After All

Chapter 11

Emma and Killian interlaced their hands as he caressed hers gently. After some moments in silence Emma made a choice.

"I need to go back, Killian" she whispered with a broken voice "My parents think I'm dead. I need to see them. But I can't do it alone, I need your help"

Hook gave her a small smile before dragging her close to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

"I will help you, love. I'll make sure you make it to your parents and then-"

"Then we'll figure out whatever we need at its moment. Okay?"

"Aye. Let's go to sleep now"

Both laid themselves on the big and fluffy bed without saying anything else. It was hard for them to manage the sleep with all the thoughts that went through their minds.

The morning sun rose with power, covering the land of Arendelle with its warm rays of light. Emma opened her eyes and kissed Killian's nose.

"Wake up captain" she said softly.

"Ten minutes, love" he responded without opening his eyes.

"Nope" Emma stood up and wriggle into her loose clothes. Killian groaned before she threw a pillow at him.

"Hey!" He exclaimed pop opening his eyes "That was rude"

She tilted her head to one side.

"Get up lazy. Time to leave"

"As you wish" he said cutely.

Suddenly, someone knocked. Emma ran silently and opened the door not completely.

"Anna. Good morning"

"Morning! I was afraid of waking you up but I see you're already dressed"

"It's time we left. We need to get back to the Enchanted Forest as soon as possible"

"Oh I see. Because of your parents. Hey, at least have some breakfast, it's not good to leave with empty stomachs"

"Alright, we'll go- I mean yeah. I'll tell Killian in a moment. I bet he's getting ready in his room as well"

"Uh I thought he was here in your room" Anna said with a smile as Emma's jaw dropped just a little.

"Wh-what? No, he's in- not here"

"C'mon Emma, stop pretending there's nothing between the two of you. I see the way you make eyes at each other all the time. And by all the time I mean last night at the dinner"

Emma couldn't help chuckling.

"Is it that obvious?" She asked trying to hide her blush.

"Kinda, yeah. To be honest, I think Hook and you make a great couple"

"Y-you really think so?"

"Of course. A pirate and a princess together sounds exciting" she exclaimed euphorically "Well, I'll see you guys downstairs. There's gonna be chocolate muffins so hurry up before someone finishes them" the freckled princess turned and made her way through the corridor. Emma closed the door and glanced at Killian.

"At least one person approves of us" he put in, making her grin.

"You're still mad at Elsa, aren't you?"

"Not mad. Just... Uncomfortable. I understand her worries about me but seriously, she can at least try to be less bossy"

"Let's go have some breakfast" Emma said before they headed downstairs.

Surprisingly, Elsa was waiting for them at the entrance.

"Morning. How was your night?" The Queen asked peacefully.

"The bed was pretty... cozy" Hook answered rather confused.

"I'm glad you liked it. Come, food's ready" she turned and walk forward.

Emma and Killian gave each other a 'what had just happened' look before following Elsa.

They all took a seat and began to eat. Anna devoured half of the chocolate muffins by herself.

"Wow, I had never seen a woman who ate as you much as you do" Killian exclaimed.

"I usually don't eat much. Must be the pregnancy"

"You eat like an army of twenty since you had three years, sister" Elsa admitted.

"What? That is so... True"

Everyone laughed.

"My sister told me you're planning to leave today" Elsa said staring at her plate and then at Emma and Killian "It's a shame you can't stay longer. But hey, Misthaven is not that far. I'm looking forward to seeing the both of you quite soon"

"Did I miss something?" Emma asked placing down her fork.

"No. Seriously, I really hope you come visit us soon"

"Your attitude is different than yesterday's, Queen Elsa" Hook stated afraid of what she might respond.

"Just call me Elsa" she smiled "And let's say... Anna convinced me about you being a good person and a perfect man for Emma."

"You did that, Anna?" Killian asked surprised. Anna nodded with a piece of muffin in her mouth.

"Plus I heard part of the conversation you had after dinner in your room. Sorry" Elsa continued embarrassed "The point is, that I'm truly sorry. I'm not expecting you to forgive me but-"

"Elsa, it's fine" Emma said taking her friend's hands "I forgive you"

"So do I" Killian said "And I understand the situation you were put in. Your friend arrives with a stranger who turns out to be a pirate"

"But now I have another perspective on pirates. They're not all evil, some can be great" The Queen smiled.

With everyone not hating on each other, Emma and Killian got ready to leave and began to say goodbye to their friends.

"Thanks for everything, Anna" Emma told her "For convincing Elsa specially"

"It's nothing. I'm fan of love and I can't stand people who is against it" Emma frowned her eyebrows "Has he told you yet?"

"Tell me what?"

"The three words... You know, the special ones. The ones who everyone wants to hear"

"Anna, in English"

" 'I. Love. You' Those words, that single phrase. Has he?"

"Uh..."

"He hasn't! How can he? Wait, you hadn't told him either, had you? Oh my"

"Slow down. What's going on with you? Why did you suddenly begin to spoke about... Love and special phrases?"

"Because I can see the love Killian and you have. It's beautiful"

"I don't think we're ready to say that phrase. It's rather intense and... I don't know"

"Stop worrying about it. I mean look at Kristoff and I. We're a pair of crazy people. He loves reindeers, I love sandwiches"

"Maybe you're right"

"Of course I am, Emma. Listen to me and don't let anybody tell you what's wrong or right with your love. What matters is what you think and your feelings"

"Thank you Anna. You're such a great friend" Emma hugged the girl tightly.

"Have a nice trip and remember to visit us soon"

"We will"

Emma walked outside joining Killian's side, before they headed to the Jolly Roger.