A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews! Alexa: the real life "Milah" is not far off from the character. I enjoyed writing this chapter, wishing my life were this way lol. Thank you all so much for the continued support. Fluff and Smut up ahead. Love you all - BS

Chapter 8- Rebuild

The next few months went by relatively smoothly. Emma moved in with Liam and Elsa until she could get on her feet, and started working at the station with David and Graham. Her divorce from Walsh was in process; he was fighting her on everything that they owned together as she assumed he would, but it was a battle she was ok with fighting because at the end she would be free. She spent a lot of time with her family and Killian was always with her.

Killian had gotten his deposits back from the wedding being canceled, and Milah got the rest of her belongings and her furniture out of his house. From what he knew, she was still with Keith and as far as she was concerned that's where she could stay. He worked more with Liam on the docks and spent more time with his family than he had in years, with Emma by his side.

He and Emma worked on his house together, getting back to how he had it before Milah; making it back to his place of peace. The living room was painted back to white with a light blue accent wall. He got a new couch, and the decor was back to the coastal reminding of the sea. Above the fireplace was now a large painting of ocean waves, matching the driftwood and coral on the shelves around it. On the side table, was a framed picture of him and Emma, taken the night at the bonfire.

The kitchen had the hardwood floors redone, and the stainless-steel appliances were shining like new again. The cabinets were a deep navy blue, while the decor was white and stood out against it. A stainless-steel kitchen aid sat on the edge of the counter. That was Emma's, she fueled his sweet tooth.

The bathroom had a shower curtain with an ocean scene and was now painted a soft teal. The rest of the decor was bright and stood out against the color of the walls.

His bedroom he had barely touched since Emma had cleaned it up for him the night before the bonfire. The only difference was, it that he got a new bed, everything else was exactly how she had made it for him.

They were doing well as a couple, a few fights here and there, but nothing too earth shattering. It was as if no time had passed at all. Emma had become a part of the biker club, she went everywhere with Killian when they had rides. She had been inducted under the name "Savior", but he still referred to her as Swan. The summer was spent with their friends sailing, attending bonfires and time with family. It was truly one of the best summers Emma and Killian have had in a long time.

It was nearing the end of September now, and Storybrooke was filled with trees of different colored leaves and a chilly wind. Emma was sitting at her desk working on paperwork and sipping at her cold coffee. It was her Friday, and she just wanted to be done for the day and snuggle up in front of a fire at his house. She was there more than she was at her own home, but she didn't mind. She felt at home there.

"Emma, I am grabbing lunch." Graham said breaking her out of her thoughts, "Did you want anything?"

"No need mate." A voice sounded through the office. "I got her covered."

Emma smiled like a fool in love before she even looked up from her desk. He seemed to always know. She looked up and Graham and smiled politely.

"Thanks for the offer."

"No problem." He responded with a tight smile. "Be back soon." He nodded at Killian and left quickly.

Killian had on his worn Carhartt work jacket, a red sweater, jeans and his work boots. He set Emma's lunch down and the smile she gave him warmed his whole heart.

"Hello love." Killian beamed at her. "One grilled cheese sandwich with a hot cocoa with cinnamon on top.

"Fries?"

"Onion rings."

"Oh good, I was just testing you." Emma got up and hugged him tightly. He smelled of sea, fish, and salt. The fish could go away, but she loved how he smelled otherwise. "Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you darling." Killian responded as he hugged her back, rocking her back and forth gently.

"Well good." She mumbled into his shoulder. She stood up on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss. "Sit with me?"

"Of course, love."

Killian sat in the chair at the end of her desk as she ate, and they talked about their days. Killian drank his coffee while he sat and listened to her. Her smile warmed his heart, and her laugh was music to his ears. Whenever she touched him, it calmed his racing mind and when she held him it chased his demons away. He had known for a long time; he loves this woman, loves her so much it hurts, and he didn't think it had really, truly gone away. Killian had wanted to tell her, on many occasions now but he was afraid to after everything Emma had been through with Walsh. He didn't want to scare her away, especially not now. He couldn't lose her again, but he didn't know if he could keep his feelings secret for that much longer.

"So, when do you need to go back?" Emma asked, breaking him from his thoughts.

Killian check his watch and frowned, "I'll have to leave in about 10 minutes, but I should be done around six."

"Me too. Dad is on duty this weekend."

