Hey all! Sorry that I haven't updated in a while. It's been a whirlwind few weeks for me. Here's the next and last chapter. I hope you enjoy it and I just want to thank you all again for the favourites, faves, and follows. You guys are awesome!

Disclaimer: I own nothing

The Jolly Roger had only just landed in the blue waters outside of Storybrooke when at least three of its passengers started the onslaught of questions that Emma and Hook knew would be coming.

"What the hell was that?" Regina shouter not two seconds after letting go of the rope she had been holding on to.

"Can you two explain what the hell just happened?" Charming was next in line, arms crossed and stance defensive.

"What bit of magic did you use for that trick, dearie?" Rumple asked curious as to what magic they had tapped in to so that they could open and go through the portal.

Emma and Hook just stood, looking at each other and ignoring the questions for a minute before they both broke out laughing. Everyone looked between the two of them startled and unsure of what was happening and what the joke was that they didn't get. After a couple minutes they managed to recover themselves though smiles still graced their features as they realized they had found the thing they had been looking for the most. Each other.

"Would you please explain to use what the joke is Miss Swan." Regina's tone was terse at best. Emma returned the glare in full force before answering her, and everyone else's questions.

"Honestly I don't know what "bit of magic" we used, just that it's a bit of magic that has existed between Killian and I since we were children." Everyone again went silent at this, but mostly everyone turned to Hook to watch his reaction. Emma had called him by his given name, not his moniker. It was the first time she had done so since they were children and though he appeared shocked he was also exceedingly pleased.

"Could you elaborate, if you please, Miss Swan?" Rumple asked, curious as ever about the connection that she was referring to.

"We, Killian and I, have…. Well, we've met before." She watched everyone's faces as her words seemed to filter into their brains. Emma sighed knowing that she was going to have to explain far more than that before they left the subject alone. "It was right after the first real family I had had passed away. I ran out of the house unable to bare the pain of losing more people that were so close to me. I kept running and eventually tripped and fell in the woods near my house. I curled up and wanted nothing more than to be somewhere where I would be happy. I woke up in an unfamiliar forest. Killian found me and took care of me. That time I was only there a day. Come evening I disappeared and came back to this world as though only a few hours had passed."

"Emma, are you saying you've been to the Enchanted Forest?" Mary Margaret voiced at last.

"Yes. At least, that's what Killian told me when I asked about it. Why?" Emma was confused.

"That's impossible, the curse destroyed all of the land after you were sent to this world. There would have been nothing left." Mary Margaret shook her head trying to figure this out.

"I was there when Hook was still a child. He was a two years older than me when I visited." Emma was shaking her head as she watched all of the faces before her. None were more interesting than those of Rumple and Regina.

"Miss Swan, you mean to say that you were transported to the Enchanted Forest during a time before the curse?" He sounded stunned as if he and all his magic couldn't explain it.

"Yes….I think so." Emma drew out her words unsure of how the timelines matched up.

"She did, I was in my mid twenties when I became a pirate." Hook chose his words carefully. He and Rumple at least managed to be civil to each other and he didn't particularly want to bring all of their dirty laundry out into the open. Again.

"How is this possible?" Charming turned to Regina and Rumple. "I thought there was no way to travel between the realms outside of portals?" He looked confused as everyone tried to piece the timeline together.

"I don't know." Regina answered incredulously. "Do you?" She looked at Rumple who was tapping his fingers against his chin trying and retrying to think up ways that the two could have been brought together without a portal.

"Miss Swan, how did you come and go from our world?" He was curious, nothing like this had ever happened before.

"Well the first time I just kept wishing to be in a place where I would be happy. After that Killian gave me that necklace of his. It didn't work every time though. It only worked when I needed him most. But I would hold it," she gestured to the anchor necklace. "And think of him. I didn't end up in the same place every time. It was where ever he was. One time I landed on his ship." Emma tried to explain as best she could. "It never made sense to me; I was gone days sometime in the Enchanted Forest but only hours passed here."

"How curious." Rumple seemed lost in thought but land was nearing and they could see a large group of people waiting for them on the shore having spotted the ship and waiting for the members to anchor.

