I do not own Once Upon a Time.

Thank you for going on this journey with me. Ok, so more insight to her life.


November

Sabine knew quite early she had made a terrible mistake. The restaurant was kind of new, wasn't in the best area and the few reviews it had weren't the best. But she was a good friend, and it was the birthday girl's choice.

At least she didn't start to feel it until she was safely home. It began with clammy hands and forehead. And her stomach rebelled.

She was pretty sure she threw up everything she ever ate. And it just kept coming.

And then there was the dry heaving in between that made her feel worse.

Maybe she was in such a daze and dreamt of her savior.

Killian cradling her face in his hand, asking if she was alright.

She wasn't sure she answered but she did throw up again. At least he moved and she made it to the toilet in time.

She felt finally done. She slumped against the cold tile wall. She was alone again.

Until she wasn't

He brought a glass of water and a blanket. He pulled her dress up and over her head and wrapped her in the blanket. She snuggled close to his chest and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Sabine woke up in her own bed wearing just her underwear and wrapped in the blanket that belonged in the living room.

Understandably she was confused. Then she heard noises from the kitchen. She got up as quickly as she could and went to look.

She was both surprised and not surprised to see a certain pirate actually standing there.

"So, I wasn't dreaming. And you used the key." She greeted him.

"You usually dream about being violently sick?" Killian went to her side with another glass of water. His hand touched her forehead. "You aren't clammy anymore."

"Good. I never dream about being sick, but you do show up a bit."

"I know I do." He placed a kiss on her forehead. "How do you feel, love?"

"Drained, tired. I would like to shower, brush my teeth then snuggle back into bed for a few hours."

"You should eat something, then shower and bed. I'll join you in either of those places if you want."

She smiled. "I'll make toast and just join me in bed. Have you eaten?"

"Yes, I rummaged around, found some meat and cheese."

"Good." She then paused to look at the counter. "You brought me flowers?" she asked, noticing the vase that hadn't been on there last night.

"Yes, they made me think of you."

"Star gazer lilies. I love them." She smiled then quickly made toast, ate it, and let Killian lead her back to the bedroom. She brushed her teeth and showered, feeling herself relax under the hot water. Sabine got out, dried herself off and pulled a long shirt over her head.

Sabine went back into her bedroom to see Killian stripping down to almost nothing and she sighed. "If I was feeling better, I would do things to you."

"What if I did something to you?" he asked, crawling under the covers and beckoning her to follow.

The light in her eyes only lasted a moment. "Promise? Later, after the nap?"

"As the lady wishes." He wrapped his arms around her, and she snuggled close. "What made you so sick?"

"Food poisoning. I ate at a sketchy place last night."

He bolted up in bed so fast her head spun. "Poison? Someone poisoned you?"

"No, no one poisoned me. It's just something that happens. Get back down here." She pulled on his shoulder to pull him back down next to her. "I told you, through the bottle that I had my friend's birthday party. She picked a brand-new place."

"Really? Why do you eat food that you don't know exactly what it is or where it came from?"

"Well, at least you waited until I wasn't sick anymore to scold me about my eating habits." She commented sleepily.

"Just make sure it doesn't happen again." He said, placing a kiss on her head.

"I'll try. There was a moment of silence. Did you think I was pregnant?"

He was silent. "It crossed my mind for a brief moment, yes."

"Well, it won't be an issue. We can have as much fun as we want."

"Glad to hear. Now go to sleep so we can have fun."

"Yes Captain." Said Sabine, knowing she had a tad more to say on a certain subject but wanted to sleep more.

Sabine woke up hours later, finally not feeling like death. And the pirate was still next to her, peacefully sleeping.

She felt ready for a little bit of action, though knowing Killian, it was never a little bit of anything.

Sabine gently took his hand and guided to to her hip for some light touches before letting it drift further south. She sighed as his fingers touched her mound through the fabric.

"Is my hand really what you want there, love?" A honey coated voice washed over her.

She shivered. He woke up and seemed to be able to read her mind. Her other hand touched his mouth. "This. I want this."

