#shoutout to liam for kicking ass as a beta reader on it too

[inked-out-trees]

happy 3000 to band(it)!

to be honest i haven't thought about it for quite some time, but as i was going through my stats page a few weeks ago I noticed it was close, and well - lo and behold. thought maybe it was time for a little introspection.

in some ways it feels like the person who wrote that fic is so far divorced from the person who now commandeers thespiritscalling and writes tens-of-thousands-word aus on silly theatre stuff. some things change, some don't, etc - it's been such a wild amount of time since i even consumed newsies content at all. for one, i actually plan fics now and finish them before posting (the idea of writing myself into a corner and having it all published is horrifying, what was i thinking!!) and real moments slip in more subtly. even so i can read my dedication to hope and family inside this, even when i hadn't yet discovered that it would permeate every bit of me, and i must say it's quite comforting. knowing that those band camp shenanigans are somewhat immortalized and things are - at least for them - frozen in a state of hope and wellness.

i never got to finish my final year at band camp. i was there for about three days until a personal event brought me home again and soured summers for years to come. so in a way, band(it) was my last version of that camp. i find that just a little bit poetic. all the goofies that happened (and the many more that were just fantasies... how i wish spy day had been a real thing) now exist to remind me of the goodnesses, the exhilirations, and the overwhelming love inside those campus walls. so that's pretty cool.

anyway, thanks to band(it) for kickstarting my romance of multichapter fics, featuring my first (but not last and never only) self-insert npc because i'm self-indulgent like that, and as always helping me flex my word skills. love always.

[resident-of-storybrooke]

Hi! Love your stories!!! Could you do a prompt with jealous!Killian or jealous!Emma? Anything else is completely up to you but maybe (please!) can you include Victor Whale (!!!) and Liam? This shall be kind of a surprise for your beta reader - I know she loves jealous!CS and Whale and Liam, so if you could do that for me, that would be awesome! THX

A/N Prompt: Hi! Love your stories!!! Could you do a prompt withjealous!Killian or jealous!Emma? Anything else is completely up to you butmaybe (please!) can you include Victor Whale (!!!) and Liam? This shall be kindof a surprise for your beta reader - I know she loves jealous!CS and Whale andLiam, so if you could do that for me, that would be awesome! THX

Ofcourse!! Thanks for the great prompt anon, I love this concept! This isdedicated to the amazing @rouhn!! I hope I make you proud!!!! And of course, shoutoutto @hookedonapirate for helping me with this story! Some canon divergence here,only to help out with the plot. I own nothing but my CS shipping heart. Make sure to follow me on FanFic (can also read the story here). Please keep sending prompts! I love y’all! 

Withoutfurther ado, enjoy….

Killian’sPOV

Wherethe bloody hell was she? Emma was supposed to be at the station 15 minutes ago,and although he found it cute that she was perpetually late, today itaggravated him. Maybe he wasn’t exactly mad at the fact that she was late, itwas more at the fact that she had been rather elusive this past week.

Killianwalked over to the couch on the far wall, but before taking a seat, he peekedout of the window and saw her - except it wasn’t just her. Liam was there withher. Killian was happy to see his brother and his Swan getting along, but theyseemed a little too close for comfort.

Theywere standing in front of Granny’s, Emma wearing her signature red leatherjacket (truth be told, he liked the red leather jacket), the dark blue jeansthat made both her long legs and arse look fantastic, and her black boots. Withsuch a simple ensemble, she took his breath away; she always had the capabilityto look so soft and yet, so much like the tough lass she was.

Theyhad only been dating for a short time, but he knew he was in love with her; he,had been since the moment he first laid eyes on her, even after she had tiedhim up and left him in the giant’s lair. He also knew how scared she was to bein a fully committed, really real relationship (her words not his). Moreover, he was afraid that if he told her the truth, she would probablyrun, so he made a promise to himself that he would let her be the first to say“I love you”; he was a patient man and would wait forever if he needed to.