"We should discuss this later, for now we have other matters to attend to." It was Charming that made the suggestion and everyone nodded agreeing that at another time in the next day or two things would be discussed and the magic that was within Emma that allowed her to cross worlds without a portal would happen.

As the weary group reached land and eventually walked down onto the dock everyone raised their voices in victory and triumph as they cheered the "heroes" of Neverland. Even as Regina, Rumple, and Hook walked forward the cheers continued. Raising his hands above his head in a motion to quiet the people in front of him Charming spoke to the people with his queen, standing beside him.

"People of Storybrooke, we have been victorious and have rescued Henry!" Another loud cheer went up before Charming raised his arms again to bring them back into order. "We have been successful but only because of all of our members. Captain Hook," Charming gestured towards the pirate leaning against the railing of the ship, "Rumplestilskin, and Regina were all vital to our survival as much as I or Snow or Emma." Everyone was silent as they waited for their king to continue unsure of how to accept the people that they once thought were villains now heroes. "Together, as a team, we were able to defeat Pan, trapping him on the island in Neverland forever. It took sacrifice from all us. We all learned new things about each other and had to endure the hardships of that land as a group. Our pasts do not define us. They create us and mold us but there is always room to learn and grow. I ask you to do that now." Charming waited as he glanced around the crowd seeing the hesitancy among all of the people. "These people worked to save my grandson and keep the rest of us alive. They did not stab us and they have proved themselves time and again. I am making a public statement today that Regina, Rumplestilskin, and Captain Hook are no longer enemies of the crown." A loud murmur rippled through the townspeople.

"How do we know they will not revert to their old ways." A voice of asked from the front, it was Grumpy.

Emma stepped forward looking him square in the face before leveling everyone else with the same look. "You have to trust them." She looked back to Killian as she spoke the words, knowing the weight of them. "We do not see their changes because we are so blinded by our own prejudice of them that we are unwilling to even accept that they could change. All three of these people helped to return my son to me. They have ensured the safety of our world, and others, but closing off Neverland. They have sacrificed their own needs for the many." Emma moved forward gaining confidence and voice as she did so. "They have a past yes, but do we not all? As you all know I was a thief once. I served my time but that had once tainted your vision of me. Like them I am no different. To judge them and treat them differently is the pot calling the kettle black. I, like my father," She paused at the word, but continued, "advise you all to look past what you have seen and take a leap of faith because what you might find is what you never expected."

Everyone clapped at that. Agreeing with her strong words and she could see that the people just might take her advice. She turned at looked at them all then watching the various emotions play out on their faces. Noticing how each of them was reacting to the words spoken about them.

"As much as we all love speeches it's time to celebrate. Party at Granny's, it's on the house." Granny raised her voice before the loud cheer again went up in agreement to drinks and good food. As everyone dispersed and made their way slowly towards Granny's Emma realized that she needed to clear a few things up. Looking at Henry as he beamed at her side she smiled.

"Go with Regina, I'll catch up with you later." She looked over to the other woman, nodding in a civil understanding that Emma understand that Regina needed to be with him as much as she did.

"All right." He reached up to kiss her on the cheek before running to Regina. "See you later!" He waved as he and Regina walked away hand-in-hand.

She could feel more than one set of eyes on her and chose to direct her attention to the more pressing of the two. Neal. Turning to face him, Emma took a deep breath, unsure of how to deal with all of this. Looking up at the man she once loved Emma realized that a part of her still did deeply care and even loved him. However the love she felt for him was something a friend of a long time would share with another. He had scarred her, pained her, and changed her. He had done some many things that she could never see him how she used to. He seemed to know that she wasn't his and that he didn't really have a chance with her.

"Emma." His voice was wobbly, betraying his sadness that he had lost her again.

"Neal, I'm sorry but. I can't." Her words were cool and heavy. They weighted the air around them with tension as Hook made his way around the deck performing the necessary duties and not doubt hearing their conversation.

"I know and I'm sorry." He moved forward to hug her awkwardly as her arms stayed at her sides for a long minute before briefly wrapping around his back.

