killian had imagined that it was possible for Henry to be his own son. Maybe now they could return to that.

When Henry pounded back down the stairs Killian stood and went to collect his leather coat. He sent a quick text to Emma, letting her know he would be out with the lad. Emma would worry if she came home and Killian was gone. She, like Henry had that morning, still expected the worst.

"Ready, lad?"

Henry nodded and move to the door. Killian followed, locking the house behind him. They walked towards downtown, both fairly silent. Killian wasn't sure how to start the conversation he needed to have with the lad and Henry, despite his earlier excitement still seemed a bit tired. Maybe the boy wasn't sleeping well? Killian knew what that was like.

Eventually Henry turned to Killian. "So, what were you thinking about for Mom?"

Killian scratched behind his ear, nerves increasing tenfold. "I already know what I'm getting her."

"Oh," Henry's face fell. His forehead furrowed in confusion. "Why did you need me then?"

Killian sighed then took Henry's elbow and guided him over to a bench. He looked around to make sure they wouldn't be overheard. Storybrooke was terrible with secrets when it came to Emma so if someone heard what he was about to say, everything would be ruined.

Killian rubbed his hand over his face. Time for the hard question. "I needed you because I have to ask you a question." Henry shot him an inquisitive look, tendrils of hope weaving through it, as if he knew what was coming. Though, knowing Henry he probably did. "I love your mother very much, lad. More than anything. More than my ship and the stars that guide her, more than my own heart." Killian shot Henry a rueful smile at that. "She's pulled me back from a darkness so bleak it was as if I existed in a void, only my need for revenge to keep me warm at night. Emma taught me that I could be a good man again, a hero," Killian barked out with a harsh and disbelieving laugh. "I could never have seen Emma Swan coming, but I think I fell in love with her the very moment I saw her. And by sheer dumb luck on my part she loves me too. We are of one heart. I want us to now be of one name. So I'm asking you Henry, may I have your blessing to marry your mother?"

Henry's face lit up, a smile creasing his face. "Of course!" Henry answered quickly. Killian let out an audible sigh, relief making his shoulders sag. Henry's face furrowed after a few moments. "But why did you ask me for your blessing? Why not Grandpa?"

Chewing on his lip, Killian regarded the lad in front of him, so grown from when Killian had first met him. Henry would grow to be a good man, better than Killian of that he was sure. That thought only filled him with pride. "Well, lad, for the sake of honesty, I need to tell you that I did talk to Dave first. But only because the prospect of asking him was less daunting than asking you," Killian hurried on quickly so as to explain himself and not upset Henry. "Henry, you are the most important person to Emma. She would do anything for you. I'm sure you remember, but in case you need reminding, you were her first true love. I can't imagine not asking you for your blessing. And not just because you're her son. If I am lucky enough that your mother says yes, you'll be part of this family too. I could never replace Bae but I want to give you what I never had. I want to show you what a father means- if I can even figure that out in the first place. So I guess that's another reason why I'm asking. You need to agree to take an old, broken pirate in too."

"I'm not marrying you, Killian," Henry said, tone serious but eyes light. Killian chuckled. "That's Mom's job. But thanks for the gesture. I appreciate it." Henry wrapped his arms around Killian, holding tightly, emotion getting the best of him. Killian dislodged his hand and ran it up Henry's back, trying his best to make soothing sounds.

Eventually Henry pulled back, taking a deep breath. "I thought you were dead. I saw Mom stab you after you pulled all the darkness into you. I saw you bleed out. I saw you die. And it hurt worse than when my father died. Maybe that was because I still didn't remember him then. Maybe it was because I saw you die and not him. But it hurt. Mom was so upset. And then I saw her pull her own heart out and I thought she was going to crush it, that she couldn't live without you. I thought I'd lose too parents that day." Killian's heart clenched at those words that tumbled from Henry's lips. Two parents. Henry continued on, as if what he'd said wasn't life altering in importance. "But Mom ripped her own heart in two and brought you back. She saved you. And then you saved her. You brought her back."

"And she brought me back again," Killian added. Henry nodded solemnly.

"It's been so messed up. Everything for the last few years. But since you saved us all by getting rid of the darkness things have been good. I like the good. I like being at the cottage and living with you two. I'm not used to it. It's still scary because it might go away, but if this is one of the ways we can keep everything together then I want you to marry my mom. Tomorrow if you can."