"Dad can change that." David's voice sounded as he walked through the station.

Both Emma and Killian laughed. Killian grabbed the other coffee cup and walked to his office and set it down on his desk.

"Here you are my liege." he made an over exaggerated bow, "Your coffee as requested."

"Ah thank you good sir." David bowed back, just as exaggerated. "Emma! Your weekend off remains intact."

Emma was in a fit of giggles. "You two are ridiculous."

Killian's alarm went off and he looked at his watch. He approached Emma in an exaggerated manner and took her hand.

"Forgive me my princess, I must return to my post."

"Go on, you pirate." She giggled again.

Killian locked in with her gaze and kissed her hand softly. "I'll see you tonight." With a wink and a wave to David he headed out of the station.

Emma smiled and shook her head. He was silly sometimes, but it was one of the many reasons that she loved him. Holy shit… did she love him? The thought had crossed her mind many times, to say it to him, to let him know how she felt. Her love for Killian had never really gone away, and the way she felt about him was very different from the way she felt about Walsh… which is how she knew it was real. Emma was scared; She didn't know how he was going to react, especially after everything he had gone through with Milah.

"It's good to see you smile, kiddo." David observed, breaking her out of her thoughts.

"It feels good to smile." Emma grabbed her hot chocolate and walked into her father's office. "I couldn't even get Walsh to scrape my windows."

David let out a snort, "Well, that shows you who the real gentleman is and who isn't."

Emma nodded taking a drink of her hot chocolate. She had never thought of it that way, but her father was completely right.

"Em, I do have something I need to talk to you about though." David sighed.

"Shoot."

"I got a letter today, and Your divorce proceedings start next week."

"Oh, fucking lovely." Emma groaned.

"Since we filed here, it will be held here, and he can either call in or he can come up here."

"I hope he just calls."

"Me too, I would hate to lose my badge by punching him in the face."

Emma laughed and walked back to her desk to finish her work. Graham returned with his lunch and the pair of deputies worked in silence.

About 5:00 pm Emma was going cross eyed at her computer and counting down the minutes until 6:00 pm when she heard her phone buzz on her desk.

Killian: Be careful leaving the station darling, it's raining pretty heavy now.

Emma: I saw out the window. Did you get done early?

Killian: Aye, I am finishing up now.

Emma: Thoughts on dinner?

Killian: Whatever your heart desires, Swan.

Emma: Baked Ziti?

Killian: Sounds good my darling. I will hit the store on my way home.

Emma: Pick up stuff to make tiramisu too.

Killian: As my lady commands. Come home as soon as you are done.

Emma: As my pirate commands. I'll see you soon. :)

Emma smiled and put her phone down. He always referred to his house as home to her. She often wondered if he was hinting at something, but she didn't want to push it. She wouldn't risk pushing him away.

"Hey Emma," Graham asked, "Do you have plans for dinner?"

"I do actually, I have plans with Killian."

"Oh, the prison scum?"

Emma eyes grew dark with anger, "Don't call him that ever again. You don't know him, and you have no right to judge him."

Graham looked down. "My apologies."

"At least you have the decency to look ashamed." Emma mumbled under her breath.

6:00 finally rolled around and Emma quickly put her things away and left without a word. She got in her car and drove to Killian's, not planning to go anywhere else for the night.

As she pulled in the driveway, she spotted his jeep. The lights were on inside and she smiled, it was time to spend the evening with her handsome man.

Before getting out of the car, she texted Elsa, just so she wouldn't worry.

Emma: Staying with Killian tonight.

Elsa: Figured you were lol. Be safe.

Emma got out of the car, grabbed her bag and headed toward the door. Even the small jaunt from the driveway to the front door, she was soaked. She used her key and entered, the sounds she heard welcoming her home.

Killian was singing softly to the radio in the kitchen and the fire place was going. The smells of Italian seasoning and garlic bread assaulted her nose.

"Babe?" Emma called out as she dropped her bag and bent down and removed her boots.

"In here, Love!" He called back, confirming her suspicions that he was in the kitchen

She hung her coat up and headed to the kitchen. Killian was wearing a white t shirt, black sweats and white socks.

"So, it would be safe to assume that we are staying on for the night?"

Killian turned around and gave her a brilliant smile. "Aye darling," he handed her a glass of wine. "Get a little wet, did we?"

"Shut up." She said with a smile.

Killian kissed her softly. "Go change my love. Dinner's almost ready."

