Returning to the village with Killian, they returned to the inn, Liam leaning against a stack of crates. Crooked grin widening as they approached.

"I was wondering what happened to you both." He raised a brow amusingly. "You've been gone an awfully long time."

Emma glanced over in time to see Killian's annoyed scowl to his brother. His blue eyes and cheeks turning darker with embarrassment while he could only shake his head disapprovingly.

"But at least you made it back in time." Liam went on, nodding over to another readied horse. "We should have just enough time to do our business and be back by supper."

Emma raised a brow and glanced back up to Killian.

"Where are you both going that you need to ride there?" He just smirked down at her, leaning aside to try and get closer.

"That my dear is a surprise. It would be bad form to ruin it." He whispered with a wink. She couldn't help but smiling up at him.

"What are you planning?"

"Nothing bad, I promise." He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "We should be back by sunset though, just the next village over. Do you think you can prevent wasting away without my presence for that long?"

"I'll try to manage my best." Emma grinned. Holding out his arm for her to steady herself, she managed to jump down from the horse with her satchel. "Be safe."

"Don't worry Emma, I'll have him back." Liam grinned and saddled his own horse.

"Just make sure you get him back." She scoffed and the two began moving the horses along. "I love you!"

"I love you too!" Liam blew a kiss earning a swift punch in the arm from Killian before he turned and waved to her back.

"I love you!"

She stood outside, watching as they disappeared before turning into the inn. It was as she was going in that Matthews was stepping out hat in hand.

"Going to find your turmeric I suppose?" She snickered at him. He blinked a moment, confused before suddenly nodding.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I was. Thank you for reminding me, Emma."

"You can drop the act." She smiled, adjusting the satchel of flowers she held in her grip. "I was waiting to corner you alone to figure out why Liam was the one so eager for us to get married before reaching your home port."

"Nothing ever flies past you Emma." Matthews sighed, motioning for her to take a seat on a nearby bench.

"Especially not a lie."

"Mercy to Killian, he'll never be able to hide anything from you will he?"

"No." Emma grinned at the thought. Not that there was ever anything for him to hide. They knew everything, and she never believed they would ever find a reason to lie to each other. "But don't avoid the question."

"Well, you didn't hear it from me." The doctor grinned and leaned in closer. "The crew had a betting pool for you and Killian."

"You all gambled on us?" Her mouth dropped open in shock. She and the crew had grown closer over the few months, enjoying the time spent at meals to share stories and practicing with the blade. "And after all the talk you all have about honor."

"There were no gambles made against you or the Lieutenant, Miss Swan. It was mostly in regard for…the state of your relationship by the time we returned home. Some thought you would be engaged, others…did not, Liam made the bid that you would both be married before docking."

"And I guess he made that intending that he would dock as often as possible to make it happen."

"Precisely, he was starting to lose hope that Killian would ask you before it was too late. I couldn't decide who was happier that day."

"I see." She hummed. "It seems I need to have a chat with my brother-in-law then, make sure that he shares a piece of the proceeds he won at our expense."

"I've already told him he should consider on finding a way to make it up to you both." Matthews laughed. "I just never expected you to be privy to the betting."

"Well thank you for your honesty then. Where are you going if you don't really need turmeric?"

"In all honesty, I was going to the apothecary." Matthews motioned to his hat and satchel. "I figured I could collect a few more powders to restock my stores since we are here, although I don't expect them to have much. Would you care to accompany me?"

"No thank you." She smiled and patted her own satchel. "I have something I was wanting to make with these for tomorrow."

The doctor smiled kindly at her before donning his own hat.

"Very well, if you need any help-"

"I can manage Matthews. Goodbye." She waved him away, and smiling he left. Emma smiled to herself and got comfortable on the bench before pulling out the first pink blossom, twirling it between her fingers.

First time…being alone in what feels like so long. She thought to herself. First time I've ever felt…not alone while being by myself.

After all the time she spent alone before, for some reason this time felt different. This time, there was no threat of staying alone forever that scared her. Not when she knew that she and Killian would always be together, linked by the bond and married. Wanting to enjoy the sunlight, and not just sit inside the inn waiting for Killian to return, Emma found herself getting comfortable under a nearby tree, pressing her back against the trunk and pulling the satchel full of pink blooms into her lap.

