A/N: It's finally here - the epilogue that I wanted to write but that didn't want to be written! So sorry for the long wait, hopefully the fact that this is super long will make up for it? Hope you enjoy and thank you all for reading!

3 Months Later

A gust of wind blows in Emma's face and she ducks her head, gripping Killian's hand more tightly. They are hiking along the ridge of a mountain on the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara, an enormous expanse of shimmery blue sea surrounding them, the sun shining in all it's glory.

"Alright there, love?" Killian asks, his eyes obscured by dark sunglasses, but the sincerity clear in his voice.

"Yeah, sure, I just hope we make it to the beach before sundown."

"Not to worry, darling, we're right on schedule. We should have just enough time to set up camp before nightfall." He squeezes her hand and she smiles, feeling like she's finally in the right place at the right time - and most importantly, with the right person.

Emma places one foot in front of the other, carefully navigating the stones on the trail. It's been a long journey to get here, but just like the hike they're currently venturing on, she feels somehow it will all be worth it in the end, despite the hardships they may have endured along the way.

Killian's gunshot wound left him hospitalized for weeks, but he's made an extraordinary recovery. His doctor declared proudly that he's "a survivor," which elicited an even prouder smirk from Killian that Emma couldn't help but return. He had required a lot of physical therapy afterwards, but he's healthy and strong, obviously benefitting from his active lifestyle and regular surf habit.

She'd been there for him as much as she could, almost daily visits to the hospital to check in on him and make sure his spirits were up, making out like naughty teenagers when no one was looking as long as he felt up to it, lying next to him and watching TV together when he wasn't. Meanwhile, she harangued Regina into letting her in on the Gold case, and that, while causing Killian concern for her safety, also brought him an immeasurable amount of hope and relief.

With Killian in the hospital and the remnants of stress over what went down at the mansion reverberating throughout her being, she threw herself headlong into the case, clutching at the few leads they had like straws and willing the pieces to fall together as if her mere hands contained the power to make it happen. As much as David tried to offer his assistance, she mostly brushed him aside, both wanting and needing to handle it on her own, though it didn't escape her that tracking down the killer of Killian's ex-girlfriend was a bit...complicated emotionally. Maybe she wanted closure for that chapter in his life as much as he did. Maybe she wanted it even more.

In the end, it all came down to a good old fashioned manhunt, something Emma excels at. Gold's boat captain was the missing piece of the puzzle. If they could find out what happened that night he took the boat out with Milah, perhaps they could prove there was foul play involved in her death after all. But the man in question went missing south of the border several years before, and no one had seen hide nor hair of him since. That is, until Emma Swan came looking.

Emma hunted him down like the hapless weasel that he was, and with a bit of grit and determination, her efforts came to fruition. Turns out Gold paid him off and then threatened the man's life, giving him no choice but to hide out in Mexico, content to waste his days away on liquor and gambling. His choice of company could have been wiser though - one of the town's prostitutes led them straight to him. He was so scared when she and David came at him with their guns trained on his face that he practically pissed his pants, sweat staining the armpits of his white linen shirt.

Getting a full confession and an agreement to testify wasn't even a challenge. Emma learned that he had taken Gold and his wife out that night and was instructed to keep his eyes peeled for other boats in the area. Later, when they returned to port, Milah was missing and Gold told him to get lost. Hiding where he couldn't be seen, he watched as his employer put on a show for the cops. Gold had never once requested help nor told the captain she had gone overboard, but his boss made it clear he was to play along - or else. He begged for forgiveness as if Emma and David could absolve him of his sins, and Emma would almost have felt sorry for him if he wasn't such a slimy asshole who knew someone had been murdered and did nothing about it. Their only job at that point was making sure he stayed alive to testify in court, something the FBI was usually pretty good at.

What was a challenge, however, was keeping the extradition orders and everything else a secret from Robert Gold so that they could catch him unawares. It seemed like he had a set of eyes and ears just about everywhere. Regina was good at being sneaky, though, and when the warrant for Gold's arrest was placed in front of his arrogant, steely face, Emma could see the shock and surprise fill his eyes, his nostrils flaring despite his attempt to remain in control. The disturbing level of utter darkness in his features might have scared her - she'd never seen him up close before - were it not for the fact that she was quickly moving behind him to attach handcuffs to his wrists, which locked together with a very satisfying click.

