A Lieutenant Duckling Story

So Close

You're in my arms, and all the world is calm

The music playing on for only two

So close together

And when I'm with you, so close to feeling alive

-So Close (from Disney's "Enchanted"), Jon McLaughlin

Killian was standing toward the back of the ballroom of Queen Ariel and King Eric's castle. His brother was discussing business on the other side with Seabrooke's naval captain.

Killian kept scanning the ballroom for blonde curls even though he knew it was pointless – he knew Emma didn't have a way to keep from transforming and was in the middle of that lake. It seemed his heart was slowly beginning to override his head when it came to the princess.

He hadn't really talked to her since that day they spent together, and he wanted to see her for reasons he tried not to think too hard or long about.

He had been so lost in own thoughts that he didn't hear Emma's name being announced, but he couldn't help but stare as he watched her talk with some other royals he presumed to be friends of Queen Ariel. Even from this distance, he recognized her blonde locks and those green eyes that were lit up with laughter.

He couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation as to why she was here, and he supposed there was only one way to find out. He told himself that was the only reason he was asking her to dance.

The music had begun, and he made his way around the other couples before he found himself in front of the princess. He cleared his throat, and as she turned toward him with that gorgeous smile of hers, he bowed as he took her hand in his and asked, "May I have this dance, Princess?"

She returned his bow as she answered, "You may, Lieutenant."

He led her in the midst of the other couples. Their hands stayed together as Killian moved his other arm to encircle her waist and Emma's free hand moved to rest on his shoulder.

As Killian locked eyes with hers, he couldn't help but notice the princess seemed as nervous as he was – which surprised him. Normally, she had this easy confidence, but perhaps she felt the same as he did with her being in his arms.

As they began dancing, Killian remembered what he had wanted to ask her, "So, Your Highness, how is it exactly that you are here?"

"It's quite a long story, but let's just say that Ariel was my fairy godmother," Emma answered.

Killian pondered her answer for a moment before he said, "Ah, I see."

It was clear that Emma had overcome whatever nervousness she had been feeling as she teased, "Is that the only reason you asked me to dance, Lieutenant?"

Killian surprised even himself as he answered, "No. I wanted to dance with you, Emma."

Emma took a moment to consider his words before she smiled in response, and Killian just knew his face had gone red. She then said, "Well, I hope you're a good dancer, Killian, because it's been a while since I've been to a ball. I may step on your toes a few times – especially in these heels and this corseted dress."

Killian couldn't help but laugh before he sincerely said, "Well, Emma, you may be rather uncomfortable, but you look absolutely beautiful."

Emma – who wasn't used to Killian complimenting her like this – smiled rather shyly as she began, "Thank you, Killian," before she resumed her playful tone, "You look quite handsome yourself. I almost didn't recognize you outside of your uniform."