Stringing one out, she twirled it between her fingers and played with the stem. She thought about using it as a bouquet but looking at the abundant flowers she had readily available, the idea of a flower crown became somewhat appealing.

It's not like I have a veil or anything. She shrugged and began trying to knot two of them together. It can't be that much harder than making a dreamcatcher and it must be just like making a daisy chain or something.

It was probably a half hour later that she was cursing under her breath and clenching the pathetic string of roses in her fist. She was careful to damage the actual flowers, but it was decidedly not as easy as making a daisy chain.

Figures. I try to be festive and feminine, and it doesn't work. She was considering of going inside the inn to get a drink, figuring to wait and ask for Killian's help for her craft. With all the knots he knew he surely would be handy in making one, even if it would result in teasing from Liam and other possible crew members. Emma couldn't help but smile at that. Her lieutenant would give her the moon if he could, and it was the best feeling in the world knowing someone cared that much.

The shadow of a figure loomed over her as she fiddled with the last pathetic knot of the stems, causing her to tense up. It had always been her habit to be on guard when someone was trying to approach her. With cold eyes, she spun her head to look up, and a stunning brunette woman stumbled back a step startled by the venomous look. She looked at her, wide brown eyes shockingly taking her in. Her mouth dropped open, closed, then opened again before forming a timid smile.

"I'm looking for a Miss Swan?" She asked. Her gaze flickering away as her hand fidgeted with the very worn apron around her waist.

"Depends on who's asking." She answered carefully. She knew that most people in her time looking for her meant trouble. It meant they were going to try and take her away or put her somewhere horrible. And after finding somewhere she belonged and wanted to be, she wasn't willingly giving it up.

"I…I'm sorry." The woman flushed with embarrassment and ran a hand through her frazzled dark hair, nervous and anxious. "I don't mean to startle you or disturb you. It's just that…my son, you saved him today in the marketplace."

Bae. Emma recalled immediately. Her tenseness expiring as she returned the woman's smile.

"Oh, if that's all. Is he alright?"

"Oh yes!" The woman smiled, laughing with relief at Emma's relaxed tone. "Yes, he's fine. Perfect even thanks to you. I just wanted to come by here and thank you personally for saving him. He…he means the world to me; I don't know what I would do without him."

"Yes, your husband told me the same thing." Something darker flashed in her eyes before disappearing. Her smile becoming terser on her face.

"I'm sure he did." She cut dryly. "I just….I wanted to see if there was any way I could repay you. Anything at all I could possibly do."

"That really isn't necessary. I was just wanting to make sure a kid didn't get hurt. That a family didn't get…ruined."

"And you did that." The woman tentatively reached out and clutched to Emma's wrist. "Please let me at least try to repay the kindness." Her dark eyes glanced to Emma's lap, twisting in curiosity at seeing the twisted and knotted flowers. "Is that…a flower crown?"

Emma self-consciously fingered it, trying her best to sweep it away from sight.

"An attempt at it, apparently it's not as easy as it looks." The brunette smiled and lowered herself in a crouch.

"It takes some experience." She smiled. "But it is easier with some straw to start as a base."

"Really?" Emma asked amazed, looking at her pathetic tied flowers. And here I thought you just string them all together.

"I would be happy to show you, if you like Miss Swan." The woman smiled. Emma couldn't help but snort a laugh.

"Sure." She grinned. "But please, call me Emma."

"As long as you then call me Milah."

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.

.

An hour had passed with them sitting under the tree after Milah went to fetch a few strands of straw. Emma watched in fascination as Milah demonstrated in weaving several strands together to form a sturdy base of a crown that she handed over to Emma to begin weaving in the flowers, middlemist she learned they were called.

They passed the time with idle chit chat, mostly with Emma listening to Milah's stories of Bae. The tender heartfelt love that she had for the child brough the familiar sting of not having that same parental love.

"I heard there was to be a wedding, I just didn't think the bride was my son's hero." Milah grinned, arranging spare blooms and wildflowers in an arranged bouquet. "Who is your bridal groom?"