"One of the tried-and-true ways to turn you on." Killian slid down her body and began to pepper her hips and thighs with soft kisses that gradually got closer to her core. His nose and breath brushed her mound, and she felt her desire begin to build.

He kissed the inside of her legs as he parted them to accommodate his head. Killian blew gently and felt her shudder with pleasure. "Have I told you how stunning you are?

"Every time you see me." She signed in contentment.

That doesn't seem like often enough." He kissed her folds and parted them with his tongue through the fabric.

Sabine bucked her hips at the touch and struggled to pull her underwear off.

He licked a long stripe up to her navel and rested his chin on her stomach. "Ask me to stay." His fingers did things to her that made her breath hitched.

"Pipe dream. Just fuck me."

His face disappeared from view and his tongue got between her folds and swirled around her bundle of nerves.

Sabine moaned, her core on fire. "Right there, don't stop."

Killian began to leave sloppy kisses on her core, a combination of mouth, teeth, and tongue.

"More" she pleaded though she honestly wasn't sure she could handle more. Maybe she was just curious to see what else he could offer her.

A finger entered her, almost to the knuckle. She screamed in pleasure and ecstasy. It curled and she saw a blinding light.

Killian eased her down from her high and laid down beside her. "Lass, I lied to you at our second meeting."

Even in her post sex haze, she understood what he said, she was still confused. "About what?"

"That I couldn't find another woman that made me feel the way you do. During our time apart, there wasn't another woman."

A smile bloomed on Sabine's face, and she touched his cheek. She drew him close for a kiss from the bottom of her soul. He returned the kiss but let her take the lead, his hand resting on her shoulder.

Her tongue thoroughly explored his mouth as her hands roamed over his chest and back. It was as if she was committing him to memory.

His hand slipped down her side, gently caressing her stomach and hip.

Sabine continued to deeply kiss him until she wasn't sensitive anymore, but her desire hadn't cooled. And she wasn't going to forget his needs.

She nudged him to roll on top of her which he did promptly, never breaking the kisses.

Her fingertips were still light on his body as they roamed, nothing would have him say to change the pace. No one wanted hard or fast at the moment.

She opened her legs to allow him to grind against her wet core. "Take what you need, slowly." She broke the kiss to tell him.

He did just that, slowly entering her, feeling every drag and clench of her core. He pulled in and out in rhythm to her signs and moans. He only picked up the pace when he felt they were both close, making them see stars.

He collapsed on top of her, she didn't care about the weight. They both struggled to catch their breath.

"I take it you are feeling better?"

"Much, the sleep helped."

"And the sex?"

"The icing on the cake."

December

Friday afternoon, Sabine sat at the front desk, watching the salon, and taking care of clients. The phone rang.

"Good afternoon, Brenda's Beauty Barn, how can I help you?"

"Hello love."

Her breath caught in her throat, but she couldn't show any emotion. "Killian? How did you get this number? How did you get a phone?"

"Turns out I do have friends who can help me get stuff. You free tonight? I have things to show you."

"I leave work in two hours. Meet you at home."

"Sounds like a plan. See you then." And he ended the phone call.

Sabine felt her cheeks flush.

"You alright Sabine?" Brenda asked.

"Yeah, I'm good." But she wasn't. It was going to be a long two hours. And she realized she had said the H word.

Sabine was shocked she didn't speed home; she was actually extra careful because she had to arrive in one piece. She parked her car, checked her mailbox and headed to her front door. There was a figure standing there, but she didn't recognize the outline. But a familiar scent hit her nose, leather, rum, and sea air.

"Welcome home, love. How was work?" Killian strolled towards her.

Sabine just watched and took it the slight. Gone was the pirate outfit, it was completely replaced with modern clothes. Black corduroy pants, short black shoes, a back button-down shirt with a faint pattern and a short black leather jacket to complete the look.

"Friends got this for you?" She asked.

"They assisted in picking pieces. And possibly paying for some of it."

"I like the pirate look, but this is a good look too." She let her eyes go from his head to his feet and back up.

"Glad you like it. There is more."

Well, you can't just have one outfit. Let's go inside then." Sabine unlocked the door. "You have a key; you can let yourself in."

