Chapter One- The Early Years

He was sitting at the lunch table drawing out a pirate ship, the fourth or fifth one this week. Dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes focused on the paper in front of him. In his senior year of high school, Killian Jones wanted nothing more than to go to art school. Art was his passion, and he wanted nothing more than to use his skills and be a tattoo artist, a reality that may not be too far in the future. He was so focused on his drawing that he didn't hear someone join him at his table.

"Hey Killian," the warm voice said. He looked up and smiled at his best friend Emma. Emma was fit, pale and had golden hair that went to her waist, and emeralds for eyes. Emma and Killian grew up across the street from one another, and have been the best of friends since they were children. Killian and his family had moved to Maine from England when he was about 5 years old. Some bullies were picking on him for the way he spoke at their elementary school his first day. Emma had an issue with bullies, and knocked 3 of them out with the swing of her tether ball, telling them to pick on someone their own size. She helped Killian off the ground where the bullies knocked him down and from that moment on they became inseparable.

"Hey Em," he looked up with a smile. "How has your day been so far?"

"Ugh, you know," Emma adjusted her square framed glasses and opened her lunch. "Calculus is going to be the death of me."

Killian chucked and looked over at her, "That good, huh?"

"Yeah." She sighed. "I have a few big projects coming up as well. But you know, I have to get into the best colleges I can."

Killian nodded knowing the feeling. They both liked Maine, but needed out. There was a whole world out there to explore and they both got the travel bug badly.

"Hey Kil, that looks beautiful." Emma leaned over to see his picture. "I think that's my favorite one yet."

"I thought your favorite was the Black Pearl."

Emma shook her head, "No, don't get me wrong that one was awesome. But this is The Jolly Roger. You know that Peter Pan is my favorite."

Killian chuckled and nodded his head. He knew Emma's every favorite thing. Anytime she mentioned something she loved, he took out his small sketchbook and made a note of it in the section labeled Emma, so he would make sure to not forget it. The pair continued their lunch in good conversation, discussing plans for the weekend and comparing work schedules.

The rest of the school day continued on, and as the bell rang the pair met at the front doors to start the walk home. They didn't live far, maybe ten blocks so they could drive if they wanted but chose to walk together, just as they had everyday for the past 13 years. Snow, Rain, Shine, they were always together.

Emma dated a guy named Neal briefly two years ago, and he left her heartbroken and in shambles. She was sixteen at the time, and he was 24. Killian knew it was a bad idea and tried to tell Emma as such but she was so stubborn that she didn't listen until it was too late. Neal had a warrant out for his arrest and was on FBI's Most Wanted for a series of jewelry store thefts in Maine, Boston and Philadelphia. He left without so much as a goodbye and it tore Emma apart. Killian helped pick up the pieces and helped Emma get back on track. It was a scary time for him and her parents, none of them had ever seen Emma so low and none of them ever wanted to see her that far down again.

Killian didn't really date. There was a small flirtation here and there but nothing serious. He was always afraid that a relationship would ruin his friendship with Emma, and that alone wasn't worth it to him. If he really looked at his feelings for her, it felt more than friendship but less than love. He was attracted to her, any man would be crazy not to be. She was the first thing he thought of when he woke up and the last thing he remembered as he went to sleep. Emma was literally perfect to him, although he's never told her. He couldn't bare to lose her, so if staying friends is what they needed to be for now, then he would wait.

Killian got home at about 4:00 that afternoon to his father passed out in a drunken state on the couch. This was more often than not lately, ever since his mother passed away last year. Killian was counting down the months until he could leave this place and never look back. His brother Liam joined the navy last year and has been away since. Killian was the only one left for his father to berate.

"Killian, my boy, 's that you?"

"Aye," Killian called out "I have to get ready for work here in a few minutes."

"Come here for a moment, I need to talk to you."

Killian entered the living room where his father was laying, the weathered brown couch sitting in the middle of the small family room with the beer can strewn coffee table not far away Killian entered the room, arms crossed standing against the wall.

"What is it father?"

"Your Art teacher called, and said you are interested in Art School?"

"Aye.." Killian wasn't sure where this conversation was going to lead.

"Why? There's no money in art."

"With all due respect father," Killian snapped, "I have sold more than 15 of my pieces to cover your bills, so yes, there is money and a future in art. Plus, the money that mother left me will be more than enough to cover my tuition."

"There is no more money."

Killian stilled, his fathers words rattling in his ears, "What do you bloody mean there is no more money?"

Brennan rose from the couch, tangled dark hair and dark eyes met his. He had a muscular build but had gotten a beer gut in the past few months. "Watch your tone with me boy."

"No!" Killian was seething now. " That money was left to me for school! If you could hold a bloody job we wouldn't be in this position!"