Killian laughed wetly, emotions running high. "I don't think your grandmother would allow a wedding on such short notice," Killian forced out. "Your mother is a princess after all." The idea that he, Captain Hook, was going to marry a princess, the Crown Princess of the Enchanted Forest, still boggled his mind.

"You'll be a prince," Henry replied, seeming to feel the same level of emotion.

"I think I'll stick to pirate, lad."

Henry stood, Killian following simply because he didn't want moment to end. "So did you really need my help or was that just a ruse to get me out of the house so you could talk to me?"

"A bit of both?" Killian answered. "I do need help planning a way to give Emma the ring. You're better at the operations than me."

"So you have a ring?" Henry asked, starting towards downtown again. Killian hurried after him.

"Aye. It's the ring she used to wear around her neck. It was one I wore for years. I gave it to her in Camelot. It was supposed to make her feel strong. She gave it back to me after I had the panic attack but it's time it goes back to her, but this time on her finger."

Henry nodded, taking it all in. They walked in silence, Henry formulating his newest master plan. When they walked past the fairies' Christmas store he stopped, eyes alight and Killian knew he'd come up with the perfect plan.

With his little package for Emma stowed carefully in his jacket pocket, Killian strode up the gang plank of the Jolly. He'd dropped Henry off at Regina's before moving in the direction of the docks. This part of the mission hadn't become clear until he'd talked with Henry but now that the next step in Killian's plan had been formulated, it was something he had to do alone.

Killian thumped down into the captain's quarters and moved to the drawers he still used to hold some of his belongings. Not everything had been moved to the new house, simply because there were some things that Killian couldn't bare not to have on his ship. One of those things was a small wooden box in the second drawer.

The box was exactly where he'd remembered. Killian took it out of the drawer, holding it gently in his hand, unwilling to risk hurting it with his hook. Moving to the desk, Killian sat the box on it and took a seat. The box was well worn, the clasp barely secure anymore. A scrawling name crossed the top, Liam Jones. Tears pricked at Killian's eyes as he ran a light finger across the letters. God, he missed him so much.

Taking a deep breath Killian opened the box, pulling out some papers that had come lose from Liam's old journals over the centuries, an old tassel off Liam's first tricorn and the papers awarding him a ship's berth as a deck hand. Underneath it all was a small metal ring.

Killian picked it up, holding it between two fingers. This was the first time in almost a year that he'd held it, not having taken it out since right after he'd gotten the Jolly back and returned his most treasured belongings to the ship. The ring was plain save for a series of waves engraved on the silver, still shining despite its age. Killian polished the metal once a year on the anniversary of his brother's death. This ring had been the first purchase Liam had made after getting his first official job on a ship- beyond any traded years and slavery. Liam had always said a real sailor had a ring, a signifier of his status. Maybe that was why Killian wore so many heavy metal bands. Eventually the ring had grown too small for Liam, hands broadened from years working on a ship, working his way up the naval hierarchy, and thus put away. Liam had been buried with his second ring, Killian unable to take it as a memory, just in case Liam needed it in the underworld to tell the Ferry Man he was the finest captain the realm had ever seen. But this small ring, Killian had kept. Until now.

When Henry had given his blessing then allowed his feelings to spill forth Killian had realized something. Henry needed a reminder that he was a part of their new family, no matter what. Killian may not have been his father by birth or blood, he may not even be capable of being a good father, but he wanted Henry to know that he would try. Killian would lay down his life for Henry a million times over. Just like he would have for Liam.

Killian slipped the ring into his pocket, wiping a tear he hadn't realized had fallen from his cheek. Everything else went back into the box and then into the drawer. With a final glance towards the closed drawer Killian grasped the ring, making sure it stayed in place and left the Jolly Roger. It was time to finish the rest of the preparations.

On Christmas Eve Killian placed a gold shimmery ornament on the tree, right in the middle. Written on the front was Our First Christmas in an elegant script. Henry had arranged to spend the night with Regina under the guise of wanting to experience Rolland's first Christmas, but really to give Killian the time and space to go through with the plan. Emma hadn't argued, Rolland had been telling everyone how excited he was for Santa for the past month so it just made sense Henry be with the young boy. Henry would be arriving at the cottage the following morning around ten.

Emma came into the living room, slipping her arms around his waist. She was wearing a soft cashmere sweater of dark holly green which made her own eyes brighter, golden hair shining in the light of the tree. Killian had never seen anyone so beautiful. He wanted to break open the ornament that very moment and ask her the question he'd been practicing in the mirror for days. Instead he turned and kissed her.