Emma blinked at the strange term but finished the knot of a flower.

"He's a naval lieutenant."

"Oh." Milah hummed in appreciation, a sly smile on her face. "A naval officer, he must be handsome in his uniform."

Emma felt her cheek flush bashfully. "Very."

"You're a very lucky girl then. Are you nervous at all? Marriage is a big step, and you seem so young."

"That's the thing, I'm not nervous about it." Emma paused and smiled to herself. "We share so much together…I trust him with everything. And he trusts me."

Milah offered a kind smile, but the blonde noticed the painful twinge that appeared behind her eyes.

"I actually do have a question for you." Emma bit her lip shyly as she worked. "And you're honestly the only woman I've met so far that I've felt... comfortable in asking this about."

"I'll try to answer it." Milah smiled at her kindly. "Ask away."

"Well, I….am getting married tomorrow."

"Are you nervous about your first night?"

"What? No!" Emma shook her head. "No, no, no, it's not that. I already know about...the physical part that's fine."

Milah laughed merrily and patted her on the shoulder.

"Forgive my presumption then. What worries you then?"

"Is there...is there a way to prevent... conception here?"

"Conception?"

"Pregnancy?"

"Ohhhhh! Oh!" She gasped and her face worried. "Are you...do you not want children?"

"I don't know!" Emma accidentally snapped, blinking, and then looking back to the knot she tightened. "I mean…maybe. I honestly never thought about it before. I just...think it's a little soon?"

"I see. Well, I'm sorry Emma I haven't ever heard of anything to temporarily prevent pregnancy. The only thing I've ever heard of a root tea that women use to prevent it. Only permanently."

"Oh." Emma sighed and thanked her head back. She wouldn't ever do that, she knew she always wanted a family of her own, she just wasn't sure she wanted to start it so early. Milah offered a kind smile and scooted closer to her.

"There might not be something that can prevent it, but you can count the days between your cycle. Avoid periods of...fertility. It isn't the best way. But it might be the best option you have. Take it from someone who knows." Milah sighed heavily and looked down to her lap. Emma studied her a few moments when it suddenly occurred to her.

"You drank that tea didn't you?" The dark-haired woman's solemn nod didn't bereave the heavy silence that filled between them. "But why? Why would you do that?"

Milah ran her tongue slowly over her bottom lip, it reminded her of the same way that Killian did when he was thinking.

"My...husband...did something horrible. He sold our second born...my second born."

Emma knew her eyes widened at that. It couldn't be right. In the story Rumpelstiltskin steals a baby, not sell his own. The horror of it left a horrible taster in her mouth.

"That's awful." Milah laughed cruelly.

"You are too kind. It was awful. The worst thing any parent could ever do...and he did it. Because of it, I can never have another child. Not if I want to avoid having it ripped away." She shook her head, the mane of curls tossing about. "I took that drink, to guarantee I will never know that pain. Even if it means I must suffer the burden of knowing I can never mother another child."

Milah tried to smile at her, and tentatively took hold of her hand.

"Believe me when I say it's horrible to know your future is set like that. I hope you and your husband have lots of children to cherish. I hope he isn't a coward like my husband and willing to sell their future."

"I'm sorry that's happened to you." Emma whispered honestly. "I hope you find some happiness someday."

"Happiness? I haven't had happiness for a long time. I probably don't even know what it feels like."

"I'm sure you'll find it one day. I guess...happiness takes time. But at least you have your family." Emma looked down at her flower crown. "As long as you have that, isn't that all you need?"

"You're probably right Emma." Milah offered a thankful smile. "Bae is…my world right now. As long as he is healthy…I'll be happy."

Emma tried to smile in assurance although felt the force that Milah put into the statement. In the pit of her stomach, she could detect the familiar twinge of someone telling a lie.

Bells began to ring in the distance and Milah's head shot up, glancing to the setting sun.

"My, the time has flown by." She sighed. "I should probably be getting home, a husband and child to take care of. You'll probably have that soon."

"Probably." Emma agreed, knowing she would be happy to finally one day have a family. "I don't think tomorrow will be a big affair, but if you would like, please come."

