Maybe it was a sad truth for her to admit, but at first Emma didn't know how to act around Killian after that night in her (formerly his) cabin. Emma never really dated before Killian, and as pathetic as that might seem for a seventeen-year-old girl to admit, didn't know what to do. What started after that first shy kiss and confessional belief that you might be soul mates brought together?

Sure, she had the few "boyfriends" that she would flirt with, kiss, and sometimes score a free meal from. But from carefully guarding herself from letting anyone in, including the boys she dated, she found that they would give up on her quickly. Never willing to spend the time to earn her trust.

Killian was perhaps the first one she ever felt herself open to. Long before the magical connection formed between them, those few months aboard The Jewel of the Realm had her relying on his presence. He was a light personality that was eager to peel back her layers and talk to her, but introspective enough to garner whenever he was pushing too far. He would wait, he would share more on his own childhood, explain parts of the ship, and tell long stories that would have her laughing by the end. Before she knew it, she would find herself confiding in him her own secrets and stories. He was patient with her, the first to ever wait for her and allow her to take things slow.

We can have a slow courtship if that is what you wish Emma. He whispered that night, holding her close in the dimly lit cabin. We will go as slow as you need to be comfortable.

The first few days after that were admittedly a little difficult. And maybe she was a little standoffish around him. She suddenly found more work to be done with Matthews in the sanctity of his "surgery" or needed to be peeling and chopping things in the galley. Anything to stay out of the way on the main deck where Killian was. The only issue was how her body wanted to betray her.

It was just like the night in the village, something would try and urge her to find Killian, to get closer to him. Her body would stiffen the longer she held out from seeing him, the more she blushed and found herself trying not to think of him. But the longer she stayed away, that familiar feeling of distance would grow. By the afternoon she would find herself walking up to deck and scanning over until she found him. Just as immediately, his eyes seemed to lock onto her as well and the tugging sensation would halt for a moment. A charged look would pass between them before she would duck her head around and look to the horizon, pretending to watch where the clouds and the sea kissed together, and ignore the want for her and Killian to do the same.

The shyness of admitting her feelings for him went away quickly when he came to her cabin one night. She opened the door to find him looking down at her, the strength of devotion in his eyes had her melting. The kiss she pulled him in for erased the few days of awkwardness entirely, and began the game of secret looks, hushed whispers, and hidden kisses. Emma might not have had many dates before, but she did know hands down that Killian was the best kisser.

She realized that even if her other boyfriends had been attentive it would have been nothing compared to Killian's nature, because it could be classified as downright smothering.

He would try to accompany her around everywhere on the ship, take every meal with her, and check in on her as often as he could. It was strange, but in a sweet way. She never had someone who was so concerned for her wellbeing just out of pure love. Which she knew without him even saying because she could feel it come to life across the bond whenever he saw her.

Love. Happiness. Love. Excitement.

She hoped he understood that she was just a little nervous even though she felt the same.

Then there were the small gifts he seemed to surprise her with. Granted it was nothing extravagant and she was glad for that, but they were sweet and thoughtful none the less. Hair ribbons for her to decorate in her hair (something Emma had to admit was a little fun in this land), a book, some sketches he had from different lands he travelled to, even poems he would write for her. It felt surreal, something totally normal in his world yet in hers it would be odd. Yet she still loved it. She never really received a gift before he gave her the dresses, and it was clear Killian was a gift giver.

It was honestly a sweet endeavor of his, but she was just happy that there wasn't a need to hide anymore of their growing feelings. For the most part. Killian was quick to point out that it probably was not the best choice for them to flaunt openly on a ship full of men far away from home and missing their own romantic comforts. But they still managed to steal kisses. Kisses that would leave her breathless. Kisses that we're addicting as they grew in passion. Kisses that felt too good to be true.

Liam of course knew of their "courtship", but Killian was adamant about them not displaying anything in front of his brother. Emma didn't understand if it was out of respect for Liam or perhaps Killian's need of serious approval. She didn't know. But she learned a fateful day when all she did was give a quick peck good morning in the hall. Just as Liam was coming out of his quarters.

By the sly smile he had, the promising glint of amusement in his eyes, and Killian's flushed face it finally occurred to her. Liam might be the captain and the pride of the navy. But he was Killian's older brother first. And thus, he proceeded with the endless teasing and torment.

"Killian please show some respect to the lady and offer to kiss her properly."