"That's a lovely ornament," Emma remarked when they'd broken apart. "Thank you."

"Henry told me it was a tradition. I thought we should have one on our first tree," Killian answered, as casually as he could. Emma narrowed her eyes at him for a moment and Killian held his breath. Had she figured it out? After what seemed like an eternity Emma turned back to the tree for a moment.

"Well, it's lovely."

Killian gave her a warm smile. "Not as lovely as you, Swan. But as much as I'd love to watch you in front of the tree all night, we have to get to your mother's house."

Killian took her hand and pulled her away from the tree, and more importantly, the ornament. Mary Margaret was having a party that night to celebrate the first Christmas she had her whole family together and they weren't threatened. From what Emma had told him, the entire town had been invited. Killian couldn't figure out how they would all fit in the tiny loft. When they arrived, it was obvious that Killian's concerns had been right. The place was packed, people spilling out into the hall and stairs, chatting animatedly. Everyone wanted to talk to Emma and Killian, the two who had sent the darkness from the town, saving them all. Killian just wanted to be with Emma.

They didn't stay at the party for long. Killian told Emma that it was just too much for him. It wasn't far from the truth. There were just too many people, too many gifts being plied on him as a thank you. Too many questioning looks from Henry and David. Killian just wanted to get home and get down on one knee.

Emma agreed to leave without issue. She seemed to be feeling the same level of overwhelmed. After saying a good bye that was far too long for Killian who had been growing more anxious each second, the two of them left. Killian helped Emma load the presents in the back of the Bug just to give him something to do with his hand.

Emma had to have suspected something. Killian was never this quiet or fidgety. To stop himself from spilling the beans before they got home he didn't say anything, instead pretending to wipe traces of icing from his hook.

When they got to the house Emma got out, catching Killian's shoulder before he could grab the gifts from the back seat. "What's going on?"

"Nothing, Swan. But do you think we could open a gift each tonight?" Killian raised a brow, trying to look as normal as possible. Emma chewed on her lip, measuring his words for a lie. She seemed to find none.

"Well, if that's going to settle you down, sure." Killian had to bite his lip to keep from sighing with relief.

Emma helped Killian grab the gifts and take them inside before settling on the couch. Killian stood beside the tree, running his fingers down his jeans. He was not going to propose with sweaty hands. Captain Hook didn't get nervous like that. Lt. Jones did though. Hopefully Killian Jones, pirate and hero, could find a balance and do this right.

"So what gifts do you want to open so badly?" Emma asked, amused by his antics.

Killian took a deep breath then turned to the tree, pulling the gold ornament off the tree. Emma shot him a confused look that had a tinge of disappointment to it. Had she guessed he was going to propose and was waiting for a little velvet box? She should have known better than to expect something so plain when Killian and Henry were involved in the planning.

"Not to offend you or anything, Killian, but I've already seen that ornament. Don't you want to unwrap something?"

Killian grabbed Emma's hand, hanging the ornament on his hook momentarily, so he could pull her up in front of him. "It's not the ornament, my love. It's what's inside." Killian pulled the wide metal top off, pinning the ornament to his chest with his bad arm and grasping the ring inside with two fingers. He pulled it out he held it up for Emma to see before sinking down on one knee. Her hand flew to her mouth, hiding the trembling that had begun.

"Emma Swan. Daughter. Mother. Sister. Crown princess. Saviour. My heart. My love. You have many names but I'd like to add one more. Wife." Emma's eyes began to well up though Killian could see she was fighting the emotion. Killian didn't even bother, allowing his voice to become choked up as he pushed on. "I've loved you for a very long time. You rescued me from the dark, showed me the error of my ways. You made me proud to be Killian Jones again by helping me become a hero, to find a new purpose in life. We've lost each other so many times, right from the very beginning on the bean stalk, be it through physical distance, past scars or present darkness. But like your parents we always find each other. You've given me a family, in you and your son and parents, friends as well in Dave and Robin. For the first time in centuries I'm no longer alone. For the first time since Liam's death I know he would be proud of me. I know I'm a one handed pirate, down here on one knee asking a bloody princess to marry me but I am. So Emma Swan- what do you say?"

Emma stared at him for a few long moments. Killian felt like the heart he'd just poured out at her feet would pound its way out of his chest. Emma let out a strangled sob and fell to her knees in front of him. "Of course," she answered, holding out her hand. Killian slid the ring onto her shaking finger. It was fitting, the red stone non-traditional but special, exactly like their relationship. With the ring placed firmly on her finger it was as if they both came alive, pulling each other simultaneously into a passionate kiss.