Helooked out the window again to see that they had somehow gotten closer; Killianfelt his face and ears turn hot pink. What in the hell would Liam want withSwan? He saw Emma lean over and give him a big hug, Liam promptly returning itand giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Thatdid it!

Hestopped watching the scene that was unfolding in front of him; he could notbare the thought of Emma leaving him, especially for his own brother.

As hewas sulking on the couch, Emma came into the station with a giant smileplastered on her face. “Glad to see you could make it, Swan.” Emma must nothave seen him when she walked in, because her hands flew to her chest, andshe practically jumped out of her skin.

“Whoa,beware of lurking pirates! Fuck, Killian you scared me!”

Asmile should’ve appeared on his face - she only used his name when they werealone, usually doing more enjoyable activities - but it didn’t; he was tooupset.

“Myapologies, love.” He failed to resemble the overly confident pirate persona; hewas slouched over and couldn’t bring himself to lift his eyes from the floor.

“Lurkingand brooding? That’s a classic combo. Come on, tell me what’s wrong?”

Hecouldn’t look at her; his heart was broken and full of rage. He was afraid of losinghis happy ending, and couldn’t understand how his brother could betray him likethis. “I’m fine, Swan. Let’s just get on with it.” He got up and walked pasther, knowing he should’ve said something, but he also knew he would’ve brokendown if they had a conversation. He loved her, and he was scared she’d neverfeel the same for him.

Emma’sPOV

Shefelt bad about going behind Killian’s back, but it was the only way. She knewshe was late meeting Killian at the station, but he’d never seemed to mindbefore. Emma finished her brief meeting with Liam and rushed to the station.She and Liam seemed to be in a better place than where they were after they hadfirst met. Bringing him back to Storybrooke seemed to had made Killian happier;she loved seeing the man she lov-cared about so happy. She knew how much helooked up to his brother. Liam might’ve been a self-righteous ass sometimes,but he was also Killian’s hero and she could see why.  

WhenEmma walked into the station, the lights were off, which she found odd becauseshe thought Killian would’ve beat her there.

“Gladto see you could make it Swan.” Oh, no he was there, goddammit!

“Whoa,beware of lurking pirates! Fuck, Killian you scared me!” She realized she hadsaid his name; she loved calling him that, and usually it led to someinteresting encounters between the two of them. A quick blush crept across herface as she thought of those moments, but she knew if he questioned herreaction, she would blame it on fear.

“Myapologies, love.” She took a moment to truly study him; he looked like someonewho had just been kicked in the gut. Something was bothering him…did he knowwhat was happening? Maybe it wasn’t intelligent to meet his brother in themiddle of Main Street, but that couldn’t be it! Killian always loved it whenshe and Liam and got along. He always said how important family was to him and,though it may not’ve been official, she did consider him to be a part of theCharming-Swan-Mills-Gold-Jones family.

“Lurkingand brooding? That’s a classic combo. Come on, tell me what’s wrong?” Sheencouraged, making it sound more like a question than a command; usually he wasthe one encouraging her to share, it felt weird being on the other side. Sheknew that if they were ever going to make this work, it needed to be more of agive and take; she had been unfair to Killian in the past and she wanted tomake amends for that. Emma wanted to be the partner Killian deserved.

Shemoved from her desk to the front of the couch, kneeling down to be eye levelwith him. She gave Killian a warm smile trying to encourage him to share, butwhen she looked at him, she saw an array of emotions. She could see that he washurting, but he also appeared to be…pissed? Was he mad at her? What did she do?Oh god, he was going to leave her; he had finally had enough of her. Then sheremembered, it was Killian. This man had traded his ship, his home; he hadcompletely changed his ways and she knew it was for her. So what the hell wasbothering him?

“I’mfine, Swan. Let’s just get on with it.” When he walked past her, she feltsmall, like the abandoned child that she once was. Whatever was going on withhim she needed to figure it out, because she could not afford to lose the manshe loved.