"Just so you both know, I can technically marry you, and I would be happy to do so. However, I don't offer midnight marriages so please be kind to give me decent notice."

"While I won't pressure for it, I would like the firstborn to be named after me."

"I'm going on my rounds brother do you wish to kiss me goodbye as well?"

She felt sorry watching Killian bristle uncomfortably but unable to find anything to say to the teasing comments. Instead, just enduring them silently. Killian wasn't the only one who received the teasing, eventually Liam took up to engaging a few jabs to Emma as well. The three were sharing a meal together in the privacy of the captain's quarters when Liam decided to play with her about it.

"You know, I've thought it over Emma, and I think you would technically count as my ward." Emma knew what being a ward of the state meant but by Killian's clank of silverware this wasn't good. "So, I figured whenever it comes to it, my little brother should ask me for permission to ask for your hand."

Emma opened her mouth to say that he wouldn't need anyone's approval to ask her, and she most certainly didn't need permission, before Liam turned to her with a wide smile

"But then again, I think as his older brother you would first need to gain my approval before he could even consider you as a bride."

There was a beat of silence until she couldn't help but laugh at the irrationality of his statement and more so how Killian was red with embarrassment from it. The two were laughing at the table for some time with Killian sitting there awkwardly

"I don't need permission to think of her as a bride Liam." He grumbled. "I do it all the time."

There was silence before Liam's smile could be classified as "evil" and Killian realized too late what he said aloud.

"Oh? Have you now? Then by all means share what you have thought about! I'm sure Emma would be most interested, wouldn't you dear?" He winked to the girl and leaned in eagerly to hang off his brother's every word.

Emma only raised a napkin to wipe her face in disguise if hiding her blush. Killian's blue gaze seemed to target the action, no doubt feeling across the bond her blush and his smile became canine. He cast a glance to his brother and for once had a cool cheeky reply.

"All in due time of course." His gaze drifted back to Emma and then he winked at her. Paired with his crooked grin it had her heart seize momentarily. "I can't give away all my plans yet, can I?"

Emma found she couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day.

.

The following few weeks held the same pattern. Them working about the ship, finding stolen moments of brief interlude together and it was the happiest Emma had ever found herself in her life.

The sun was beating down on the deck as usually, and Emma was glad that the tunic and leggings the mysterious seamstress gave her were light and airy enough for her skin to breath. She also couldn't help but notice the passing resemblance they had with the rest of the crew, in matching colors of cream and navy she could easily match to them. Killian and Liam were pleased that she seemed to be matching, and she couldn't help but acknowledge it made her feel more accepted among the men she had come to see as her close friends.

She sat on deck, finishing off a sliced apple while she watched the sword practices taking place again. Once again Killian was deft and quick at disarming his opponent with a sheen of perspiration as his trophy of accomplishment.

"I think that's enough boys." He shouted boastfully. Grinning ear to ear. He seemed electric with life at this, and it made her beam in happiness as well. "I don't think there's anything more I can teach you lot about loosing or even fencing for that matter. Its starting to get rather boring."

There were a few rumbles across the deck but most of the fellow sailors went off on their own duties. Emma smirked slyly as an idea popped into her head and she hopped off her crate to stride over to him. Killian looked over to her with a beaming smile, obviously thinking she was coming over to wish him a congratulation with a kiss. That intent stopped when she picked up an available cutlass and looked to him with an arched brow.

"How about you teach me then?" She tilted her head with a smirk. Killian looked as if he swallowed an egg before glancing down to her hand that gripped the weapon.

"The blade?" He croaked. "Why would you want to know?"

"To fight of course."

"And who pray tell would you need to fight?" He whispered leaning closer, so his breath was a hot wash against her cheek. "I would defend you with my dying breath. And I would like to point out in case you didn't notice, I'm quite deft with a sword."

She rolled her eyes at that. She considered herself patient with the overdone chivalry of the era, but she wasn't going to hold off on learning how to fight to defend the male ego. Even if said ego was Killian's. Still, she moved closer and coyly brushed her hand over his own that was holding the cutlass. He watched her intently and she grinned at him, moving her mouth up closer to his ear.

"I have no doubt about that. But I'm a big girl, I think I can handle one too." His adam's apple bobbed under a swallow followed by his tongue darting out to moisten his lips.

"You are a bloody minx is what you are." His crooked grin spread across his face and his blue eyes twinkled in delight. "If I didn't know any better, I would say you are using your wiles to get your way."