"That's not good form today, unlike last time. Were you expecting me to be laying on the bed?"

"No clothes on the bed. House rules."

"I like that rule." They stepped inside and Killian dropped a medium size bag. He began to pull clothing items out with a sense of pride. "So, there's this shirt, these pants, I'm guessing these are casual shirts as opposed to the button-down ones."

"You do know there are more colors that black?" Sabine laughed.

"Have you seen your wardrobe? Lots of black there." He said, as she wore a full black outfit in front of him.

"I wear black for work. It's my job, not my identity." She leaned back to look at him. "Is the black leather pirate look your job or your identity?"

Killian paused, thinking. "That is a good question."

"Sorry, you came here for sex, not to have an existential crisis. I like the new clothes. I also got you some things." She went to the hall closet. "It's winter and cold, wasn't sure how the leather coat holds up in the snow and whatnot." Sabine handed him a peacoat. "And here is a scarf and gloves. The coat isn't black, it's navy."

"I was in the Navy."

"Really? Is that why you like me in that color?"

"Maybe, or maybe you just look really stunning in it." He tried the coat and accessories on.

"Oh, one more small thing I picked up for you, some practical things for when you are here." She went to the bathroom and returned with a basket. "Just a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash. Basically, so you can stop using my stuff."

For a moment, Killian was speechless. "Thank you. You know sex isn't the only reason I come here?"

"But it's one of the reasons?"

"One of many." He pulled her close. "How am I going to pay you back for these nice things?"

"I can think of a few things." She mused.

"Tell me."

"You could cook a meal. Or help clean up."

"That's the best you can come up with?" He rolled his eyes. Killian took the coat off and hung it back up in the closet.

"I'm thinking of practical things." Sabine shrugged her shoulders.

"And impractical things?"

A grin crept onto her face. "Well, you could wear these clothes and I could take them off of you."

"Then what?"

"Would rather show you than tell you."

"Now?"

"After some cooking and cleaning." She had priorities, sometimes.

"You drive a hard bargain."

"I'm hoping that won't be only hard thing here."

Killian's eyes widened and he pulled her to his chest. She could feel a bungle against her leg. "You should be careful about how you word things, lass. Practical things might be pushed to the back burner."

"I'll be careful, very careful." Sabine responded and started to unbutton his shirt.

He darkly chuckled as she gently kissed his chin and throat. "So impractical things then?"

"It would appear so." She shrugged, a twinkle in her eye. Her hands reached the bottom of his shirt and shoved it off his shoulders. "You want to repay me for the clothes?"

"Yes."

"Fuck me until I can't see straight." She fused her lips to his in a rough exploratory kiss.

Now where would he take her? Against the wall, on the bed? Would he take his time, stimulating every inch of her? Or would he just ram into her repeatedly until she was screaming his name? Sabine would welcome either way honestly. Or maybe a combination of both.

Killian pulled back a hair. "We are wearing too many clothes."

"You are wearing less than me. Should I strip?" She asked.

"Yes, let me help." He pulled her shirt up and over her head then dropped it to the floor. His hand then caressed her covered breast, making her eyelids flutter.

"As much as I like this touch, I'm still wearing pants and so are you." She whispered. She unbuttoned and unzipped her dress pants; his hands pushed them down her legs. Sabine stepped out of them when they fell to her ankles.

Sabine then undid the button and zipper of Killian's pants and slid them down. They both stood there, wearing only underwear, hands roaming each other's bodies. There were light touches paired with gasps, especially when Killian's hand drifted between her legs. There was nothing rough, but they were both getting very aroused.

Killian then picked her up, her legs instantly wrapping around his waist, and he backed her against the wall. Her core made full contact with his hard cock. She moaned. This was almost what she wanted. He began to suck on various spots on her neck and collarbone. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head. His hand crept up her back and unhooked her bra. It fell between them. Killian pulled her close to kiss her lips, her nipples were teased by his chest hairs.

"Is this what you want, love? How you want it?"

"Almost. I want to be pinned under you on the bed."

"I like the way you think." Killian walked over to the bed and dropped her. "Don't move." She slightly propped her head up and watched as he pulled his boxers off. That was what she wanted inside of her.