Over. It was over. They could put the past behind them and start from a clean slate. She'll never forget the look on Killian's face when she told him, it was as if years of torment and worry were washed away in an instant. He kept thanking her profusely, kissing the back of her hands, telling her what a savior she was. She had never felt more proud than she had been in that moment, and she had never before had someone all to herself to share it with, someone who looked at her like she was a goddess and could do anything she put her mind to. It was a bit unnerving, but she couldn't stop smiling all the way home from the hospital.

Of course, life just isn't that easy. The back-patting and smug grins around the office were replaced with nervous glances and sour grimaces as word came back that Gold was going to fight the case with every ounce of his strength. The bastard was released on bail, despite their recommendation that he be kept behind bars due to flight risk, and somehow he had gotten through to his captain, who started to change his story as the court date approached, leaving Emma so frustrated she wanted to scream. In the end, she had to admit to Killian that though they knew Gold probably killed Milah, they may never be able to put him in jail for it. The bastard was just too powerful.

She'd come to see him at the Jolly Roger during her lunch break, wanting to break the news to him in person. Despite the obvious tension in his jawline, he did his best to reassure her.

"'S'alright, Emma. You gave it your best shot. I'm satisfied knowing that he's seen the inside of a jail cell, even if it was only for a few nights." He sighed heavily, settling his hand on top of hers and she offered him a weak smile in return. "I can only hope they were the longest, coldest nights of his despicable life."

She turned her hand over in his and squeezed his fingers as they looked at one another, silently acknowledging the others' grief with a sympathetic smile. Emma breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that it wasn't nearly enough, but at least Killian could make peace with it, and in the end, that was all that really mattered to her. She was proud of him, truly, with the way he was letting go of his thirst for vengeance. She knew it couldn't be easy, but she could see in his face that he meant what he said.

It wasn't the outcome either of them wanted, but the silver lining was the way it brought them together, scorned lover and thwarted officer of the law. At that stage in their relationship, still so fragile and new, they needed all the common ground they could get.

Emma knew she had a lot of making up to do considering the basis of their relationship had been built on lies - her lies. After the pirates' case had closed and they were free to move on from there, everything felt new but tender, Killian's wounds both physical and emotional. The only thing that kept them together at all was the depth of feeling they had for one another, the sense of finding a kindred spirit, and the absolute certainty of their attraction to one another. The chemistry had been there right from the very first moment they met - the kind that made the air crackle with tension every time they were in the same room. She was lucky that Killian was the forgiving sort, and that she was brave enough to give their romance a shot.

Well, that was still being determined with each new day, but she was hopeful. Maybe Mary Margaret was finally rubbing off on her after all.

It would have been a beautiful new beginning, their relationship blooming steadily from that place of hope and mutual understanding, if it were not for the Liam factor.

There were things that Emma was still learning about Killian, and one of those things was that no one - and that means no one - gets the better of Killian Jones without his big brother having something to say about it.

Oh, Liam was friendly enough at the hospital - bringing her coffee now and then, exchanging small pleasantries while they visited with Killian - but when he realized she and his brother were actually planning on taking their fake relationship from the undercover operation and making a real go at it, that's when his overprotective mode went into overdrive.

Emma remembers with anguish the first time she walked into the Jolly Roger after Killian was released from the hospital.

"Agent Swan, what brings you here?"

Emma stopped in her tracks, suddenly uneasy, as the corners of her lips lifted in a tentative smile. Her eyes darted about the room in an attempt to locate Killian.

"I'm here to see Killian," she said nonchalantly as she walked towards the elder Jones.

Liam's brow knit together as he regarded her thoughtfully, scratching at his cheek, and Emma halted in her tracks.

"Is there news about Gold? Or more follow up on the case? Because I thought you were quite finished using my brother to get what you want." He tilted his head at her challengingly as he leaned over the bar, hands placed firmly on top of it revealing tan, muscled forearms, and piercing blue eyes appraising her cooly. Emma's mouth went dry. What happened to the warm man she had met here before? The one who thought she was so good for his little brother?