Ohshit.

Killian’sPOV

As hestormed out of the station, he cursed himself for acting like a damn fool; hereshe was trying to talk to him, and he blew her off. No wonder she still hadreservations about moving forward; he wasn’t giving her much of a reason totrust him right now. Once he had taken a step outside, he knew he had to stop;he couldn’t act like a jealous prick. He turned around and there she was.

Sheappeared to be holding back tears. “Emma, please love, I’m-”

“No,Killian. Let’s just go. You made it clear that we were in a hurry.” Now he’ddone it. Nicely done, you git, he berated himself. She walkeddirectly past him, purposely hitting his shoulder before getting into thedriver’s seat of the bug. He followed suit and sat beside her for, which atfirst could have been described as, the most awkward and uncomfortable car ridein the history of all the realms.

Helooked over at her only once, and she had a death grip on the steering wheel;He was beginning to think that if she released her grip, then she would alsolose ability to hold back her tears. How dare he get jealous over a simpleconversation? He had no right to suspect anything, to be so cold towards her.Laying his head against the headrest, he closed his eyes, trying to think ofwhat to say to her. Then, out of nowhere, his left wrist moved; she had grabbeda hold of his hook. He turned his head to look at her in utter shock.

“Idon’t know what’s wrong Killian, but I’m here for you whenever you’re ready. Ipromise I’m not running anymore.” She didn’t take her eyes off the road duringher confession. Emma might not have said “I love you,” but he knew that herconfession was enough for now, and he needed to let go of any ill feelings hehad. He merely nodded, a small smirk appearing on his face. He wished he hadtwo hands to hold her; he knew she never minded him having only one, but,still, it would be nice to be able to give her a hand a squeeze.

Finally,they reached the town line where Snow, Charming, and Regina were all waitingfor them.

Emma’sPOV

Thecar ride couldn’t have been more awkward; she could almost hear his thoughts.She needed to remind him that no matter was going on in his mind, no matter thebattles he faced within, she would always be right by his side. So she did theone thing she could think of; she grabbed his hook and squeezed it as if itwere a hand. Emma didn’t move her eyes from the road, but in her peripheralvision she could see that he was taken aback by this.

Shetook in a deep breath. “I don’t know what’s wrong Killian, but I’m here for youwhenever you’re ready. I promise I’m not running anymore.” It wasn’t exactlywhat she wanted to say - Killian was better with words than she was - but shecould tell he knew what she really meant.

Theyfinally arrived to the town line where her parents and Regina were waiting forthe two of them. There was a protection spell over the town that Regina thoughtshe and Emma were powerful enough to take down. Her parents wanted to be thereto support her, but they needed to go soon. As much as she loved her mother shewas the worst at keeping secrets, and Snow had almost ruined everything earlierthat week at their family dinner.  

Emmaand Killian made their way over to the trio, hand in hook. “Hey, what are youguys doing here?” She tried to play it off like there was nothing wrong - herparents shouldn’t even be there - but her mom appeared to be uneasy, and Emmacould sense she was struggling to keep her thoughts to herself.

“Uh,I…we just thought-”

“Wewere both worried, and just wanted to make sure everything went alright withthe spell.” David was smooth, and even though she knew it was partly because hewas trying to cover up the truth, she knew their concerns were genuine ones.

“Right,well we should get the spell started.” Emma let go of Killian’s hook, threw hima wink and rubbed her hands together.

“It’sabout time Ms. Swan.” Thank god Regina could keep it together; at least shecould keep a secret (like keeping an entire town cursed with no real memoriesfor twenty-eight years). Emma desperately needed to talk to the three of themalone, but how was she supposed to get Killian to walk away without being tooobvious? “Do you have the spell? I sent it to you yesterday, remember?”

IfEmma hadn’t been in on it, she would’ve actually believed her.