Killian pressed his body on top of hers, his cock pushing against her still covered mound.

She hissed and rocked her hips for much needed friction.

"Are you wet enough?

That comment made her convulsed. Seriously how did he always say the right words? She didn't answer him, instead she grabbed his cock and guided it to her soaking heat. It gently pushed against her.

"Soon, I promise." Killian's face traveled down her body, a trail of gentle kisses in its wake, chin, throat, between her breasts, stomach. When he got to the waistband of her underwear, he used his teeth to slowly pull them down. Her mound was visible to him, and he gently blew on it. Sabine squirmed, needed more.

Killian darkly chuckled then finished ridding her of the fabric. He stared down at her completely bare body under his gaze. "Absolutely exquisite, breath taking."

"Quit complimenting me."

"What do you want?"

"You and only you."

He sighed and pressed his perfectly chiseled body into hers, his cock teasing her core. Before she could yell at him, he slid home. Sabine finally felt full and complete.

Killian pulled out but instantly pounded back in. He alternated between ramming into her and dragging his cock in and out of her, leaving her in a writhed state under him. "Ask me to stay." He whispered into her neck.

Sabine ignored his request, fully lost in her pleasure. She arched her back, changing the angle, allowing him to take her deeper. Her release was approaching faster than her mind was able to compute. She didn't even understand the noises coming out of her mouth.

Sabine's whole body convulsed almost violently. Killian didn't slow back, made no motion to ease her down. She rode out her release riding his cock as it slammed into her until he reached his own high.

He collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily. His cock slipped out of her slick core and nestled between her legs.

"Wow." she managed to say.

"That was the first thing out of your mouth I understood."

"Do you like being able to understand."

"Sometimes, the intangible noises tell me I'm doing something right."

"You make me speechless."

"Exactly. Do we do this every time you buy me clothes?"

"You will be buying your own clothes, but we will have mind blowing sex only on days that end in y."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm in the mood for a shower. Want to join me?"

"In a moment. My legs have no strength."

"All thanks to me."

She gently smacked his shoulder then she remembered she wanted to experience something. "Actually, if you are up for it, there is a giant mirror in there."

That definitely got his attention. "Later, but yes. Let's give it a show it won't forget."

Later that evening, after they ate dinner Killian made a request. "Go put on something special."

Sabine looked at him curiously for a moment, but the answer dawned on her. "Lace or sheer?"

"Whatever will give a better view of your stunning body, love." And he winked at her.

She grinned and went to her bedroom to change into something. Now what would give him and in turn her, a better view? Sheer, lace… or maybe nothing.

With a wicked smile, she went back to the living room. Sabine cleared her throat to make him look at her. He had already shed his shirt and his chest was bare.

"And what is under that robe?" He asked.

"Nothing." Her fingers opened the front of the robe very slowly and skin began to show, from her neck, down her chest to her navel. "You said you wanted a good view."

His eyes widened at her and almost instantly turned black with desire. Without any warning, Killian picked her up and carried her to the bathroom. He set her back on her feet in front of the counter. "We are going to enjoy the view." Killian spun her around; they were able to see themselves much closer than their previous mirror experience.

He pressed into her, his cock resting on her ass. Killian opened the robe more, exposing her breasts to the mirror, and in turn, the both of them. His hand grabbed one breast, pinching the nipple. "Do the same to the other one." He whispered.

She did, mimicking his motions on her. She signed in contentment.

His hand dropped down to her stomach, and she moved her own to follow but his voice stopped her. "Keep touching yourself, don't stop."

She nodded as his hand ghosted over her mound. "Nothing here, someone is impatient." His finger traced the outline of where fabric normally was, making her shiver.

"I just want the view." She moaned.

Killian stroked her folds and got between them; gentle touches made her toes curl already. Her fondled her at a leisurely pace, enjoying the sighs and moans coming from her. And he had a great view of Sabine fondling her own breasts. She had gotten both of her hands kneading and squeezing as she struggled to keep her eyes open to see both his face and her face in the mirror. But her eyes kept drifting down her body to where his hand was busy.