"Bloody art school is a waste of time, I am doing you a favor." Brennan grabbed another beer can and started chugging. "Deal with it and stay working at the bar for the rest of your life."

Killian stormed out without a word. He climbed in his truck shaking with fury, he texted his boss and let her know that he was going to be late. He didn't give a damn if his father didn't approve of him going to art school, he was going to make it happen one way or another.

He left his driveway and went straight to the recruiters office.

It was the night of their senior prom. She of course was going with Killian, her stomach full of butterflies as her mother finished putting her hair in an elegant updo. The bun swept to the side, and placed delicately pinned on the back of her head. Her makeup was mostly natural with a red lip to match her dress. Her prom dress was a red satin strapless ball gown with a sweetheart neckline. There was delicate red beading along the top of the neckline and a corset back. She was giving herself a once over in the mirror, feeling more nervous than she should. Lately, her feelings for Killian had slowly started leaving the realm of friendship. Honestly, she was surprised it had taken as long as it has. He was her best friend, and she thought about him nearly every waking moment. Seeing him was the highlight of her day, and their walks were one of her favorite things that she looked forward to during the week. Emma was lost in thought when her mother came in to retrieve her

Her mother, Mary Margret Nolan was a slender, older woman with black hair and emerald eyes that matched her own. She was a 3rd grade school teacher, and about the nicest person you would ever meet unless you were on her bad side.

"Emma you are stunning," She breathed, placing her hand over her heart. "Killian is here."

She nodded at her mother, "Thanks mom, I'll be down in a minute." Emma took a deep breath and headed for the stairs. She looked down the stairs and saw Killian animatedly talking with her father, the older man was built with blonde hair and blue eyes. David, her father, was a deputy at the sheriff's office here in town and could be rather intimidating.

Her breath caught when she looked at Killian. He was in a black tuxedo, a black shirt and vest with a red tie to match her dress. His black shoes were shined to military quality and his hair was combed and styled to the side. Emma didn't think she'd ever seen anyone so handsome in her whole life. She started descending the stairs causing David and Killian to stop their conversation mid-sentence. David's eyes started to water and Killian met her at the bottom of the stairs, a corsage made of orchids in his hand.

"Hi," She said with a small smile.

"You look stunning, Swan." He smiled at her, using the nickname he gave her in seventh grade long ago. He opened the corsage for her and placed it over her left wrist.

"You don't look so bad yourself." She said with a small smile. Her mother handed her the boutonniere she had for Killian, and Emma placed the flower on the left side of his jacket. Mary Margert assaulted the couple with pictures as they headed out the door. They posed them in her front yard, and she kissed her father on the cheek. David shook Killian's hand and gave him the fatherly speech. Killian helped her into his truck, and they headed to have dinner before heading to the school.

They arrived to Tony's restaurant that was already busy with fellow students having dinner there as well before heading to their prom. Killian stopped Emma from getting out of his truck and he ran to her side to get her door. He offered his hand with a small bow, and Emma laughed, taking it and letting him help her down out of his truck.

"You didn't have to get my door for me Kil."

"And let you get out on your own for our date?" He huffed. "That's bad form."

Emma looked at her hands and looked up at him. "So you see this as a date?"

Killian scratched behind his ear, a nervous tick he has had since childhood. "I do, but I don't have to if that's not what you want."

Emma stood on her tips toes and kissed his cheek. "Maybe I do too."

Killian smiled at her, interlacing his fingers with hers as he led her inside. They enjoyed their meal, happily exchanging comfortable conversation and compliments. Killian couldn't get over how gorgeous and grown up Emma looked. He had a feel stir deep down in his gut, feelings about her he could no longer deny. He wasn't in love with her, no it was too early for that but he knew his feelings for her were moving out of the friendship realm. The couple finished their meal, settled up, and headed to the school.

There was a long line to get into the school, pictures took some time but they were just enjoying each other's company. Emma would lean into Killian as he placed his arm around her waist. Their turn for pictures came up and they stood shoulder to shoulder, Killian's arm around her waist and they held hands in front of them, smiles that could light up a city block. After pictures, they found chairs to place their belongings and Killian drug her to the dance floor. They danced to the fast music, the slow music, they took a small break and went and danced some more. The last song of the night came on, a slow ballad. Killian took Emma in his arms and held her hand as they danced slowly, looking into each other's eyes.

"Emma," Killian started, "Please tell me I'm not the only one who feels this pull between us."

Emma stared into his baby blue eyes, knowing she could drown in them. "No, You aren't. Took us long enough huh?"