“Dammit,I left my phone in the car…uh, Hook? Can you get my phone from the car? Ican’t remember the spell without it. Please?” she asked sweetly, batting hereyes. Her efforts seemed to be paying off because he had that playful smirk onhis face. She loved seeing her pirate returning to his more charming self.

Assoon as he walked away, the four of them gathered closely.

“Doyou think he suspects anything?” Snow looked around the group; neither of themwere impressed with her acting skills, or rather, lack thereof.

“Well,we all know how well you can keep a secret,” Regina teased with a smirk,

Davidrolled his eyes in response, and Snow stood straight up in defense,flabbergasted. She couldn’t think of a retort.

“OhI’m kidding, jeez. No, I don’t think the pirate knows the truth. How muchlonger are you going to let this go on for?”

Sheknew she was pressing her luck - Killian was quite perceptive. She looked overto the bug where Killian seemed to be struggling to find her phone. She duckedher head back down. “He saw me talking to Liam, or at least I think he did. Ifeel bad keeping something from him, but-”

“It’sthe best you can do until tonight, we know.” Her father gave her that signatureCharming smile. She was lucky he had come around and was now best mates withKillian. She could see Killian start to walk back over to the group.

Shit,he looked upset again - as if he were hurt by whatever was bothering himearlier.

“Listen,I love you guys, but I need you to leave - now.” Her parents knew theywere needed elsewhere, so they gave her a quick hug and said goodbye to Hook asthey walked past him.

WhenKillian approached, Emma went in for a hug. She was never one for PDA, but shestill wasn’t over their return from the Underworld, and liked to make sure hewas really there, every now and then. He usually welcomed her with open arms,but this time he just extended his arm, giving her the phone.

“Seemslike you really don’t need me, so I best be off. Bye Swan.” His voice wasstrong but at the same time, ready to crack;  it was as though he couldbreak down at any second. His face was white, but the tips of his ears werebright pink; it looked like he couldn’t decide what he was feeling at thatmoment.

Emmatried to stop him, but he shrugged off her arm and continued to walk away fromher.

Hewas actually walking away from her - from them.

Whathad changed in the five minutes he went looking for her phone? she wondered. Then shelooked down at the screen.

Seriously?

Killian’sPOV

Assoon as he walked towards the trio, he knew something was wrong; as if theywere all in on something, and he was the odd man out. He knew her parents stillhad some reservations about him, but he thought he was winning them over. Heand Regina, on the other hand, had always had some understanding, but he stillfelt very uneasy walking over towards the group.

“Hey,what are you guys doing here?” Usually Swan was happy to see her parents,especially after their adventure back in time - he could see their relationshipwas stronger than ever and that they truly loved one another - but what reallythrew him off was how Snow responded; he wasn’t even sure if he could considerthat a response.

“Uh,I…we just thought-”

Hecould see the quick flash of panic in her eyes - it was a simple question andyet she was struggling to answer it. What the bloody hell was happening?

“Wewere both worried, and just wanted to make sure everything went alright withthe spell.” David was smooth, but Killian could tell the Prince was hidingsomething from- well, he wasn’t really sure why. He decided not to look too farinto it, and to just let it go. Everything was just in his head, and he neededto move on from that morning and just be happy with his Swan.

“Right,well we should get the spell started.”

“It’sabout time Ms. Swan. Do you have the spell? I sent it to you yesterday,remember?” Regina seemed to be in a mood, but the Queen had been through a lotrecently, so who was he to judge her?

“Dammit,I left my phone in the car…uh, Hook? Can you get my phone from the car? Ican’t remember the spell without it. Please?” She used his moniker and batteredher eyelashes; he couldn’t believe his little minx was playing with him likethat in front of her family. He gave her a kiss on the forehead and went toretrieve her talking device. He still didn’t fully understand the blastedcontraption, but it allowed her to communicate with him, even when they weren’ttogether, so he appreciated the magical talking phone.