Emma kissed him quickly and went to retrieve her bag. She headed upstairs and stripped herself out of her wet clothes. She changed into her yoga pants, and a knit sweater of Killian's. She braided her unruly wet hair to the side and headed back downstairs. He had the table set, baked ziti, salad, and garlic bread waiting with two glasses of wine.

"Dinner's ready love." Killian turned around and raised an eyebrow at her. "Another one of my sweaters?"

"Yeah well, yours are comfier." She shrugged.

He laughed and took her hand, leading her to her seat. As they sat and ate, they shared about each other's days. Killian noticed something was bothering her though, as she grew quiet when he asked how the rest of her day was.

"Em, what is it?"

Emma sighed and took a big drink of her wine. "Graham made me angry. He said something horrible about you…"

"What did he say love?"

"He called you prison scum." Emma could see the hurt in his eyes and she grabbed his hand. "Don't worry, I threatened him a little and then I left."

"I see." Killian said quietly. "I think he likes you Emma."

Emma look a big bite of pasta and shrugged. "Well, too bad. I'm yours and that's that."

Killian looked at her with something in his eyes that she was afraid to name. He kissed her hand and continued eating.

"There is something else..." Emma continued

Killian looked at her and nodded for her to continue.

"Divorce proceedings start next week, which means Walsh may come here." Killian looked at her and held her hand in a death grip. "And I was hoping that... Maybe if you wouldn't mind if..."

"Emma," He interrupted. "Are you asking if I would come with you?"

She nodded, looking at him and the fear in her eyes made his heart ache.

"If you need me, I will be there. That I can promise you."

Emma leaned over the table and kissed him softly. "Thank you, Killian."

They finished their meal with more pleasant conversation, and as he did the dishes, she then made the tiramisu for dessert. It was so domestic and so comfortable. As the dessert was setting, they ventured into the living room. The radio lulled softly in the background and Emma laid on Killian's chest on the couch. He was rubbing her back softly, and she was warmed by him and the heat of the fire. She snuggled into him further, and the last of her walls came crashing down.

"I love you." Emma whispered, not realizing what she had said.

Killian's hand stopped, and he looked down at her, did she just say what he thought she said?

"Emma, what did you say?" He asked cautiously, not wanting her walls to slam back into place.

Oh shit, she thought. Well, too late to take it back now. Emma sat up and put her hand on his chest and rested her chin on her hands. She locked her gaze with his and saw a hopefulness and something else.

"I love you." Emma repeated. "I've been wanting to tell you for a while Killian, but I was scared."

"Why, darling?"

"Because of how soon it is after everything with Milah. but I know now my love for you never faded. I convinced myself that I was happy with Walsh when I thought you didn't want me. But if these last few months have proven anything to me, it's that you are the man I love."

She laid her head back down on his chest and held him tight. Her heart felt lighter and even if he didn't say it back, she felt better now that he knew.

Killian was doing his best to fight back tears. This woman, this amazing, stubborn, beautiful blonde goddess of his let her walls down for him. Even though he had hurt her before, made the choice to walk away from her, she still let her walls down for him. Killian ran his fingers through her hair and looked at her curled up on his chest as the fire lights danced across her face.

"Emma?" Killian asked

"Hmm?" She was almost asleep from him running his hand through her hair.

"I love you."

Emma lifted her head up and looked at him. "You do?"

Killian smiled and took her face in his hand as she leaned into his touch. "Yes darling, I do and I'm not just saying it because you told me first." Killian moved to sit up and Emma got off of him. They were sitting cross-legged facing each other on the couch before he continued. He looked down and took her hand. "I have been wanting to tell you for a long time, Love. I was afraid to, considering everything you had been through and God knows I don't deserve it since I was the one that left you." Killian swallowed hard, "But even when I was with Milah, you never left my mind nor my heart. My love for you never faded."

Emma's tears stung her eyes as she looked at him, completely floored by his confession.

"You are my one, Em. You always have been."

Emma rocked forward on her knees and crawled into his lap. She took his face in her hands and kissed him softly, feeling his scruff under her fingertips, moving he hands though his hair and settling on the back of his neck. Her mouth moved against his softly, her tongue running along his lips. She sat back and smiled at him, her green eyes darkened with desire.