He laughed and shook his head, "Aye, that it did." Worry crossed his brow, "Emma things will be changing soon, we graduated in two weeks and I don't know what's going to happen after that…"

Emma nodded, she knew what he meant that they may be going separate ways. Applying to different schools, trying to better their futures. But the feelings were now out in the open, and Emma didn't want to back down from that, even though it was scary as hell. She placed her hand behind Killian's neck.

"Then I guess we better not waste anymore time." She said with a small smile. Emma leaned up but stopped herself a moment, afraid of his rejection. Reading his eyes, she pulled him to her and placed a soft kiss on his lips. Killian pulled her closer to him, kissing her just as reverently.

They knew from this moment on, things were going to change.

The last two weeks of high school flew by, and they spent almost every waking moment they could together. It was the day before graduation, and Killian finally received his ship out orders from the Navy. He still hadn't told Emma about enlisting, he didn't want to worry her unnecessarily until he knew more but he had to tell her tonight and he was terrified of how that conversation would go.

Emma came over after work as he requested, she smiled at him and he hauled her into his arms. "Hi handsome." She smiled and kissed Killian softly.

Killian wrapped his hand in her hair and pulled her lips to his, kissing her like she might disappear. Tongues and Teeth clashed together fighting for dominance.

Emma broke first, searching his face and seeing he was upset. "Kil, what's wrong? I know you well enough to know when your upset."

Killian took a step back beckoning her to sit on the couch with him, "Please sit Swan, I need to talk to you."

Emma sat, tucking her legs underneath her and giving him her undivided attention.

Killian sat with her, taking her hands. "Do you remember me telling you about my father and I arguing before prom?"

She nodded, grasping to him but letting him continue. " He doesn't want me to go to Art school, and he spent all of the money my mother left me for tuition costs." he took a deep breath, " I was so angry with him and I needed to find another way to pay for school. I enlisted in the Navy, and I got my ship date today."

Emma was doing everything in her power to hold back her tears. She knew that Killian's father was difficult, and that he had been an alcoholic ever since Killian's mother died. But enlisted? She was proud of him for wanting to serve his country, but where would he go? Should she wait for him? They finally admitted their feelings for one another and he was leaving her.

"How long?" she asked quietly looking down at their hands.

Killian sighed, "Two days after graduation."

Emma sprang from her seat on the couch turning to him with her hands on her hips, "Killian! That gives us 3 more days together!" at this point the tears started to flow freely.

Killian stood and pulled her into his arms, cradling her head to his shoulder. He felt so guilty for leaving her, but he had to do this for his future. He pulled her chin up to look at him, "Emma I'm sorry. But I have to do this for my future. Please tell me that you I understand,"

Emma choked out a sob. "I do but Killian..." she took a deep breath, "We've wasted so much time."

Killian gulped hard and held her close to him. " I know Em," he kissed her forehead. "All we can do is make the best of the time we have and we will figure it out one step at a time."

All she could do was nod. Killian lifted her up in his arms and she wrapped her legs around his waist. He kissed her needily and she responded with equal fervor.

"Em, you mean everything to me." He looked up at her.

She looked down and kissed him softly. "I know, you mean the world to me as well."

"We'll figure it out, yeah?"

"Ok." She kissed him again as he lowered her down. Her heart was aching, knowing that in three days time, for the first time in thirteen years She wouldn't see her best friend everyday anymore.

It was the morning of his ship out date, and he was headed to the bus station with Emma clamped down on his hand. The past 3 days have flown by, spending nights late talking, kissing, cuddling, but going no father. He wanted to, God knows he wanted to but he knew if they crossed that line there was no way he could leave her. He got out of his truck, and she followed, promising him to return his truck to his father's house. They walked to the bus stop, and he stopped turning to her and pulling her tight against him. There were so many things that he wanted to say, on the tip of his tongue but right now all he could do was show her. His hands wrapped in her hair and her arms came around him and his lips crashed into hers.

Killian poured every ounce of emotion into this kiss, their tongues fighting for dominance. Emma was giving back as good as he was giving. She was trying to pull him closer and their lips fused together, searing him into her memory.

Killian broke first and put his forehead to hers. "Remember what we talked about, if an opportunity comes along for a better future for you, you take it."

Emma nodded "Ok," She reached around her neck and removed her necklace she wore. It has a silver swan on it with a crystal E. Reaching around Killian's neck, she clasped the necklace. "So, you don't forget me,"

"Swan..." Killian shook his head. "There isn't a day that goes by that I won't think about you."

"Good." She stood on her toes and kissed him again.

Killian saw his bus and knew he needed to go, he grabbed his rucksack and lifted it over his shoulder. He kissed Emma again, searing her in his memory. "I'll write to you, I promise."

Little did she know, that would be the last time she ever saw him