As heopened the driver’s door, he immediately found her phone - it was buzzingincessantly -and accidently clicked something; he wasn’t sure what, but itopened up her virtual correspondence with someone. He didn’t meant to pry, butfor some reason he decided to take a peek at the screen.

Whale:Everythingis good to go.

Emma:Areyou sure? I’m just really scared after our last appointment.

Lastappointment? What the bloody hell happened at this appointment? He knew heneeded to mind his own business, but since Emma wasn’t going to tell him whatwas happening, he needed to find out on his own.

Whale:YES!I promise. Does Killian suspect anything?

Thatbastard had the nerve to mention him during this…this transgression? Was thatwhat was happening?

Killianwas furious.

Helooked over to Emma seeing the lot of them huddled together. They all knewsomething that he didn’t, and he was tired of being the fool; privacy be damned- he needed to know what was going on.

Emma:No,he doesn’t. Thank god. I don’t know how to tell him…

Whale:Wellyou might want to tell him soon.

Whale:I’mready for the next appointment whenever you are

Whale:Ipromise, I am here for you, whatever you need sweetie

Thatbastard! That soon-to-be-dead bastard!

Killianhad read enough - he was done.

As hewalked back towards the group he could hear them mumbling; whatever they were hiding,he couldn’t care less about - they could all bugger off. He’d had his heartripped from his chest once by the crocodile, but this pain was different; howcould his Swan betray him like this?

Helooked up and saw Snow and David walking towards him, both with giant smiles ontheir faces. How could they be okay with this? He thought they had liked him,but apparently they wanted better than an old pirate for their daughter. Hedidn’t smile back at them; he couldn’t fake it as they did. As he walked overto Emma, she was opening her arms to bring him in for a hug. His heart wasbreaking even more, and he didn’t think that was even possible at this point.He wanted to be mad at her - he was hurt - but yet he wanted to get down on hisknees and beg for her to take him back. He decided to hand her the phone; hecouldn’t be around her right now.

“Seemslike you really don’t need me, So I best be off. Bye Swan.” He could feel hisvoice breaking - it matched his heart. She tried to stop him, but the tears hadalready started forming in his eyes. He knew he was being a hypocrite, but atthat moment it didn’t matter; he needed to go the docks and try to think abouthis future. He needed to decide if Storybrooke was really his home.

Whenhe arrived at the docks, he sat on the perch, feeling a sense of nostalgia ashe did, That’s when he realized that this was the same spot he and Emma oncesat when he said it was his job to protect her heart. He always knew there wasa chance she would run, but he never thought it would actually happen. Theywere so happy, or at least he was. He loved her; he always would, even if shenever loved him back.

Hesat there for what seemed like an eternity the ocean calmed him. He missedliving out on the open seas; he was a changed man and knew he couldn’t go backto being a pirate, but maybe an adventure wouldn’t be a bad thing. Then herealized that the last person he promised to take sailing was Henry, so theycould have an adventure. He had grown so close with the lad; Killian knew hecould never replace Henry’s father, but he thought of Henry as his own in someways. Killian knew he actually couldn’t leave Storybrooke; this was his homenow. There was a life before Swan, and he could try to find anew.

Hesaw someone off in the distance coming towards him, and he knew exactly who itwas.

“Ahoythere little brother! I’ve been looking for you all afternoon.”

Emma’sPOV

Seriously?Those are the texts he’d read? They did not look good, she could admit that,but it wasn’t what he was probably thinking.

Shit.

Sheshouldn’t have tried to go behind his back, and she should’ve just told him thetruth right away.

“What’shis problem?”

Emmamoved towards Regina to show her the texts, her jaw dropped.

“Ohno, he probably thought-”

“Yup,he saw me earlier with his brother, too. I thought he was onto us, but now I’mpretty sure he thinks I’m cheating on him with Whale.” Emma cringed at thethought, remembering that once upon a time her mother and Whale…yeah, shedidn’t want to continue any further with that thought.

