Our Future

Chapter 5* | Reunited

Emma's POV

Two Years Ago

Emma and Killian stood at the docks for what felt like forever, locked in each other's embrace as snow fell around them. Killian withdrew from Emma's lips and smiled at her.

"You're freezing, love. We should go inside." The words sent warmth flooding though Emma. She'd almost forgotten that her family were still waiting patiently for her return.

"You're right. Everyone's waiting for you, Killian." Pure joy flickered in his eyes and a boyish grin split his face. The happiness at seeing him alive and smiling down at her made Emma want to cry again. She settled for lovingly trailing her fingers along his jaw, feeling the warm pulse of blood beneath her fingertips.

"Then let's go home, Emma."

~~~~~~~~

Warm light still glowed from behind the curtains as Emma and Killian walked hand in hand up the pathway towards their house. Emma released Killian's grasp to open the door, and a flood of warmth wash over her, along with a cry from Mary-Margaret.

"Oh, Emma, we were so-" Everyone turned to see her enter, and they all froze as Killian walked in behind her, a sheepish smirk on his face. There were shouts of joy and everyone rushed to their feet. Henry sprung up and threw a hug around Killian, who grunted at the impact and grinned nonetheless.

"It's alright, lad." He whispered, embracing Henry in a way that made Emma's heart melt. Henry didn't reply, just broke away and gave Emma a lingering embrace. David came up next, a gleeful laugh resonating from him as he smiled like a child on Christmas morning. The two embraced, clapping each other on the shoulders in a very 'manly' display of affection.

"Thought we'd finally gotten rid of you, Pirate!"

"Not a chance, mate."

Mary-Margaret came next, tears trickling over her flushed cheeks as she hugged Killian. She whispered something in his ear and rubbed his arm affectionately. When she released him she turned to Emma, laughing as she brushed lingering tears from Emma's cheeks.

"It's good to see you," Robin smiled as he clapped Killian's shoulder.

"You too, mate." Robin stepped aside and Regina stood in front of Killian. He smiled and gave her a nod, which she returned.

"Don't do that again, Guyliner." There was surprising warmth in her tone, and Killian grinned in response.

"My apologies, your Majesty. Last thing I remember I was still in the Underworld. Then suddenly I was at the docks with Emma. Can't explain what happened."

"Well, you're back. And that's what matters." David said. He put an arm around Emma and kissed her temple. They were all together again. The way they should be.

~~~~~~~~

Emma let the hot water of the shower run over her, washing away all the pain and fear, leaving only the joy at seeing the man she loved so happily reunited with her family. He really was a part of their family, and there was not a single person who would deny it. The looks on their faces when he's walked in behind her would be with her forever. That shock followed by utter, unadulterated joy. The way Henry had ran to Killian and thrown his arms around him, the way Killian had returned the hug with a happy and surprised grin made her heart melt with love and warmth for her two boys.