"I am too." The stood back from each other at the same time, before Neal turned and left, going and finding others.

Emma turned around to look at the man that helped her through so much and that she had loved so deeply. He had helped her when there was no benefit for him and when his enemy of centuries had come along as well. His selflessness overwhelmed her. Looking at him now it was clear things had changed but the only thing that hadn't was how he felt for her. Even after forgetting her and everything with Milah his love was still as strong and passionate as she now remembered it. Making her way slowly over to where he was working Emma let her weight fall against the mast unsure of what to say or do. Having felt her presence the moment she begun to walk over Killian tied the last knot with expert ease before turning to face his swan.

They looked at each other with uncertainty written into all of their features. They had loved and forgotten, and then loved again. Each failing with both of their respective loves before finding one another again. It felt weird, like it was another life time when they were both young and innocent and carefree. She glanced up to his face reading the emotions crossing his face with such speed that it made her still. Killian took another step forward, invading her personal space so that there was barely anything left between the two of them.

"Emma." He breathed he name with a sigh of relief before slowly raising his good hand to her cheek. Emma smiled weakly, the increasing amount of emotions growing and gathering beginning to create a terrifying storm that she couldn't work out. "What are you thinking Emma?" Killian could see the turbulence inside of her. He could feel her tension and he could just almost hear the wheels turning in her mind of all the reasons she shouldn't do this.

She laughed at that, an anxious desperate laugh she wasn't sure how to follow. She needed to know that he wasn't an apparition of her past sent to haunt her; she needed to know that he was here to stay and that they wouldn't be separated again. Not like that, not was strange really, he had been so real for the last weeks, but now as she stood on the deck she couldn't bear to lose him like she had last time, disappearing without any control. She place both of her hands on this face tracing the soft skin before reaching his stubble.

"I need to know you won't disappear." She closed her eyes as she shook her head trying to ignore the reminder of the pain she had felt when she had left. "It killed me when we got separated last time." She kept shaking her head, the images replaying themselves before her eyes. "I can't do that again." She glanced up to his face, only inches above hers and saw everything she needed to see. Love. Promise. Adoration. He would never leave her as long as that choice was in his power.

Bringing his hooked arm around her he finally pulled her flush to him enjoying feeling her so close again. "As long as it is within my power I promise, love." He stroked her cheek gently enjoying the feeling of her pressing into his embrace. They had been through so much already and the fear that the other would disappear like before was still lodged in their hearts. They could only hope that now, they would always remain together. Humming with contentment Emma looked at him openly committing his promise to her heart. She knew that the life they would lead would not be a simple one. She was the saviour and the inevitability of having to fight again made his words feel safer. As long as it was within his power. Emma though, his power. He understood what would happen and the enemies they would have to fight but if he had a choice he would stay with her. Killian closed the distance slowly gently sliding his hand and hook to her waist as he traced the area of skin that peaked out between her shirt and jeans before pressings his lips gently against hers. He could feel her lips turning up into a smile as he continued to pull and press and lick and suck at her lips slowly. Emma sighed, letting the smile take over her face completely as her arms slipped over his shoulders to bring him closer before twining in his fair. Opening his mouth to take a gulp of air Killian was surprised when he finds her tongue dancing along his lips before entering his mouth, taking advantage of his vulnerability. He smiled, that was just like his Swan. They continued like this for another few minutes, enjoying the warmth that was spreading around them and encompassing them in its arms. Pulling back as the need for air became immediate they chuckled together.

"Shall we join the others love?" He kissed her nose playfully.

"Probably would be best, otherwise they'll think were up to other activities." She kissed him one more time before wrapping her hand in his and starting to walk away.

"Only when we're ready." He whispered against her neck, feeling the shiver moving down her spine at the suggestion but not before kissing him again. He had been nothing but a walking innuendo since she had met him and now, when they finally had each other he was leaving the choice open. When they were ready. It would be a choice they made together. As much as Emma couldn't deny she wanted him she wasn't ready to move that fast and couldn't believe that he would leave the choice open to her. Again she was astonished at how he always gave her the space she needed. Never pushing too hard or too fast. Hand -in- hand Killian and Emma walked to Granny's smiles on their faces as a lightness began to fill where once there was only pain and darkness.