“Well,what are you going to do? You’ve gone through too much to lose him over somethingso trivial.”

Emmawas taken aback; she knew Regina cared about her, but to think that the EvilQueen was one of her closest friends, always threw her off .

Emmatried to think of what to do, and realized Regina was right; Emma was not goingto give up on her happy beginning so easily. Couples fight, and there aretypically t things they need to work out - most don’t have to worry aboutVictor Frankenstein and their boyfriend’s formerly dead brother causing drama.Then it hit her. “Liam!”

Reginadidn’t seem convinced by the idea Emma offered her.

“Iknow Killian was mad at him earlier, but if anyone can get through to Killianright now it’s his brother. He’d always listened to Liam, whether he wanted toor not.” Emma called Liam and tried to explain everything, but he was toodisappointed with his brother’s lack of good form to fully listen and went offto find “Killian’s sorry arse”. Liam made a promise that Killian would meet heroutside of Granny’s by 7pm, as they had talked about earlier.

“Regina,you got this? I need to go get ready for tonight.”

“Goodluck. Oh and congrats Emma.”

Emmaleaned over, gave her friend a quick hug goodbye, and raced back to the bug;she still had a lot she needed to do before she saw Killian again - well if heshowed up, that is.

Killian’sPOV

“Goaway Liam, I don’t want to talk to you.” Killian turned his back, but at thesame time, cursed himself for treating his brother so cruelly after being apartfor centuries and finally reuniting again. He couldn’t look at his brotherthough; he was still upset from whatever he saw going on between he and Emmathat morning.

“Funny,I didn’t come here for you to talk, you git. Killian, what is going on withyou? I know your Emma is strong, but I could tell that she was upset; I couldhear it in her voice.”

“Wellbrother, I thought you and Emma were so close. Why don’t you tellme what’s going on?” His voice was harsh; he could tell his brother wastaken aback by Killian’s brash behavior. He finally turned to look Liam in theeyes, and all Killian could see was pity.

“Killian,I don’t know what you thought you saw, but I promise you it’s not like that betweenEmma and me. I know you love her, and don’t deny it. She brings out the best inyou, and you in her. I cannot tell you what we were discussing; it’s up to herto tell you when the time is right, but I promise brother - she loves you too.”

Killian’seyes grew wide; Emma loved him too? He could feel his heart becomingfull again, but then he remembered the texts.

“I’mnot so sure of that; I read her messages to Whale. There’s something going onbetween the two of them.” Killian hung his head again, and becameemotional once more.

“Killian,oh no little brother. Come here.” Liam wrapped Killian into a hug. The brothershad never been open about such displays prior, but without thinking, Killianwrapped his arms around his brother as well. “I wish I could get more into thiswith you, but I’m going to need you to trust me when I say you need to go meetEmma at Granny’s in - oh - well, now actually.” “

Killiancould see that his brother was being honest. Killian knew he needed to go toEmma, that there was more to the story. The wheels started to spin in his headof what was really going on with Emma, he thought was onto something then hisbrother’s voice cut in. “And remember Killian, a man unwilling to fight forwhat he wants-”

“Getswhat he deserves. Aye Liam I need to go to her.”

EmmaPOV

Shewas fine. Besides the pacing and the fidgeting, she was fine. She knew Liam wasgoing to get through to Killian; she knew that he was going to show up. He waslate - and being late was her thing. She made a vow in that moment to never belate again.

Shewas going over the plan in her head again and again; she was going to tell himthe truth - all of it. Emma decided she couldn’t let her fears control heranymore; what they had was real and true. She wasn’t the scared little girlanymore, she had her family she had her- “Killian. You came?”

“Aye,love I did. I talked to my brother, and I’m sorry for acting like a jealousarse and walking away from you. I should have never done that. I should haveconfronted you about the texts. I promise I will never walk away from you everagain. Can you ever forgive me Emma?”

