My Captain

Announced

Emma woke slowly, first noticing how cold she was. Waking up cold was quite odd these days, as she and Killian had now shared a home for 6 months. She usually found herself sweating as she awoke, wrapped in the protective arms of her pirate. Hearing his footsteps coming toward her, she remained still, trying to keep a smile off her face. Something was set on the side table and the mattress soon sagged and she was once again wrapped in his heat.

He kissed her cheek and she giggled,  unable to contain herself. He laughed and pulled her closer. "I thought you were asleep, love. I didn't want to wake you," he said quietly. "you didnt," she giggled again, "but your absence did."  She twisted in his arms to face him and wrap her arms around him in return.

He never understood why she was only like this with him when they were alone. He used to think she was ashamed of him and their relationship.  But now he was pretty sure she was just afraid. Afraid of it all being taken away from her again. With other people around, there was usually a high chance of danger, and losing each other. Regardless, he enjoyed their private moments most, but would take any moment with Emma.

She just hoped he understood. She never wanted to lose him. Ever. But every time there were other people were around, it usually meant there was some new dangerous problem facing them all- but usually mostly her. Killian made it seem like they could be a normal couple when they were alone. After she restored his hand, there wasn't anything to remind her that they were fairytale characters and we're any thing but normal.

They lie there, wrapped around each other much longer than they knew they should. Killian finally reached behind him to retrieve what he'd set there earlier.  Emma was pleasantly surprised to be handed a small package. Her anticipation continued to build as she untied the silver ribbon and tore open the star covered paper.

They had shared many moments under the stars. In neverland, when he taught her to read the stars, and last night at the docks included. As she opened the small box, she realized that she wasn't the only one who loved the starry moments best. Killian had just given her something only they would truly understand.

Nestled on a cushion of satin, was a simple silver chain with a Cresent moon pendant.  The moon was silver with a tiny golden heart dangling from the top point. One side had intricate swirls and stars, and the other had a phrase that went straight to her heart. "I love you to the moon and back."

Her vision got blurry as tears began to fall. All she could do was stare at its beauty, full of emotion. He could usually read her like a book when they were alone, so he knew how much this meant. She closed her eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay, and felt his fingers behind her neck. Touching her chest, she found the moon fell right above her heart.

She tossed the box away and threw herself at him, burying her face in his chest, beginning to sob. He simply let her cry, knowing she needed it. He would be there for here, always. After far too long, in her opinion, she got control of herself. She looked up at him, ashamed of her outburst. He smiled and kissed her.

They were reveling in the fire when they heard a knock on the door. Knowing it was her parents, Killian simply yelled that it was open and he'd be out in a moment. He was wearing only pajama pants and Emma had thrown on one of is longer t shirts.

They walked, still wrapped around each other, out to their living room to meet what they thought would be just her parents. They were wrong. They were greeted by the entire family, and some extras including Elsa and her small family. Some mouths came open at their attire, including their own. But given that there was no hiding it, they remained in their embrace.

Her mother broke the silence.  "We've clearly come at the wrong time. Why don't you two meet us at granny's when you're ready?" Emma nodded and her mother ushered everyone out. As the door closed, Emma and Killian both started laughing almost hysterically.

Emma stood in front of their closet, unsure of what to wear. She loved looking girly and pretty with Killian, but no one else had really seen her that way. Killian was soon ready, and laughed at the perplexed look on her face. He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "You know love, perhaps you should just go like this. I like this look for you Swan." She laughed and just grabbed her ivory dress.

At granny's, conversation halted as the couple came in and sat across from her parents and son. "Hey kid," Emma said, obviously ignoring what happened at the apartment. Her mom broke the ice yet again, "We were worried last night. We looked for you, but figured you would want to be alone.  We thought you were angry and had a fight." "Well, I did want to be alone. To think. So I went to my favorite place, I thought no one knew about it. But that didn't exactly last long," Emma smiled. Her father shifted, clearly uncomfortable and remembering the scene earlier. Killian laughed, "Sorry mate, you're just going to have to get used to me." Emma put her head on his chest, as his arm was already around her waist, and David shifted again. Snow, however, read between the lines and her face lit up, ecstatic to see her daughter get her happy ending. Emma rolled her eyes, giving her her hand to show her the ring. Her mother looked up at her, and she sighed, knowing exactly what her mother wanted to do. Emma looked at Killian, asking without words. He simply shrugged, so Emma nodded to her mother whose face grew even more excited.

Snow stood, making David come too, and cleared her throat. It was Saturday morning, and the diner was full, nearly the entire town in attendance. All eyes went to Snow and David. Unable to keep the excitement from her voice she said, "If I could have everyone's attention,  please. Sorry to interrupt your meal, but we have some very exciting news!" She then looked to David, who smiled at her and continued, "We are delighted to announce that Friday evening, Killian Jones requested our daughter Emma's hand in marriage. After deliberation, she acceped. Well, delighted is a strong word... So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, Emma is engaged, so get ready for a royal wedding!"

Emma turned bright red, hiding in her fiancé's chest. Her parents made everything so awkward! Killian laughed and wrapped his other arm around her too as the diner filled with conversation, this time about them.