She shrugged.

"Is it working?" His smile was answer enough for her as he pulled her along in front of him. Her back barely from touching his chest while his frame hovered over hers by a few inches. His hand then tracing down to the one that gripped the discarded sword she picked up and casting it aside.

"Using the blade is very similar to a dance."

She snorted at that and raised a brow.

"That probably explains how you are an excellent dancer." He gave her a serious look she grinned at before pulling her laughter back. Understanding the seriousness of this lesson.

He then held out his cutlass for her and she tentatively wrapped her hand around the handle. She moved it in her hand, surprised at how light it felt. But it was balanced. His hand wrapped over her own and he drew their arms out. Directing it up in a block than down in a slash.

"Using one, you must not see it as a tool but an extension of your arm. You move together in perfect sync."

He released her hand, and Emma knew he was wanting her to test those same motions. Hers were a little jerky without him, but still excellent for the first time practicing with the weapon. Killian grinned at her and backed away, making her miss the warmth and intimacy they just shared.

He stepped in front of her and kicked at her foot, making her move it back.

"The next thing is all about the foot work. If you hold yourself close together, it will be easier to break your ground. Wide and low will help you you're your balance until you get the hang of it."

"Doesn't sound like it's very fast." She quipped.

"Speed comes after balance. It doesn't matter how fast you are if you can be knocked over easily."

She hummed at that and tested with the few forms. Moving the blade up and down and out. Killian stepped back and watched, occasionally nodding, and giving her a few tips, but she picked up on it quickly.

"Good, now how about a practice." He suggested, picking up two blades that even Emma could tell were dull. Emma passed his cutlass back and accepted the duller blade which was significantly lighter by comparison. Killian gripped his own practice blade and gently held it out waiting for hers to meet it. "I'll go easy on you."

"We'll see if you even need to." She grinned back at him and then they began moving through the forms together. Slow at first, but when he sensed she was comfortable they moved faster and faster.

"Are you sure you've never held a sword before? You're a natural at it." He beamed at her.

"Maybe I was meant to hold one." She quipped back and daringly swiped for him. He dodged back a step with an eager grin, leaping forward and parrying her blows as he inched closer.

"Alright then Swan." She smiled at the teasing. Usually whenever the swordplay was happening, it was customary of using last names in short of the usual propriety the crew had. It was even funnier whenever Killian and Liam dueled and just called each other Jones. "We shall say the first one to steal a kiss is the winner."

"Are you sure you want to do that? You know how competitive I can be."

"Aye I'm counting on it." Killian grinned. "Give it your all love, I can take it."

Emma smiled and grunted as she blocked a blow. Swinging out from under him she stepped from behind, intending to strike before he already blocked her.

"Bad form Swan."

"Anything to win."

"That's pirate talk darling. Anything but honor." He flashed his blade up and caught onto the pommel of hers, making it to where she couldn't move her blade without him relinquishing his hold. She lost.

It was a bitter feeling. She was a competitive person, but it was quickly smoothed over by his feelings of pride. Killian only smiled and darted in for a quick peck on her lips.

"I expect I won't be able to win against you for long. So, I might as well make the most of it while I can, yes?" She couldn't help but laugh at that and pulled him closer.

"Might as well." She grinned. "It wouldn't be the only thing you've won from me."

"What's the other thing?" His brow crinkled in confusion. She smiled up at him knowingly.

"Take a guess." She whispered and chastely kissed him. It was honestly the first time she got close to confessing to him how he already won her heart. Every day it seemed to gravitate towards him more and more, the memories of loneliness and solitude drifting away and being replaced by the feeling of Killian.

.

.

"Are you sure you're ready for something like this little brother?" Liam asked. The two were sitting casually in his cabin, Liam watching as Killian fumbled with a piece of twine.

"I think everyone is a little bit unsure in everything they do brother." Killian cursed slightly under his breath when the twine didn't cooperate as he wished. "But I have no doubt at all about this. Not for a second."

"Are you really going to do it with a piece of twine though?" He raised a brow at that.

"Well Liam, I don't know if you've noticed but we are in the middle of the sea, and I don't count my commission enough to afford a decent ring."

"Well, it's a good thing I doubt Miss Swan is the type of girl who would refuse a proposal just based off of the ring."

