In Flames • Captain Swan

8. Under The Mistletoe

A/N: Lol I know it's still September, but this is a christmas chapter. Just for you not to be confused. Thank you!

One Month Later

EMMA'S APARTMENT

After Emma was discharged from the hospital after the accident, her and Killian continued living their lives exactly the same as before. Everything went back to normal, Killian and Emma had made up and they always acted like best friends, since they knew everything about each other, even though they knew one another for less than half a year.

Five months is an awfully short time for a true friendship to be developed, but in this case, living with each other and being together all day, every day helped their relationship develop. And, however, they were both in need of a real friend that understands them — maybe that was something that broke their walls and caused them to open up.

They both felt completely comfortable with each other — it was almost like they took each other for granted, even though only one month ago they learned that nothing should be taken for granted.

But they wouldn't be able to forgive themselves if something happened to one of them. They didn't want to lose each other, they felt like it was their responsibility.

There were, of course, feelings involved. Emma knew Killian was in love with her, he had confessed a month ago, but there was one thing Killian didn't know; that the feeling was mutual.

Emma didn't want to let Killian know what she felt for him, and always tried to hide her feelings from him. Killian, also, never pushed her to admit anything or even made her uncomfortable by showing to her that he was in love with her, and this helped a lot.

He believed that if someone was to make a move sometime, it should be Emma — he didn't want to push her, or, even worse, force her into a relationship she didn't want. Because, first of all, all Killian wanted for her was to be happy.

It was Christmas day, and Abby was ‘helping’ Killian and Emma decorate the Christmas tree. They even lifted her up to put the star on the tree, and she couldn't be more excited. As Killian had said, Christmas was her favourite time of the year.

They had just finished decorating, and Abby was insisting on opening the presents, even though it wasn't time yet. “Not yet, little love, first we have to wait for David and Mary-Margaret to come, we'll have dinner, and then you'll open your presents.” Killian said in a soft voice, kneeling and kissing her forehead.

Sometimes, he couldn't resist the cuteness of his own daughter, although he should have been used to it by now. He always gave her quick little hugs and kisses when there was absolutely no reason, just because she was being the cutest girl ever.

Abby always enjoyed it — as Emma said, she would be a real cuddler when she would grow up.

“We decorated a little late, but it was worth it. It all looks beautiful.” Killian pointed out, looking around the house and admiring the work they had all three done.

Emma smiled at him. “Well, I had never decorated for Christmas before. I just found no point if I was going to spend it alone — or by drinking with Mary-Margaret.” she said. “Plus, there are some things that happened some Christmas holidays ago, so it's not really my favourite.” she took her eyes away from him, avoiding eye-contact.

He didn't ask what had happened — he already knew life had been unfair and horrible to her. “Aye... I totally get that. I just decorated for Abby. You know, I couldn't take Christmas happiness away from her.” he said, caressing Emma's arm with his thumb.