"I love you," Killian murmured, resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you too," Emma replied, brushing her lips against his again.

Emma stood without another word, pulling Killian up the stairs to their bedroom. As they moved together in their bed, snow falling peacefully outside, Emma continued to whisper fiancé in his ear, tone one of awe. Listening to that, Killian realized how much he couldn't wait for the word to change, to hear husband over and over as he carried Emma through the throws of passion on their wedding night.

Henry woke them both in the morning by slamming the front door. It wasn't a gesture of anger, more of a warning. He knew what was supposed to have gone on the previous night and wasn't stupid as to what that would mean.

"Merry Christmas," he hollered up the stairs.

"Merry Christmas, lad," Killian yelled back, rolling out of bed. Emma groaned but followed, both getting dressed.

Henry was waiting in front of the tree when the couple got downstairs. His eyes immediately went to Emma's hand, smile lighting up the room when he saw the ring shining on her finger. Henry bounced over to them, wrapping his mother in a hug.

"Did you know?" she asked suspiciously when Henry had pulled back,

"Of course," Henry answered proudly. "Someone had to plan a proper proposal. I called it Operation Ornament."

Killian snorted a laugh, Henry grinning at the sound. Emma just looked between the two of them, shaking her head in disbelief. "Well, I appreciate it. It was wonderful." Emma ruffled Henry's hair before leading them all to the living room to open presents.

The next hour progressed pleasantly with smiles and laughter. Wrapping paper was tossed about, littering the floor. Emma kept glancing at her ring as it caught the light, making Killian happier than any of the gifts had made him. Henry got several new journals to write in, a mechanical toy controlled by a remote that Killian didn't understand and some new clothing. He'd opened other gifts at Regina's, most of his presents being carried over there to give him something to unwrap with Rolland's Santa gifts. From her mother and father, Emma had received a tiara with a note attached saying it was a tradition but they'd missed giving it to her at twenty one. She'd been touched by the gift, running her fingers over the silver crown inlaid with lavender gems in a similar way as she ran her fingers over the ring Killian had given her. From Henry, Emma had unwrapped a new pair of mittens and a hat to match her red leather jacket, pulling the cream and red beanie on immediately. Most of the gifts addressed to her and Killian from the townspeople were ornaments, each one going on to the now very full tree.

Killian had been astounded by his gifts, overwhelmed by the kindness the people he'd come to love were showing him. It was more than he could have ever imagined. Emma had given him a new spyglass engraved with swans and her parents had gifted the pirate a new flask. It wasn't as if they were trying to replace his centuries old versions, the ones that had been with him through the most horrible events of his long life. These were meant to signify a new start, whether he used them or kept them on the shelf, one he was very thankful to have. From Henry, Killian unwrapped a gift, immediately becoming choked up. Inside was a mug with the words World's Best Dad written across it.

Instead of saying thank you, which Killian wasn't sure he'd be able to do, he pulled out a small silver package, the last gift to be unwrapped, and handed it to Henry. Killian held the mug tightly in his hand as he watched Henry rip into the present, pulling out a small velvet box. With tentative fingers Henry opened it to reveal Liam's old ring.

"I thought I told you I wasn't marrying you?" Henry said, voice laden with emotion despite the joking words.

"I know, lad," Killian answered, swallowing thickly as Henry put the ring on his index finger. "But I wanted you to have something too. I'm marrying your mother but I'm not forgetting you. That was Liam's ring, the first one he'd ever bought as a lad not much older than you. He was so proud of it. I kept it after he died as a reminder of the family I'd lost. But I found my family again. In you two. Emma got my own ring but I thought should get Liam's to remind you of your newest family member. If you want that, of course," Killian added sheepishly, glancing down at the mug he still held.

Henry moved from the sofa and hugged Killian. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, lad," Killian replied, relief plain in his voice. Emma watched them both, soft smile on her lips.

A little while later they were all sitting on the sofa watching some ridiculous Christmas movie that Killian really didn't understand, about a man in green tights who thought he was an elf. Despite the distracting antics of the sugar fueled man on the DVD, Killian felt a peace from being surrounded by his family, a relief from the torment of much of his life. Sitting there he started to realize that maybe it had never been revenge he'd needed. Maybe it had been this.