Milah smiled kindly but shook her head, her brown waves swinging around her face.

"That's very kind of you, but I sadly don't think I could spare the day. I…I have a lot of work to keep our bellies fed." She gently settled the finished bouquet in Emma's lap, before stepping away. "It was lovely to meet you Emma Swan, and I wish you and your husband to be the best of luck."

Milah turned on her heel and began striding away. Emma waited only a sole moment before springing up after her.

"Milah!" She called, pausing the brunette on the path. She halted behind her, clutching the bouquet in hand. "I…if you ever need help and…see our ship here." She turned and pointed to where The Jewel sat in the harbor. "Just ask for us. Ask to speak with Captain or Lieutenant Jones…or Mrs. Jones. My fiancée and brother are good men…we will help you if you are in need. Always."

The dark-haired beauty smiled at her, her eyes misting over with tears and gratitude as she gripped Emma's hands in hers.

"Thank you for that." She beamed. "It means so much to hear that. I wish you the best of happiness for you Emma. Your officer is the luckiest of men to have such a lovely and loving bride."

Emma felt her cheeks redden in embarrassment before the two gave an awkward hug. At least Milah was as uncomfortable with it as she was, and she pulled away quickly and bowed her head before rushing off. Truthfully, Emma could see the farmwoman had not given up on all hope yet. It only added to the happy feeling bubbling within her. Killian would never do anything like that, he would never betray her or even consider anything that would hurt her. And that was why he was the only person she ever felt she could trust.

Twirling the finished flower crown in her hand, she beamed at the work. Milah truly had a way with straw, it was perfect with the blooming middlemist flowers, that would remind her and Killian of the real wedding they shared, just themselves in that field and afterwards. Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud clanging noise that came from the tavern, as the burly bar keep tossed out a fat oaf of a man. He rolled in the dirt, earning laughs from several other passersby.

"We don't serve ye anymore." The barkeep huffed. "Off with you, before I take the trouble to send word to the Duke. I hear he's looking for the likes of ye."

"Yer can even spare one drink fer a payin cussomer?" The fat man slurred. Obviously already drunk. Emma could feel the hair along the back of her neck prickle, her instincts telling her to get away. If she learned one thing on the streets taught her one thing, and that was if you saw a drunk man, you clear out first.

But as if sensing her thoughts and judgements, the man's eyes snaked over to hers. A second too long she held the gaze before looking away, gathering her satchel and heading towards the door to the inn, hoping to get into the safety it offered.

"Was a pretty little lass." He gargled; breath rancid that she could smell it from her distance. "Yous sittin aroun', making…was it…flower cwons."

He boomed a laughter, obviously thinking it was a hilarious joke. Maybe it was to drunks, but she didn't care to think on it. Instead, she was silent, moving to walk past him before he stepped in her way again. She felt uneasy rising in her, and her familiar temper.

"Whar's you goin' lass? Why don you wear yor pretty flower crown for me, like a goo gurl."

"No thanks." She replied coldly, practiced. As little engagement as possible. Appearing cold and aloof always worked for her in the past, but this man raised a thick brow. Quicker than she thought, he was snatching the crown out of her hand.

"Is that all yous got to say. A man paying you a compliment?"

She could never stand a bully before, especially if they got in her face like this, taunting her with something she had spent the better part of a day making for her god damn wedding.

"I never asked for your compliments." The quip fell out before she could stop it, but she hoped he would be too stunned thinking over her response that she could snatch the crown back. To her chagrin, his grip only tightened on it, crushing the delicate petals beneath his filthy large palm.

"Wha you say to me gworl?" He snarled, revealing disgusting teeth. He tugged on the crown, dragging her a step closer to him until she dug her heels into the ground. "Hasn any man taught ye any manners?"