"Do you want to watch my hand touch you, watch my fingers pump in and out of you?" He asked in her ear.

"Yes." She wasn't going to lie, watching him stimulate her was such a turn on for her as the actual action.

"Up and the counter then."

Sabine climbed up onto the counter, careful not to fall into the sink. She knelt, spreading her legs wide and lifting herself slightly so he could slip his hand under her. "Touch me." She told him, bracing herself by planting her hands on the mirror.

"I'll do much more than touch you." Killian growled, ready to thoroughly pleasure her. He had pulled his own pants off, his hard cock visible to her in the mirror. Her heart skipped a beat.

The desire in her core had diminished slightly while she had hurried to change her position so Killian gently stroked her folds then circled her bundle of nerves, listening to her moans. He raked his nails down her mound toward her dipped core.

"Please, I want to ride your fingers." She moaned.

"Well, because you asked nicely." Killian rammed one lone finger into her. She spasmed and rocked her hips for some much-needed friction.

"Oh, that feels good."

"Does it? What about this?" Killian curled his finger, hitting her in just the right spot.

He added another finger, and they pumped in and out of her at a furious speed.

And Sabine watched every motion in the mirror. Every inch of her was on fire and she needed her release now. "So close."

"I know, you are dripping wet. I can feel my finger dragging inside of you." He slowed his pace and just stroked her folds. "You want my cock pumping in and out of you instead of my fingers?"

"Yes, I just need you to make me see stars."

"Alright then." In a blink of an eye, Killian spun her around, spread her legs, lined up with her and plunged into her arching core.

She threw her head back, completely on fire, in the best way possible. The sight of her exposed breasts made Killian move faster inside of her, desire written all over his face.

"The things I want to do to you…" He growled.

"Do them."

He pinched her nipple hard then he picked her off the counter and they sank to the bathroom floor, his cock never sliding out. The cold tile was a shock to her over-heated skin. His hook ran between her breasts. Sabine took his hand and swirled her tongue around a finger. That one action made Killian almost violently convulse inside of her. He breathed heavily, fully spent.

"So close." Sabine whimpered under him.

He slid out of her but drew her close for a searing kiss. "Ride this." He whispered. Then his hook went between her legs and stroked her dripping core. Sabine rubbed herself on it at a furious speed, needing to reach the top of the mountain now.

Suddenly, all she saw was white and she screamed.

They lay on the floor for a few minutes, struggling to catch their breath.

"You are…. amazing…" Sabine was finally able to say.

"So are you. Honestly, I think we are amazing together." Killian sat up and leaned against the wall. "Sabine, all you have to do it ask."

She didn't answer, only looking at him with a thoughtful gaze.

Later that evening, Sabine almost nervously walked over to Killian who was sitting on the couch all comfortable. She held a small picture of herself and...

"This is Justin."

"The lad you loved?" Killian asked quietly.

"Yes. We were best friends in our teens and things got serious in college."

"What happened to him?"

"Three years ago, he got really sick really fast. There was no service after he died, just me spreading his ashes."

"No family?"

"He didn't want to make a big deal of it. He didn't really have any blood family. Or anyone he spoke to. Which leads me to my enemy." Sabine paused to take a deep breath. Killian squeezed her hand. "Justin's mom was a heartless abusive bitch. He left home at fifteen and moved in with my aunt and uncle. His mom approached me after he died, looking for an explanation and money. Words were exchanged and someone got slapped. There's a restricting order."

"You slapped her?"

"No, she slapped me. Broad daylight."

"Lass, I'm so sorry." He touched her cheek as if it had just happened. "What about his father?"

"No backbone, just let it all happen. Though something did change, he found me last year and apologized for everything. He left his wife and moved on with his life in a way that would have made Justin proud."

"Good man, finally."

"Yes, there is a reason I'm telling you this now. Justin started a tech company and there is a charity dinner every year benefiting the community center he built to help disadvantaged children. I give out the scholarship every year. I would like you to come with me. This is a big step for me, bigger than meeting my friends or my parents."

"I understand. And I would be honored to accompany you to this event." He gently kissed her cheek.