Taking a deep breath, she took a few measured steps towards the bar, raising her eyes until they met Liam's straight on. Carefully, she slid onto a bar stool, leaning forward so that the other people in the bar wouldn't be able to hear their conversation.

"Look, I, uh, don't know what Killian's told you, but he and I, we -"

"Let me guess, you think you're in love?" He slid his tongue over his lower lip, shaking his head at her in disapproval as he tossed his bar towel over his shoulder agitatedly. Emma didn't know what to say.

"How does he - I mean, who are you really, Emma? Is that even your name? You drag my little brother into this mess and almost get him killed, and now you expect to just waltz in here and have me welcome you with open arms?" The disgust in his voice was palpable.

"No, I -"

Emma was completely taken aback, her heart racing uncontrollably. She thought - well, she assumed that Killian had told his brother about their relationship, but apparently she was wrong. And if he didn't tell his brother, what did that mean exactly? Was he just waiting until he got home from the hospital to let her down easy? Or he didn't have the strength to refuse her advances? She was the one who confessed her feelings for him at the hospital, she was the one who felt as though she was being ripped in two when she didn't know if he would survive the shooting. Perhaps it had all been one-sided, and in his drug-addled state he had just gone along with the whole thing.

Emma stood up quickly, barely able to look at Liam as she pushed herself away from the bar and began backing up.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled, just as Killian entered the room, looking first at his brother and then at her fleeing form.

"Emma, wait!" she heard him call, but she didn't turn around, didn't stop when he called her name again, only burst through the door out into the California sunshine, hoping that she could lose him in the crowd.

Her mind in a state of panic, she rounded the building and began walking briskly down the alley when she heard quick steps following behind her, and then his hand was grabbing her arm, forcing her to stop and face him.

Killian's face was full of torment, his brow knit together as his eyes searched her face.

"What did my git of a brother say to you that's got you fleeing the premises?"

Emma folded her arms over herself protectively, her body full of jittery tension as she felt her cheeks flame hot, blinking back tears as she steeled herself to look at him.

She shook her head, looking away. "Nothing."

"Like hell he said nothing! You look like you're about to fall apart. Now tell me what this is all about." He grasped both of her arms, turning her until she was facing him completely. "Emma, please," he implored, the pleading in his voice her undoing.

"He doesn't know...about us. If there even is an us…." her voice trailed off weakly as she stared at an empty bottle over by the wall, pretending it was the most interesting thing she had ever seen. Anything to avoid looking at him, anything to retreat from the sharp pain of rejection she was sure was coming, that had come so many times before.

Gently, Killian took her chin in his hand, lifting her face to look at him. When she finally raised her eyes, she sucked in a deep breath. The complete and utter adoration in his expression took her breath away as he smiled at her tenderly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. When he spoke, his voice was softer, full of compassion.

"Emma, love, I told my blockhead of a brother about our relationship a few days ago, but he didn't approve, said I couldn't trust you because you'd lied to me, and him too, which if I know my brother probably bothers him more than anything else. He's loathe to admit he was so easily beguiled by you." He smiled at her and Emma began to recognize her heart thawing, though she was still feeling flighty and uncertain.

"But Killian, what if he's right? I mean, do we really know each other well enough to be...together? Our entire relationship is based on a lie!" She watched as his smile faltered and his expression grew serious. Then he looked heavenward as if for strength before he continued, keeping a firm hold on her upper arms as if he was worried she might still turn and run away.

"Listen, someone told me once that a man unwilling to fight for what he wants deserves what he gets." He took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

What did this have to do with anything? she wondered, momentarily confused.

"And what do you want, exactly?"

Killian focused his intense blue gaze on her, though his eyes were soft again, full of earnestness.

"Why, you, of course." He shook his head at her, disbelieving.

As he took another step closer, she could feel the ions between them becoming charged, the tension vibrating the air all around them as he gazed deeply into her eyes and Emma held her breath, processing this new information. His words finally got through to her stubborn mind, and she was struck with sudden clarity, relief washing over her as her heart bloomed with wonder.

A single tear escaped her eye as she took his scruffy face in her hands and raised up on her tippy toes slowly, their eyes remaining locked until she pressed her lips to his and let her eyelids fall, her mouth doing the talking that her voice refused to do.