"Seems like no one taught you." She snapped, tired of this and resorting to her final defense, attack. She snatched her leg up, aiming towards the groin with as much manageable force as she could. He howled in pain, clutching himself while he wobbled back and forth. As soon as he fell forward in pain, releasing his grip on the crown Emma was ready to make a dash into the inn until a meaty hand clamped around her ankle, sending her tumbling to the ground. Adrenaline pumped in her, as she immediately swung her other leg around, hoping to kick him in the teeth as well when he managed to catch it as well, using both ankles to drag her closer to him. His grip was tight, clamping down on her shoulder to press her into the dirt no doubt bruising her as he leered down at her, beady eyes appraising her position and no doubt the bust her dress was giving her, and it scared her now.

"Yer little cunt." He snapped. Rising to sit on his knees, towering over her while he was on the ground. "If nor man 'as ever taught you a lesson, this will." He raised his hand, prepared to backhand her and she was vulnerably waiting his blow. Emma winced, waiting for the hand to come down on her but it never came. She peaked open an eye and gaped up at the man that was frozen fighting against an invisible force.

No. Emma realized and squinted. Not invisible I can see it there. It was like a translucent wave of energy rippling around the thug over her and was holding him back. She didn't know where it was coming from.

A hush surrounded the area. The wind died. The birds grew silent, and anyone that was around. Inside or outside was silent. The only noise came from the crunching of footsteps behind her.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Every step made something deep inside her shiver, differently in the way she felt when she was suspicious of someone shady. This was dark. Evil.

Crunch. Crunch.

Emma knew the boots were standing barely a foot away from her head. She could feel a pair of eyes looking down on her, but she refused to meet them.

"Well, well, Erling." A cold voice hissed. "It seems like always, you are in the wrong place, at the wrong time."

She glanced up to the burly oaf, Erling, and was shocked to see his face drained of color. The misty fog of drunkenness was evaporating from his eyes as he looked to the person behind her.

"No!" A voice shouted out. Killian's voice. Emma twisted her head to the side to see both him and Liam galloping now, up the road they had departed down. Killian looking…terrified. He was the bravest person she knew, and to see him look so uneasy set a sickening feeling in her stomach. The horse stopped a few feet away from them, rearing back until Killian tugged at the reins to calm. It wasn't because he stopped it, but because the horse refused to come any closer.

Killian was off the horse and over to her in an instant, practically dragging her out from underneath the drunk and then raving her over with an appraising eye.

"Are you alright?" He whispered, trying to gently run his hands along her arms to assess for any invisible injuries, Liam joining to stand at their side.

"I'm fine." She whispered. It was all she could manage. Her voice stifled under the look she felt boring into her.

"It seems I'm in gratitude for you Miss." The gravelly voice chuckled from behind her. Killian's posture seemed to only stiffen, his hold on her tightening as he tried to carefully maneuver her behind him. With one hand remaining gripped at his sword.

That's when she saw him. The hooded figure that was sauntering closer and closer around them both. As if he was taunting Killian in thinking he would come closer. She didn't know why but she felt cold, she felt something dark and twisted coiling in her. The horses sensed it too and their nervous nickers grew louder.

Emma looked at him and knew that whatever was holding the man back was coming from him. If she didn't already see the magic of this world with mermaids, he was definite proof there was some. And his was the evilest of them all.

The hoarse figure tilted his head at her curiously and walked closer, making Liam and Killian move closer.

"You have no business with her Dark One." Killian's voice was lethal. "Take what you came for and leave."

"On the contrary I do." He raised a gloved finger in motion before the hooded gaze turned to her. "The girl did me a great favor. I've been trying to corner this…cretin…for some time now." He nodded to the frozen man. "It would be rude if I didn't repay it."

"She's just a girl. No concern of yours." Liam interjected. "She wants nothing from you."

"I doubt that." She could feel his gaze on her. "What is your name...girl?"

Emma only narrowed her eyes, trying to discern what this…man was about when Killian answered for her.

"She's no one."

The figure was silent for a moment and then he was laughing. Loud with it whistling in the wind. With every cackle it made everyone more uncomfortable, Killian most of all. Finally, the figure's glee died down and shook his head.

"She may be many things boy, but she is not no one. You could come up with any other lie and it would be better than that."

"She doesn't concern you." Killian ground out. "Leave us be."

Emma always thought she was brave before, she took pride in it. But the focus of that figure sent fear through her, made her want to cry and run away yet she was frozen in place. Unable to move.