Her hand rested on his arm, exactly on his tattoo. "Am I returning the gesture?" He caught on.

"There might have been two reasons behind telling my story."

Killian took a deep breath. "Her name was Milah. We weren't together long. I had just started piracy and we bonded over wanting adventure. There was an accident on the ship, I lost her and my hand."

"Killian, I'm so sorry." She hugged him.

"I was angry and sad for years, but she wouldn't want me to feel like that. Then you showed up."

Sabine smiled. "Justin made me promise to only be sad for three years then I had to move on."

"How long had it been?"

"Exactly three years. Maybe I was scared he would haunt me." She chuckled and grinned. "Though I did have to be pushed to not be sad and alone."

"I'll see to it that you are not either of those things."

January

"Do I really need to wear this penguin suit, love?" Killian asked, pulling at the tie wrapped around his neck.

"You know what a penguin is?" Sabine sounded surprised. She was putting the final touches on her makeup.

"Yes, I know what a penguin is. I do read and travel."

She exited the bathroom to look at him. "Well, I think you make a very handsome penguin."

"Thank you. Is that what you are wearing?" He pointed to her robe.

"No, the dress goes on last."

"How are we getting to this event?"

"Car service. There will be drinking, and it doesn't mix with driving. You wouldn't drive and steer your ship." There was a pause from Killian. "Seriously? That's dangerous."

"No one died or hurt."

"Not the point." She slipped on her hunter green dress and put on some jewelry.

"You look stunning, as always."

She smiled. "And thank you for not wearing the hook, it might not be the best thing out in pubic here."

"Anything to make you more comfortable."

Then her phone buzzed. "Alright, the car is outside let's go."

It was a forty-minute drive to the banquet hall. As much as Sabine knew her presence was important, she hadn't fully felt comfortable attending. Maybe that was why she had Killian to accompany her. She finally had someone's hand to hold.

"So, who will be at this event?" Killian asked.

"Board members, employees of both the tech company and the community center, the recipient of the scholarship and their families. Oh, my cousin Anthony and his wife Brianna. You met his father, kind of. The video call when you were hurt."

"Yes, I remember. So, I am slowly meeting your family?"

"Very slowly, though the fact that you are coming tonight is bigger than meeting any of them."

"I gathered as much." He kissed her hand.

The car pulled up and they got out to enter the hall. Sabine and Killian mingled with board members whose names Sabine didn't remember. There was small talk while appetizers were passed around.

"Sabine!" A man who looked similar to her appeared next to her.

"Anthony." Hugs and kisses were exchanged. "How are the kids?"

"They are brilliant, grades are high, sports signup sheets are filled out. Just busy and tired and we desperately need a night to be an adult." He noticed Killian. "And who is?"

"Killian Jones." Killian extended his hand.

"He's with me." Sabine added.

"Really, seriously? About time. Wait, I didn't mean it like that."

"Of course, you didn't." Someone came to Anthony's rescue. "Good to see you, Sabine." She kissed Sabine's cheek. "I would have been over here sooner, but Mary grabbed me on the way in demanding to see pictures of the children. Apparently, Anthony hasn't shown her any recently."

"Her office moved; she isn't on my way anywhere important."

She noticed Killian. "I don't believe we were introduced. I'm Brianna and this is Anthony, Sabine's cousin, I'm his wife."

"Nice to meet you."

Brianna noticed the accent and nodded in Sabine direction with a silent approval.

The event officially began when everyone took their seats. And the speech started. Speeches that Sabine and by extension Killian, found boring. They were about how well the company was doing, how well the community center was doing, how the world had changed but they were doing good in the world. Sabine's ears did peak up when it was announced that another community center was going to open up the following year. That made her very happy. Killian squeezed her hand.

The meal was tasty, Sabine ordered the beef and Killian ordered the fish. He was adventurous to try all the food on his plate. The conversation was light around the table.

Then it was time for the scholarship presentation. Sabine got to the podium, smiled and did her short pre-written speech. She had made a note to include that even in death, Justin is a hero. He was always looking out for those who couldn't, who needed a hand up. She presented the scholarship to a bright-eyed young man and prayed he would do great things in the world in the future.