Killian smiled at his brother's jest as he met Liam's proud gaze. Proud like a father would be for a man prepared to ask the most terrifying question of his life. And asking Emma to marry him was easily something to be scarred of. His face heated up, and he bashfully scratched behind his ear while avoiding his brother's gaze.

"You think she'll say yes? She'll want to be married to just a…lieutenant like me?"

"I know she will." Liam's eyes glinted with joy. "You two have been inseparable for the past two months. I don't really see why she wouldn't. She's perfect for you, and more importantly, I think you're perfect for her."

"I think so too." He nodded and finished off knotting the twine until it resembled a coiled ring. Narrow and small, but large enough to slip easily onto Emma's fingers by his estimates. "I swear one day I'm going to get her a proper ring one day."

"About that." Liam muttered and pushed off from where he was leaning against his desk. He turned across the room to the small shelf that held his wash basin and mirror before going to the cupboard beneath it. With the small silver key in hand, he unlocked the drawer and pulled from it a small chest.

"What are you doing?"

"Saving your ass." Liam grinned as he opened the lid and dug out a few papers and thin popping open the bottom to reveal a hidden compartment. "And giving you something I've kept hidden safely away for a long time."

Plucking from it he pulled out a small golden ring with a beautiful sapphire with two tiny diamonds on either side. Simplistic beauty that Killian remembered from another time.

"Is that-" His words were choked off before he looked at Liam, the question finishing in his eyes.

"Yes. I saved it after all this time." Liam held it out to his younger brother with a beaming smile. "I've saved it for you."

"Liam, I can't accept that." Killian stepped away, trying not to look at the gorgeous ring. Already he could imagine it on Emma's hand. Imagine her wearing his mother's old ring and seeing it as a daily reminder of their love. "You should save it for the lass you will one day marry."

"Killian," His brother's voice turned serious then. "I can't see myself falling for someone in the same manner you have fallen for Miss Swan. This ring deserves to be passed on for that kind of love." He held out the ring again in offer. "It's meant for you."

Killian could only smile as he looked at the ring again, taking it between his index finger and thumb and cradling it gently in his palm. It was as beautiful as he last remembered. The lasting piece there was of her and now he could share it with his dearest love.

"It's perfect Liam."

"Well, if it's so perfect go and ask her you lout!" Liam gave his shoulder a playful nudge. Killian clenched his hand over the ring to prevent it from dropping before shooting his brother a wide smile.

"Now?"

"No during breakfast, yes now! Go ask her! I can tell you're just dying to show Emma that ring. Go on then!"

Killian couldn't help but laugh and shoving the ring safely into his pocket, he clamped Liam into a tight brotherly hug before rushing off to find Emma. She wasn't in her cabin, the connection they shared instead was pulling him along up to deck, and she wondered if she was up star gazing again. As he neared the deck though, he was awash with different emotions that seemed to damper his own joy.

Pain. Loneliness. Regret.

He hurried along and scanned over the deck. Not spotting the flaxen haired beauty and only the two crew mates doing duties that night.

The tug remained strong, and he continued looking around until he found himself under the main mast that harbored the crow's nest at the top. He studied it a moment before deftly scrambling up the ledges made in the wood and nearing the overlook that saw all on the ship and beyond.

"Emma!" Killian exclaimed at seeing her huddled in the crow's nest. Her emerald eyes glaring out to the moonlit sea. "What are you doing all the way up here?"

She looked up at him almost surprised and he winced at the emotions that flickered across to him.

Anger. Sorrow. Hurt.

Well, he wasn't going to leave her feeling like that. He hopped over the side and moved closer to her slowly, waiting to see if she was feeling this way because of him. But she kept looking back out at sea even when she shuddered from the cool winds.

"Here." He offered finding the worn blanket they kept up for the lookout at nights. And wrapped it around her.

"Thanks." She answered hollowly. It made him ache with worry.

"Emma, love, what's wrong?"

She stared out at the sea, taking the time to form a response. Even after their bond it took a little for her to formulate saying how she felt, but she was getting better at doing it with him.

"It's...been close to five months since I came here." She whispered so softly.

"Aye it has." He replied. Already he felt sick at the thought of where this conversation was going. "Are you...missing your homeland?"

The ring weighed in his pocket at the thought of her saying yes. He wanted her to stay with him. Wanted to marry her and hold her close always. The thought of them being separated, of her going to a different world made it hard for him to breathe. He was afraid this would happen. Afraid that she would inevitably want to go back and leave him heartbroken for her.