As their lips met, a rush of feeling swept over her.

Strength. Unity. Hope. And most importantly, love.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him and cradling her against his warm body protectively. Emma had never felt like this before - so adored and cherished, and with the absolute certainty that she belonged. It was a new and wonderful feeling that she wanted to hold on to with all her might.

Sighing as they pulled apart, Emma settled her head on his shoulder, her fingers still bunched in his shirt as he gently stroked his fingers through her hair. She'd been a fool to doubt him, she knew that now, but it was so easy for her to fall prey to all of her doubts and fears.

"Can I take it that means you want me, too?" he asked softly, and Emma grinned up at him as he tilted his head down to look at her, his face teasing but also displaying the kind of vulnerability that was so rarely present with him, a precious thing.

"Yes, Jones. I want you." She rubbed at his shirt collar thoughtfully, unable to meet his gaze. "I love you," she whispered.

"And I, you," he whispered back.

He bent down to kiss her again, and Emma was swept up once more, feeling like she could float right off the ground and never return to Earth. He loved her. He would fight for her - for them. How could she not love this man? He delivered all of his message in his kiss, and she eagerly attempted to answer him until she was struggling for air.

Pulling back, she looked at him thoughtfully. "You and your brother aren't going to have a duel or anything, are you? I mean, you didn't mean literally fight for me, did you?"

She felt him chuckle deep in his chest, shaking her while she remained pressed up against him, fingering at some of the chest hair escaping his shirt.

Killian shook his head. "No, Swan, I reckon not, but I will give him a stern talking to regarding how he is and is not to treat my girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Emma's head snapped up instantly, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Killian stroked her cheek softly with his thumb."Yes, Swan, usually when two people love each other and want to be with one another, that's what the boy calls the girl he fancies." He rolled his eyes at her exaggeratedly while he hugged her closer and Emma couldn't contain the giggle welling up in her throat. She wasn't sure she was ready to be anyone's girlfriend, but somehow his humor helped softened the blow.

"Alright, alright, boyfriend, care to have lunch with the girl you fancy?" She smirked at him.

"Aye, that I do." He kissed her again, just because he could, and Emma smiled against his lips, full of newfound happiness.

Things were going to work out somehow, she could feel it, and even if they didn't, Killian Jones would give her one hell of a ride. That was one bet she was willing to go 'all in' on.

Liam lightened up a bit after Killian talked to him, but it didn't hurt that Emma brought Ruby with her the next few times she came to visit Killian at the bar. These days, it would seem that Ruby was giving Liam plenty to smile about, making Emma grin and shake her head as they reached the cliff overlooking the beach, revealing an untouched golden crescent of sand, flanked by brilliant turquoise water capped in foam.

Killian takes her hand, smiling at her curiously as they stop to admire the view.

"What're you thinking about, love?"

Emma bites her lip, tucking her hair behind her ear with her free hand before sliding it into her back pocket.

She shrugs her shoulders. "Just Ruby and Liam. I've been instructed not to call or text over the weekend as the two of them get 'better acquainted,'" she tells him, lifting her eyebrows to convey the full meaning.

Killian grins at that, his hand curling around her hip and drawing her close so she's facing him. His tongue goes inside his cheek thoughtfully as he leans down and gently nudges her nose with his, their thighs bumping together. Her hand goes instinctively to his chest, rubbing a soothing pattern over the place where he was wounded.

"And did you deliver equally strict instructions for my brother and your friend, hmm?" He leans down and Emma shivers as his hot breath fills her ear, the whisper of his scruff brushing against the outer shell as he runs his lips up over it. "Because I intend to keep you very occupied, Emma." Something about the way he says her name, dark and full of sinful intent, makes her gasp, her eyelids fluttering closed. Holy shit.

Then he presses his lips against her neck, right where it meets her shoulder, and lightning hot arousal shoots straight to her core as he bites her there, soothing the mark with his tongue, wet and warm. Swallowing thickly as he pulls away, looking a bit too smug for his own good, Emma raises a cool eyebrow at him, though she's struggling to keep her breathing even.

Her voice comes out deep and gravelly, surprising her. "Well, then, Jones. You better get down there and build me a tent." She gestures towards the beach with her head.