Shecouldn’t help but smile at his rant as she moved closer to him, taking his handand hook. “Killian, there’s nothing to forgive. I would’ve reacted the sameway. Hell, I probably would’ve done a lot worse. I’m sorry you found thosemessages, and I know you saw Liam and I in the street and I’m sorry forupsetting you. I never meant to hurt-”

Killiancut her off with a kiss, and it quickly grew into something that could only bedescribed as passionate. Emma’s hands wrapped around his neck as he pulled herinto his arms so that there was no distance between them. Their hands startedto wander as Emma turned her head letting Killian deepen the kiss.

Theyfinally broke apart when they needed a breath; Killian rested his forehead onher’s.

“NowSwan, why did you want to meet at Granny’s? I can think of a few other placeswhere we could engage in more enjoyable activities.”

Emmahad completely forgotten why they were there and not in bed, but then sheremembered all of the people in Granny’s and that they were there for them.

“Ah,why don’t I show you?”

Hemerely nodded and gave her a kiss as she led them inside. As they entered thedark room she turned to Killian, and then the lights turned on.

Killian’sPOV

“SURPRISE!!!!”

“Bloodyhell!” Killian turned to Emma, catching the sheepish smile on her face - shehad done this all for him? “Emma, why?”

“Killian,as a family we have had some special moments here, together. We’ve celebratedwhen Mom and I returned, when Zelena was defeated and Neal’s birth, and I justwanted you to have your moment - us to have a moment.”

Killiancould feel the tears coming; for the third time today, he was going to crybecause of Emma. Gods, he did not deserve this woman, but he swore he wouldlove her until his last breath…again. He gave her a hug, and, rememberingthat they were being watched by pretty much the entire town, a quick peck onthe lips.

Killianmade his way around the room, greeting and thanking everyone, although he stillwasn’t quite sure what exactly they were celebrating. Reaching the back of thediner, he stood next to the booth where Snow, David, Henry and Regina werealready sitting.

“Love,as much as I appreciate this party, what are we celebrating?”

Emma’sface quickly turned a shade of bright red as she laughed looking down at herhot chocolate. In fact, everyone was either giggling, or making some silly facein reaction to his inquiry. He let out a huff. “Seriously, what is it?” heasked, looking around the table and trying to get someone to tell him.

“Ahlittle brother, I know it’s been some time since you’ve properly celebrated,but it’s your birthday!”

Killianturned around to find his brother.

“That’swhy you saw me and Emma in the street; she was just confirming that today wasyour actual birthday.”

“Ittook a lot of digging Captain, but with your brother’s help we were able tofinally find out your birthday. And you know I don’t really believe in fate orwhatever, but today is also the day we met…” She mumbled the last bit, almostas if she were embarrassed to remember their first encounter. He saw Snow’sreaction; she wasn’t doing much to hide the giant grin upon her face, and Davidand Regina rolled their eyes in response to her.

Killiangrabbed Emma’s hot chocolate, putting it down on the table so he could hold herhand. “Aye love; I know what today is for us.”

Hereyes darted to his, encouraging him to continue.

“Swanhow could I forget? It was the day I fe- saw you, the first time I felt like Iwas truly living again. Seems only fitting that I met you on my birthday -you’re the greatest gift I could ever hope for.” Killian stared at her as ifshe were his entire world - which she was. She couldn’t take her eyes off himeither, until he threw her a quick wink for good measure. He loved watching herblush and fully intended on making her flushed tonight, although for adifferent reason.

“Arewe good here?” Henry asked, quickly trying to cut the tension that wasobviously building between his mother and Killian. He knew he needed to reel itin, especially in front of the boy.

Emmaleaned over, gave Henry a quick kiss on his head, and apologized for “makingdoe eyes” as Regina loved to put it.

“Emma,I think you’re forgetting a very important part of the celebration?” her motherchimed in.

