Captain Swan One-Shots

Second Chance, Part 17b

"Killian, you don't have to help me clean up."

"Nonsense, Swan. You took all the time to set this up for us - the least I can do is help."

She smiled at him as they finished packing up the basket. She then grabbed the handles and told him, "I'll put this up and grab your guitar."

He nodded before he watched her walk away. He settled back on the blanket and drew circles in the fabric.

Goosebumps appeared on his arms. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves, running his fingers through his hair

"Bloody hell, Killian – you've been in love with her since before you first danced to this song. You can play it for her."

He then ran his hand over his face.

"You okay, Killian?"

He looked up to find his girlfriend staring at him – worry filled her green eyes. He stood and closed the distance between them. He caressed her cheek.

"Aye, love. I'm just a bit nervous is all."

She gulped, her eyes widening. "D-do you still want to play the song? B-because you could do it another t-time."

He shook his head and cupped her face. "Emma – I think it's time you know just how much you mean to me."

He took a breath and added, "How much we mean to each other."

She smiled. She then passed him the guitar case.

"I think you'll be needing this."

With a nod, he took it from her. Their fingers brushed against each other's.

Emma ran her fingers through her hair as he told him, "I couldn't find your notebook. Is that okay?"

"Aye, love. I've memorized those chords by now."

He offered her a smile before he walked back to the blanket and knelt down. She joined him as he opened the case.

She couldn't help but smile as he started to strum. He hummed as he continued to tune the guitar.

He then brought his eyes up to hers, a smile playing across his lips.

"Ready, Swan?"

Her smile only grew as she nodded. His blue eyes sparkled as he adjusted his fingers on the frets and strings.

He smiled at her once more as he played the opening chords. He then started to sing.

"Highway run, into the midnight sun. Wheels go round and round, you're on my mind. Restless hearts, sleep alone tonight. Sending all my love along the wire.

"They say the road ain't no place to start a family. Right down the line, it's been you and me. And lovin' a music man ain't always what it's s'posed to be.

"Oh, girl, you stand by me. I'm forever yours - faithfully."

Killian never took his eyes from hers. Each word conveyed the depth of his feelings for her – it was as if he wrote them just for her.

Emma's heart fluttered in her chest – goosebumps rose on every inch of her skin. She bit her lip as he continued to sing. Her emotions threatened to overtake her.

The way Killian made her feel – like she was his entire world. Like they were always meant to find one another.

She then blushed deeply and ran her fingers through her hair.

Killian caught her and inched closer to her. He pecked her cheek before he finished the song.

"I get the joy of rediscovering you. Oh, girl, you stand by me. I'm forever yours, faithfully.