"Your wish is my command, highness," he replies, bowing slightly as he steps away, watching her intently until he finally turns away from her. Emma shakes her head, following after him as he heads towards the trail leading down to the beach.

Although she finds him unnerving any time when he gets that close and pours on the charm, the feeling is more heightened than usual because they haven't made love since the first time - the night he told her she was a fool to trust him. For a long while, she carried the weight of that association with her amorous thoughts, but lately it's begun to fade and when she catches him looking at her in a certain way, his eyes hooded and his tongue tucked between his teeth, she wants nothing more than to pounce him, hard.

Between his gunshot injury and the frenzy of tracking down Gold's boat captain, there just hasn't been time to get...reacquainted with one another. They finally decided that a weekend alone, completely free from distractions, was the ultimate plan. Killian suggested hiking to this beach on the Channel Islands due to its pristine beauty and the fact that not many people bother to make the journey, almost guaranteeing they'd have the place to themselves, something you can't say for nearly any patch of sand in Southern California.

Now, an entire day's journey from civilization, a wide expanse of secluded beach promising a safe haven, Emma can feel her heart race faster as she watches the way he moves in front of her, the taut firmness of his ass speaking to the more primitive parts of her brain, the ocean breeze enlivening her senses as she hears the waves roaring in the distance. As if he can somehow perceive her mood, he turns around and gives her a devilish wink - the bastard - making Emma want to run the rest of the way down the mountain and tackle him to the ground. She bites her lip in earnest as her mind wanders to what sorts of positions would be comfortable in a tent.

Unfortunately, the sun is sinking low on the horizon, and with the added cover from the hillside, it's already starting to get dark on the beach, necessitating quick action once they reach the bottom. They unpack and begin building their fortress together, getting the tent up and their food items set out in no time, Emma thinking to herself all the while, We really do make a great team. This, despite the fact that Killian makes it a point to touch her or slide past her body unnecessarily every time they pass each other, jolts of electricity spreading through her body at his touch and waggling his eyebrows at her when she looks at him in contempt. So, that's how it's gonna be, huh?

She can't be mad at him though, because she feels just as impatient as he does to have his body pressed up against hers, and she hopes and prays that there won't be any other unexpected hikers joining them in their secret hideaway. At the same time, she can admit that she's just a little bit nervous, and she kind of wants everything to be just right before they go there. Emma takes extra care in making up their bed in the tent, because even though they couldn't bring much with them on the hike, she wants the feeling to be romantic, albeit a bit rustic in nature. She adjusts the position of their lantern and adjusts the blankets once more before she backs out of the tent.

When everything is arranged to their satisfaction about the camp, they move towards one another, coming together like two halves of a whole, completely drawn to one another. She takes a moment just to drink him in - the ruddy pink of his cheeks from a day in the wind and sun; the way his henley drapes over his body, effortlessly highlighting the muscles in his broad chest and shoulders; his dark hair tousled in the wind, making her itch to get her fingers in it, and the expression in his sea-blue eyes, sparkling with energy and mischief, the dimple showing in his cheek.

"So…" Emma starts, raising an eyebrow at him as she steps into the circle of his waiting arms, placing her hands on his chest.

"So?" he repeats, cocking an eyebrow.

"You know what we need now, right?"

"What's that?"

"To get our fire started."

Emma bites the inside of her cheek as she looks up into his eyes, not missing the way his pupils dilate, his eyes growing dark. She feels his breath hitch against her palms.

"Mmm...is that right?" He bends down and presses his lips firmly against the sensitive skin at the hollow of her throat, making her breath catch. She threads her fingers through his hair instinctively, scratching at his scalp.

As his lips ghost over the exposed skin of her chest, her tank top leaving plenty of room to work with, Emma struggles to retain her composure. Killian works the tip of his tongue in between her cleavage and she closes her eyes momentarily, clutching at his shoulders, before she remembers what she was going to say. A brisk gust of wind that makes her shiver reminds her why she needs him to stop before they get carried away, though her lips positively ache for his kiss. With a heavy sigh, she pushes lightly at his shoulders.

"Yes, I mean...we might get cold out here. Once the sun sets completely."