Two Years Later:

"Are you ready for this?" Emma loved having her mother in her life, she did, but it was the hundredth time she had been asked this question, or a variant of it and it was beginning to grate on her.

"Yes, mom. I'm more than ready." Emma studied her reflection in the mirror. The first dress she had seen had been too flowery and poufy. It had taken two more tries before the seamstress had understood that Emma wanted a simple white gown with a little bit of detail along the bodice. Now, Emma couldn't imagine anything better. The dress had been fitted to her perfectly, giving her the shape and lines she had been looking for. Emma had asked about wedding traditions in the Enchanted Forest when Killian had first asked her to marry him a year ago and apparently they didn't have many. It was more dependent on the family traditions than anything. Emma then explained how in her world there were wedding traditions.

"Something old." Snow said as she brought a beautiful silver tiara over placing it gently on her daughters head around the braided design she had chosen.

"Something new." Emma watched as Snow lifted a locket up behind her before placing it around her neck.

"Something borrowed." Snow placed the veil into the braid before pulling the shorter piece to partially cover her daughter's face.

"And finally something blue." Snow grinned wickedly at her daughter as she brought out a dark blue garter. Emma laughed joyfully as her mother had respected her wishes and helped to find things that would apply to each category. Sighing Emma looked at herself one last time before turning to see who had come through the door. It was her father, dressed in his finest trying not to cry.

"You look beautiful Emma." He smiled at her brilliantly as he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "Shall we, it's almost time?" Nodding Emma wrapped her arm in his as he led them out of the room and down the hallway to a set of closed doors.

Emma looked up at David before watching her mother walk down the aisle as her matron of honour. "It's time." David stood tall, squaring his shoulders as he looked down at Emma smiling. He had agreed with her choice long ago, had actually won the bet between him and Snow.

The doors opened again as the music began and nothing could have prepared Emma for the moment that she saw Killian standing there at the end of the aisle waiting for her. The moment he saw her he couldn't stop looking, even if he had tried. His smile shattered his face and Emma couldn't help but mirror his expression. Suddenly nervous she shifted her eyes down for a moment before looking back up at him and seeing the validation in his eyes. He would never push her too far, he would always understand her, and no matter what he would never hurt her like she had been hurt again. Smiling once more Emma realized they were now in front of the dias where they would say their vows.

The ceremony passed with little disturbance. Emma had originally wanted a small wedding, but in the Enchanted Forest that just didn't happen. She had complied and smiled as her mother soothed her little brother back to being quiet after his outburst of tears. The ceremony ended and the festivities had begun. Emma was seated properly next to her now husband who couldn't stop looking at her. Leaning against him, Emma tried to find a comfortable position as the corset she was wearing was growing more and more uncomfortable. Time moved quickly as they danced together, threw the boquet (which hit Regina in the head), Killian threw the garter that landed on Robin as he was standing next to Regina. The blushes that ensued after that made the new couple smile to themselves as they full well knew that the two had been "getting to know each" other the last year and a half.

The party was still in full swing five hours later when Killian felt a hand wrap around his and pull him into a darkened alcove. Slightly startled before realizing it was his wife Killian brought her close. "Now, what is it that the lovely lady wants?" He smirked at her.

"To get away. I think its time to escape." Emma returned the grin full force.

"What about your parents?" He looked back to where Snow and Charming were laughing with Regina and Robin something he thought he would never see.

"They're busy, and plus they know I have something up my sleeve. They're surprised I've stayed this long." Emma shrugged her shoulders with nonchalance that made Killian laugh. She had thought of everything and was asking him to whisk her away. A request he was more than happy to fulfill.

"Then your wish," He kissed her slowly, dragging his lips away just enough, "Is my command." Bringing her over to the railing he reached down to grab the rope that had been tied there, awaiting their descent. "Shall we?" Emma laughed to see that he had already had the rope placed and ready. Looking over the edge made her smile all the more. There at the base of the rope was the Jolly Roger, ready to take them out to sea for the two week honeymoon they had planned. It was perfect.