She was on her way back to her seat when the music changed, and she instantly recognized the tune and the heavy feelings she now associated with it.

When I wake up, well, I know I'm gonna be

I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you

She almost ran to the entry way, holding to be out of ear shot. That was Justin's go to karaoke song, no matter how many times he completely butchered the song, he kept singing it. Now Sabine couldn't bear to hear it.

"Sabine? Are you okay?" Brianna appeared next to her.

"I can handle anniversaries without any problem." Sabine started. "The day he was diagnosed, the day he died, the day I spread his ashes. But this, this I can't handle it." She almost choked on her words, trying to calm herself.

"I can't listen to Oh Holy Night since my grandmother died."

"So, you get it." Sabine pulled a tiny flask from her purse and took a swig. She noticed Brianna's reaction. "It's just to take the edge off, nothing more."

"You ready to go home? I'll get the car for you." Brianna then hugged her. "It's very brave of you to come every year, you know that, right?"

"Yeah. Someone has to do the scholarship presentation." Sabine returned the hug gratefully. And she noticed Killian standing a few feet away. He must have heard most of the conversation.

They headed back to her apartment in silence and began to get ready to call it a night.

"What did you think of the event?" Sabine asked.

"It was interesting. Never been to a positive event before. How are you?"

"Better than I usually feel afterwards. Are you jealous?"

Killian paused to think. "Not sure jealous is the right word. My world describes me as a villain, Justin is still a hero and doing good things even though he's gone."

"I don't consider you a villain." They both got ready for bed, ready to just snuggle down and sleep.

"You would be one of the very few people who think that. I do slightly feel like I stole another man's woman and I'm sleeping in his bed."

"There are no worries there, Justin never lived here, we actually never lived together. We had our own places and visited a bit. Even after he made a lot of money, he kept his tiny apartment and old car. He was humble like that. Before he died, he brought this place for me, didn't tell me until I was going through his notebook of all his requirements for after he passed. Guess he knew I would fight him on some of it."

"Justin did well for himself, I gather?"

"Well, he was worth a lot of money. After he died, most of it went to charity. Then my aunt and uncle's house was paid off, they went on vacation. Anthony and Brianna went on vacation, their kids have college funds started. My degree was paid for, plus I get a little something every month." They finally got under the covers and Sabine snuggled into Killian, needing him close.

Killian held her closer. "I'm never going to leave you." He whispered.

The next morning during breakfast, Killian turned to Sabine. "What do you think of making this official?"

"What, you still want to move in?"

"I don't want to keep leaving and coming back. I can see a future with you here."

"You came here hurt months ago, you say you have enemies, you think can just pick up and leave without consequences?" Maybe Sabine was just looking for excuses.

"I'll fake my death." Killian answered confidently.

She was taken aback. "That's a bit permanent. And if this relationship doesn't work out, you go back and say it didn't stick?"

"Let's not think negatively here."

"I'm not being negative, I'm being realistic. I don't know what your future plans include, but I can't have kids." She suddenly felt sick but glad at the same time now that piece of information was out in the open. "I've known for years, there's something wrong with me."

He stared for a moment but quickly composed himself, his shoulders dropped. There's nothing wrong with you, love." He took her hands. "I can't have children either."

Sabine looked at him, finally seeing his soul. "What happened?"

"I was a teen and in love with a local girl named Sarah. Her father did not like me. He was willing to poison his own daughter from having children rather than her being happy with me. I took the poison in her place."

"What happened to her?"

"She got sick a year later and died."

They stood in silence for a few minutes.

"Can I visit next month?" He asked.

"No." She heard his heart sink. "I'm going to visit you. I think getting away from this place would be good."

"Good for what?"

"Us. If we are going to have a future." She stepped closer to hug him. He hugged her back, unsure what the next month would bring.


Thoughts? We are learning a lot about Sabine, I think it makes her a real person and *maybe* a good match for Killian.

There was also a lot to unpack here, her friends, her job, her former boyfriend, everything about him, his mom, her inability to have kids, slowly introducing her family

What do you think is going to happen next month? Good or bad things?

Should she finally ask him to move in?

Review please?