"Very well." The figure turned around before thinking it over and moving back over to her. "I hope we meet again in another life. I'm sure it would be quite... interesting."

With that, he turned away from the trio. A swish of dark fabric before both he and the bandit evaporated into a cloud of dark blue mist to disappear before their eyes. Emma could only gape at the new display of magic. Despite all that she had already seen, poofing out in a cloud of colored smoke was beyond fictional to her. From the figure's disappearance though, people seemed more at ease. Bystanders went back to work, or most went inside for a form of liquor, and even Killian and Liam visibly relaxed. Releasing their held breath once realizing there wasn't going to be a fight.

"Who...was that?" Emma whisperer softly.

"The Dark One." Killian whispered into her ear.

"He's a powerful sorcerer that specializes in dark magic." Liam added.

"He looks dangerous." She whispered. Killian's grip on her arm tightened, before he turned her around to face him.

"He is Emma. If there is one thing you need to know about this world, it's to stay away from the dark one. Nothing good can ever come from him. And never ever make a bargain with him. The Dark One lies. The Dark One cheats. The Dark One will always take more than what you give. That's why it's better to give him nothing, not even a name."

"A name?" Emma asked, looking up to them. Confused. Liam nodded solemnly and knelt in front of her.

"You didn't grow up in a world with magic Emma but deals and names have power here. Especially with that thing."

The venom the captain spat the word had her nodding numbly.

"I'll remember that." She nodded. She didn't want to see that...thing again. She hoped she never would.

"Good." He nodded happy with her response sighing deeply. His grip on her shoulders tightened. "Now what were you thinking trying to fight with that man? Emma he was twice your size he could have easily snapped your neck."

"Well, I wasn't going to let him man handle me just because of that. It's fine I handled it."

"You got lucky Emma!" His voice raised to her, blue eyes flickering with an emotion as close to anger as she had ever seen him. He had never even gotten close to being upset with her. "That is a huge difference. What happened?"

Emma's eye narrowed, not liking his sudden frustration directed at her.

"He was just being a drunk ass." She huffed, rolling her eyes at the widening of Killian's tone with her. As if he was her keeper. She pulled her arm out from his grip, ignoring the glimmer of hurt she felt through the bond from him at the loss of touch.

Hurt. Anger. Fear.

Fear? It felt strange coming from him. Killian who showed little fear when talking about half of the crazy things he had done. Fearless when he talked about sea monsters, drowning, and pirates. Yet she could feel it coming through to her, and she didn't know why.

Turning away from him, she walked over to the sad crumpled crown that was sitting in the road. Half the middlemist having been smothered in the rumble. She brushed a finger over the crinkled petals, sad and frustrated at their condition after all her hard work. Emotions that were explicitly clear to Killian as well.

"Was it really over this?" He nodded to the crown. "Damn it Emma! You could have been seriously hurt and you're telling me it was over a bloody flower crown?"

"Killian." Liam whispered, touching his brother's shoulder in warning for his tone or the attention that being drawn to them. Maybe he didn't care about putting their talk on display for the public, but she did. Scoffing she just tossed the crown away, towards the grass, it didn't matter anymore, by morning it would look even worse than it did now.

"Forget it, it doesn't matter. I'm going upstairs." She muttered. Needing to hide away. For the first time in the several months, needing to run away.

.

.

.

.

She skipped dinner that night, not ready to go back downstairs to receive strange looks, whispers, and worse of all, questions regarding the lively events from earlier that day. Not that she was even hungry anyways. Emma sat, paced, then sat again. She was itching to leave the room, and go find and talk to Killian, but she knew that it would only welcome resuming their argument from earlier.

Was it an argument though? She pondered, biting her thumb in thought. He was mad, but its not like it was a debate. I don't have anything that I should feel sorry for.

Trying to find something to keep herself busy, she walked over to the wrapped bundle she brought with her from the ship, containing one of the dresses that Killian had bought the last time they were in port. The last dress she had yet to wear. She remembered the time she first unwrapped it, and the confusion she had at seeing a white dress, before she remembered it might not have had the same significance as it did in her time. Emma never considered herself wearing it until Killian asked her to marry him. She had no clue if white wedding dresses were a thing, but the little girl inside of her was ecstatic.