Killianraised one brow, eyeing her in confusion. Emma dropped his hand and went aroundthe corner to go grab a box covered in the most hideous parchment he had everseen. “It’s called a gift, Hook.” She was being sarcastic, and he loved whenshe teased him about being from another realm.

“Iknow what a gift is darling,” he responded, then spoke in a much lower voice,“I promise tonight I will be the gift that keeps on giving.” Thankfully, no oneheard the last bit; he was sure Dave would’ve run him through again if he heardwhat he had said to his daughter. Killian began to unwrap the gift and open upa box. His eyes blew wide when he saw what was inside.

Neverin his wildest dream was he expecting that to be inside the box.

Emma’sPOV

The partywas a success. Killian seemed to be enjoying himself, but she was stillpetrified of what was to come. She was enjoying spending time with her family -her very large and ever growing family. It was weird to think about how far shehad come since meeting Henry just a few years ago, she was forever thankfulthat little boy had come into her life again.

Killianand Emma made their rounds, saying hello to the town, thanking them for comingto celebrating Killian’s birthday. Emma thought it was cute that he didn’tunderstand why they had gathered everyone together. Killian’s words had movedher when he said she was the best gift he could hope for. Then Emma’s heartdropped when her mother reminded her of what she was waiting to give toKillian. She had never been more nervous in her life.

Whatif he ran? What if he didn’t want this? They hadn’t really talked about thisbefore, but this was Killian. He treated Henry like his own; he fit in witheveryone in the family perfectly.

Well,it’s now or never Swan. Emma excused herself, went, and grabbed his gift.

“Iknow what a gift is darling,” he responded, then spoke in a much lower voice,“I promise tonight I will be the gift that keeps on giving.”

Ohthank god her father didn’t hear that. She nudged Killian for his comment,encouraging him to open the damn thing. When he finally did, his eyes wentwide, jaw dropping down to the floor.

“Is..doesthis…?”

“Yeah,it does Killian.” There were two onesies in there that read “Daddy’s FirstMate” and “Mommy’s Little Pirate,” along with the sonogram from her firstappointment.

“Emma,we’re having a child?”

Shebarely nodded before he grabbed her hand, rushing away from her family. Shehadn’t expected that he’d literally run away. Then before she realized what washappening she was standing on the counter, eyes all on her and Killian.

“MayI have everyone’s attention? Good! I would like to let you all know that thiswoman has now given me the best gift for my birthday - and I don’t meanGranny’s lasagna. I am going to be a father!”

Cheersrang out from the entire crowd, as Granny hollered for them to get off thecounter.

Hefinally jumped down and carefully helped Emma back down to the ground. Killianwas still clutching on to the photo of their baby as they went outside to talkin private for a moment..

“Swan,how long have you known?” He couldn’t have wiped the smile off his face if hetried; he was practically jumping up and down as if he were the small child.

“Onlya week. Mom and Regina were with me when I took the test. They forced me to gosee Whale - that’s what those messages were about. I’m sorry I didn’t tell youright away! We were already planning the party and I thought - well Snowthought - that it would be a cute idea to give you the outfits as a gift.You’re not mad?”

“Emmahow could I ever be mad at you? You’ve made me the happiest man alive tonight, justas you do every other night.” Killian leaned in for a kiss and it quicklyescalated, as most of their kisses did.

“Killian,there’s something I want to say while it’s just the two of us.” Emma could seeKillian’s entire body posture change; he became tense which, given theirhistory, she couldn’t blame him. “I know I should have said this a while ago,and I feel like you already know this - or at least I hope you know. I loveyou, Killian Jones.”

Emmacould see the tension in his features transform into pure joy; it was as if hehad been waiting a lifetime for this moment.

“Emma,I feel like you’ve known for a while where I stand, but I’ve been waiting foryou to say that so I could say: Emma Swan, my love, I’m in love with you.”