"Together." Emma looked at the man before her and couldn't help but fall in love with him all over again. Their lives had been train wrecks. Neither of them had lived a happy life save for the time they had spent together but now everyday could be better than the last, and it would be.

"Together." Killian smiled as he tugged on the other rope that would belay them down. Landing on the deck Killian helped Emma the rest of the way down, steadying her as a wave rocked the ship and caught her off balance. Emma responded by wrapping her arms around him before moving in to taste his lips. She could taste the whiskey he had drunk earlier; he must have sneaked it in like the pirate he was, mixing with the sea. The taste that she loved and would never tire of. Emma titled her head pushing herself into him, enjoying hearing him groan as he pushed back with equal force as he wanted to taste her as much she wanted to taste him. Tired of the copious amounts of clothing that had covered up her pirate Emma's hands moved from his shoulders down towards his chest where she began to untie the cravat and unclasp the buttons that held the navy blue sailors coat he had worn.

"Impatient are we?" He chuckled as he moved down to her neck. Biting and sucking at various spots making her hands stilled as all other thoughts fled her brain before gliding his hands around her back and loosening the corset she had been in for hours.

"You have no idea." Emma moaned as he bit and licked at her pulse point unable to continue her work on his vest as her brain was taken over by the pleasure he was bestowing upon her.

"I have a surprise for you." Killian pulled away from her neck leading her down to his cabin. At his words Emma stiffened, he knew she didn't like surprises. Surprises in her life never went well. Instead of all the things she considered she would find when he said those words as they headed to his cabin what she found was nothing she could have imagined. There on the bed was three different outfits for her to choose from, but instead of the dresses and corsets he had managed to supply outfits with pants and shirts. She hugged him. It was so small but it meant so much. "I know how much you hate the dresses and corsets your mother makes you wear so I had this made for you. I figured you'd be a bit more comfortable in these." She laughed and kissed him, pushing him back slightly as he hadn't been prepared for her weight slamming into him. "Change and meet me up on deck, I have to get us started on our heading." He smiled but let her go as he dropped his outer coat in the chair and headed back up the ladder. Changing quickly Emma relished the feeling of the pants the clung to her skin, her favourite bra, and a shorter tunic that she had tucked into the pants before slipping the leather boots over he feet and up her calves. Climbing up the ladder Emma made her way over to her husband as she wrapped her arms around him before resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Thank you for the clothing." She kissed his neck, taking her time as she tasted the skin for a moment before pulling back. She could feel his body tighten in front of her, smiling she ducked under his arm standing in front of him now.

"Don't thank me quite yet. I have every intention of ripping it off of you as soon as we anchor." He shivered as she began to drop kisses along his jaw and down his neck before pulling his shirt open a little more to continue her way down along his collar bone.

"That is unless I undress you first." Her voice was slightly breathy as she looked up at him through her lashes giving him a teasing smile before moving back to place more kisses along his neck that made him moan and close his eyes.

"Siren." He muttered above her before pressing her against wheel. Emma let out a surprised yelp before moving up to kiss his lips. Responding to her with vigor Killian allowed them to get lost in the moment, not caring where the ship would go. Open water was before them in all directions, they would be safe. A few minutes later they broke apart, resting against one another as their breaths billowed in sync between them. Turning around Emma settled against Killian as he stood back to correct the ship's course. Wrapping one arm around her, Killian hummed as they sailed out into the ocean enjoying having her in his arms once again. The realization that this was forever made him smile from ear to ear. She was his just as he was hers. That knowledge alone calmed his racing heart of their uncertain future. No matter what or who they would fight, they would always find each other, they would always meet again.

Alright so there is the last chapter! Let me know what you think of the overall story as I would love to hear what you have to say about the plot and character developments and what not. Thank you again for reading and following. If you like, take a look at my new story "Say Something" that I uploaded for my CS Valentine. =)

-Annika