Setting the package on the bed, she carefully unwrapped the brown paper and pulled out the beautiful gown. White, illuminating in the dimly lit room. Draping it across the foot of the bed to fully take it in. The slim sleeves that would cling to her arm and ended in elegant, pointed tips, to the tulle layers beneath the silky fabric. It looked as if it would cost a fortune, yet Killian swore it was a cost that she needn't worry about.

"Emma? Are you still in there?" Killian's voice called from the other side of the door.

"Yes." She replied. "Did you…want something?" There was a moment of pause, and she could tell he was thinking over what to say while nervously scratching behind his ear.

"I…Emma, I'm coming in." He announced. Her head snapped over to the door and she grabbed hold of the sheet, pulling it back to cover the white dress just before the door opened. Killian had calmed down hours ago, from where she peaked into the bond, so she was surprised to see the crinkled frown in his forehead that indicated he was still cross with her. In his hands, was a prepared plate. A slice of bread and what looked like some ham and assorted vegetables. He held it up immediately. "I…I thought you might like something to eat…even if you wouldn't come down."

"Oh." She whispered. "Thanks, I just didn't feel like coming down tonight."

She refused to meet his face despite feeling the boring weight of his blue eyes as she offered to take the plate from him.

"Emma, don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't lock yourself up in your room to avoid me. Denying yourself dinner."

"I wasn't avoiding you." Her voice raised defensively, shooting him a glare. "I'm not scared of talking with you or anything."

"Of course not, you're Emma Swan." He huffed sarcastically. "Scared of nothing and not afraid to get involved in dangerous situations."

"Says the man that invited me to stay on a military ship."

"You know what I mean." He stressed, his eyes glancing up to her. The gaze holding hers for a moment before she huffed and turned away with a roll of her eyes.

"Killian, can't you drop it?"

"No, I can't. I left it alone for a few hours, but I don't think you understand."

"I understand that you're not happy with it."

"It has nothing to do with my happiness Emma, it has to do with your safety! It matters that a huge man practically had you pinned and could have strangled you. What if the Dark One didn't intervene? Or Liam and I didn't return in time? What then?"

Emma felt her temper rising in turn to his. The bond thrumming between them with a passionate rising burn.

Anger. Frustration. Hurt.

"I would figure it out! It's not like I haven't done that before! I do what I need to. I didn't mean to get his attention, but I sure as hell wasn't going to run from it."

"Well, you should have!" His voice raising with hers. She couldn't recall him ever being upset with her before. Killian was easily patient and understanding with her, yet for this he was refusing to acknowledge her side.

"And why does it matter what I do?" She snapped. "It doesn't matter."

"It matters to me!" He retaliated. Emma blinked, caught off guard with it for a moment. The pause seemed to be enough for Killian, his eyes scanning over her as the previous emotions receded back, revealing the deeper feelings.

Fear. Fear. Fear.

"I don't ever want to see you hurt." He whispered softly. "I would never be able to forgive myself if something happened to you. Ever since you were in that storm, with the mermaids, I never want you to be in danger Emma."

"It's my own job, to keep myself safe Killian. It falls to no one else; it never has." Her voice came out so softly, and she couldn't help but feel the pain and regret. Never having anyone else be so concerned for her wellbeing before. No one ever worried about her to the point of anger. He must have felt it, as he slowly stepped forward, fearing that she would retaliate like a frightened animal. His hand gently gripped around her wrists, holding them delicately while his fingers gently traced on the soft skin on the inner side.

"Not anymore Emma. I'm never going to stop fighting for you. Never going to stop doing everything in my power to protect you. Never ask me to try." His hand gently came up and traced her cheek. "It would never work Darling."

She couldn't stop the spreading smile on her face, nor the soft laugh from under her breath.

"Then you should know that I'm just as much as a fighter as you are. And that's not going to change."

It was as close to an understanding as they were going to get, but she could feel the serenity between them. He leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head before resting his chin atop it.

"I never had that doubt when it came to you Emma. Not once."