A soft hand cupped his face and he looked into her eyes to see that she must have guessed his concern. At the very least probably felt it across the bond.

"Honestly...I'm not." She whispered. While that thought raised his hopes, her dead tone concerned him.

"Then it's something else?" She nodded.

"I did the counting in my head...and I realized that today...today was my birthday."

"Why does that trouble you?" He whispered, taking her hand, and pressing a delicate kiss to its back. "Happy Birthday love." He never really celebrated birthdays, but hers was obviously important for some reason.

"It's...also the day my parents abandoned me." She whispered hoarsely. He could tell she was close to tears. Licking his bottom lip, he moved closer to her, placing an arm around her shoulder.

"Do you want to tell me about it? Tell me what you are feeling love."

He felt a tremor under his arm, and he was certain that she was trying to hold back a sob.

"I-they thought I was only a few days old." She started. "They found me on the side of a highway in Boston. A boy did anyways." The pain across the bond was like nothing else he ever felt. Emotional turmoil that radiated through her until he felt sorrow in comparison. The only comparison for it was what he felt that morning his own father had sold him and Liam for safe passage. "They didn't even care enough to leave me somewhere warm. Somewhere safe. They just left me. And it hurts to think about them leaving me. To think the people who are supposed to love you most in the world didn't care at all."

Her voice cracked as she shifted and moved closer to him, embracing him. Killian was unexpected a moment before wrapping his arms around her, rubbing a hand along her back.

"I... I always hoped I would find them one day. I looked everywhere I could, tried to follow dead trails, I even tried to find the boy who found me to ask if he knew anything. But nothing worked. It was like they disappeared. I thought I wanted to find them more than anything, and now I realized that if I want to find them, I have to go back."

Killian felt the sting and rubbed her back anyways. He couldn't deny her search for her parents if this was how she felt about them. But then, the emotions shifted. From sorrow it turned to the heated anger. Anger that had his blood boiling. The kind that usually had him picking fights.

"But then I realized why should I. Why should I have to go back and look for them when they abandoned me. They had seventeen-no eighteen years to find me. Eighteen years to come after me. And they didn't. They didn't care. And now, now I'm actually...happy." she looked up at him with her glassy eyes. Even with red rimmed eyes she tried to offer a shaky smile. "I'm happy here with you. The thought about going back to my world, it makes me not want to breathe. I don't...I don't think I ever want to go back. Being with you, and Liam, and having this crazy link between us. It's everything to me. I'm realizing that I didn't ever have anything back there. Is that...is it bad that I never want to go back?"

Killian just looked down on her with the widest smile he had. Happy beyond belief that she was considering staying with him forever. That she was willing to give up the world she grew up in to be with him. He cupped her face in his hands and brushed his thumb against the apple of her cheek, picking up the stray tear that was rolling down it.

"It isn't if it makes you happy Emma. Your future is up to you. No one else. It's your choice." He licked his lip. "If you wanted to go back...I won't stop you. And if you'd have me...I would go with you."

She tilted her head in shock, her mouth hung agape.

"But Liam…"

"Aye." Killian interrupted her, afraid that is she made a counter case he would weaken his offer. But he was true. If she so desperately needed to go home, he wasn't sure if he would be able to keep away. He would never regret choosing to be with Emma. "He would understand and respect my choice. I love you Emma, I choose you."

He said it so boldly and proudly. Making sure to embed it with as much truth as he could muster. He loved her with everything he had, and he wanted to make it known to her.

She raised a hand and brushed it along the side of his face, before pulling him close for a kiss. A deep kiss that she was in control of. He knew she needed to be in control, and he just kissed her back. She pulled away slowly, resting her forehead against his.

"And I choose you." She whispered. "I love you Killian. And that's why I can't make you leave Liam. He's your family, and you're his. My ...realm ...it's the past. You are my future now. I want to stay with you...if the offer still stands?"

He felt his own eyes misting over as he pulled her closer in embrace. She snuggled into his chest, and he placed a featherlight kiss on her head.

"Always darling. Always." He was relishing in this moment. The ring forgotten in his pocket for now. Tonight wouldn't be the night. When he asked her, it was going to be a night that made her happy beyond belief. For now, he was content to comfort her, content with the promise of her finding her happy here. He was content for tonight to be the first time she said I love you.