Killian growled and surged forward, claiming her mouth with his, moving his tongue across her lips and she opened willingly for him. Their tongues began to battle for dominance as Killian held her close to his chest. He picked her up and moved them to the floor, laying her out in front of the fire on the rug. He kissed down her chin, continuing down her neck and as he lifted her sweater up over her head. When he discovered she was bare underneath, he growled and ran his hands up over her body as he kissed across her collar bone to where her shoulder met her neck and he bit down gently. She moaned softly and arched up into him. She was his drug, and he was addicted.

"What about dessert?" Emma asked

Killian gave her a sly grin. "I'm having mine right now."

He continued kissing his way down her sternum, and across her chest. His tongue found one swollen peak as his hand softly pinched and rolled the other between his fingertips. He licked over one breast to the other and he licked, and tongue found the other swollen peak and his hands held her in place. She arched into his touch and reached up for his shirt and started pulling at it. He stopped his ministrations long enough for her to pull his shirt over his head and toss it to the side. Killian's hand slid down her side to the top of her pants and he started to work them off her hips. He let out a strangled groan when she did not have any underwear on either, same as the bra.

"Bloody hell love," Killian groaned. Emma gave him a mischievous grin and bit her lip. "You're a bloody minx."

He kissed her in the middle of her chest and kissed all the way down to her hips. He sucked a mark into her hip and his fingers found their way down to her sex and entered her slowly. Emma gasped and arched up into him.

"So wet for me lass." He said in a low, dangerous voice. "Did you think about this at work today?"

"Yes." Emma managed to gasp out between the jolts of pleasure shooting through her body.

"Aye." He growled in response. "I thought about you, and the way you taste."

Emma whimpered in response as he licked his way through her wet folds. Killian slid himself down further between her legs and had his dessert. He licked and feasted on her in a way that made her feel like she was going to combust. He focused on her bundle of nerves and her legs started to shake. He entered two fingers in her and she cried out; She was so close.

"Tell me, Emma" Killian asked as he stroked her softly. "Who's are you?"

"Yours." Emma gasped out.

"Tell me again darling."

"I'm yours!"

Killian moved his fingers faster as his mouth returned to her bundle of nerves and She couldn't hold back anymore. Emma cried out his name as the world exploded behind her eyes and her body convulsed. He rode her through her climax as she came back to earth. Her body was flushed, and her golden hair billowed out around her. The firelight danced off her skin and she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. As Killian removed his fingers, Emma grabbed his hand and licked the fingers he had inside her off, never breaking eye contact with him.

"You wanton thing." He moaned with a grin. "You have no idea how badly I want you."

"Then take me." She retorted as her feet pushed his sweatpants down.

Killian pushed his sweats off and crawled back over the top of her. He wrapped one hand in her hair and used the other to balance himself, so he didn't squish her. His bare chest was pressed against hers and he felt like heaven. Emma reached down and wrapped her hand around his throbbing manhood, giving him a few pumps and aligned him with her. As Killian thrust in her she kissed him hard, both moaning at the contact. Killian set a slow and steady pace, grinding himself up into her deeply, feeling her around every inch of him as they never broke eye contact.

"Fuck, Killian" Emma gasped and clawed into his back.

"Say it again." He adjusted his angle and grabbed her hips.

"I'm yours."

Killian slammed into her and she cried out arching into him further. He set a blistering pace, slamming into her over and over. He could feel her walls fluttering around him as he hit her sweet spot over and over.

Emma cried his name out in ecstasy as she tumbled over the edge, he followed her shortly after as she milked him dry and he collapsed on top of her, catching himself on his forearms so he could catch his breath. He kissed Emma on the forehead and rolled off her pulling her with him to lay on his chest. For a moment they breathed while Killian traced lazy circles on her back with nothing but the crackling fire and the lulling radio in the background.

"Bloody Hell Love." Killian broke the silence once he caught his breath. "You're going to be death of me."

Emma giggled and kissed his chest softly. "You love me.'"

"Aye, that I do."

She looked up at him and smiled. "You want some cake now?"

Killian laughed and kissed her softly, "You know I can never deny your baking Swan."

She threw on her pants and his t-shirt and he threw on his sweatpants. Killian carried her to the kitchen and set her on the counter placing the cake between them.

"I love you, Swan." he said with a soft smile

They were both worried about what the future weeks would hold, but for now they had this moment and that was enough.

"I love you too."

He was the foundation she was rebuilding her life on and she was the grout that held him together.