Killian stops what he's doing, though he makes sure to press lingering kisses up her chest and neck before he pulls away. She smiles at him to let him know she was enjoying his attentions but is still preoccupied with the status of their current operation as she scratches lightly at the back of his neck.

"Too right, lass, too right. Help me find some firewood?" He runs his hands down her arms until he reaches her hands, and then he laces his fingers with hers, squeezing gently. "What kind of boyfriend would I be if I allowed you to get cold on our very first camping trip?" He raises one of her hands to his mouth, turning it towards his face so he can kiss the back of it as he keeps his eyes trained on hers with that soft, twinkling expression he reserves just for her.

"One who apparently doesn't know why I moved from Boston to San Diego in the first place," she quips, disentangling one hand to turn and look around the beach. "There." She points over to a pile of driftwood in the distance. "Let's get this beach toasty."

Killian grins at her in amusement, but he follows her willingly, keeping her hand in his as if he's unable to break the connection. Then he helps her collect the firewood, offering his arms for Emma to pile the branches atop of until he can hold no more. Emma is impressed with how much he'll put up with just to make her happy and she smiles in satisfaction all the way back to their camp.

By the time they get back, it's darkened considerably, and they'll have to get the fire started soon unless they want to light up the lanterns.

Emma gestures towards the pile of firewood they've assembled. "Now what?" She waves her hands at the wood uselessly, remembering that she's never actually built a fire before, at least not one that didn't start with a Duraflame log.

"Allow me, highness," he replies, bowing low at the waist with his hands spread wide.

Emma rolls her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. "You don't have to call me that, you know."

Killian looks up from where he's flicking a lighter at some brush. "Why shouldn't I? I have every intention of treating you like a princess now that you're mine, and royalty should be regarded as such, don't you agree?" He winks at her and Emma feels her heart flutter. His princess. She's glad it's dark enough to hide the flame that's likely coloring her cheeks.

Picking at the sand with her toe, she watches him work, a little bit impressed with how easy he's making it look as the flames start curling through the logs, emitting white tendrils of smoke. There are a lot of things about Killian Jones that she finds impressive, she realizes.

"How do you know how to do...that?" she asks curiously, as she tucks her hands in her back pockets and gives him her full appraisal.

Killian smirks up at her. "Didn't I tell you, love? I'm practically a boy scout. Always prepared and all that." His devilish wink belies his statement.

Emma scoffs. "You're no boy scout."

Killian looks affronted. "Why sure I am. I helped the FBI take down a ring of criminals and everything."

Emma huffs a laugh at that, shaking her head at him. "I suppose I can give you that. Still, there's just something…" She tilts her head at him, considering her words. "...naughty about you. Sorry," she deadpans, shrugging her shoulders, "all I see is a pirate."

Killian rises from the fire, edging his way around it with slow, predatory footsteps, his dark eyes trained on her as he lifts his chin in defiance.

"I prefer dashing rapscallion."

Emma bites her lower lip, practically daring him to come for her. "See? Just like I said, naughty and mischievous."

He eyes her up and down briefly, noting her relaxed pose and then he comes for her, darting through the sand and kicking it up as he runs. Emma moves quickly, attempting to jog backwards so she can keep an eye on him, holding her hands out in defense.

"I'll show you naughty and mischievous," he growls as he reaches her, grabbing for her waist. The laughter bubbles over and Emma can't stop now, even more amused by his irritation at her teasing. Just then, she trips over a small log and falls backwards, taking him with her, both of them landing heavily with an "Oof!" Though he attempts to break his fall with his arms, he still lands right on top of her, covering her body with his and she can feel his heart beating quickly against her chest.

"Are you alright?" He starts to back up, looking her over in concern, obviously worried he'd hurt her.

"Yeah, I'm just fine," she assures him, her tone more serious now as she tugs on his shirt until he's forced to lie back on top of her, arching one brow at her as he perceives her intentions. Craning her neck up off the sand, she meets his lips halfway, and it's fireworks and a deep sigh of relief all at once. God, she loves his kisses.

"Mmm," she moans as his tongue glides past her lips, one of his hands roaming over her body while the other cups her face, fingertips digging into her hair. It takes her brain a moment to catch up with her body, and then she's sliding her hands down his back, finding that ass she'd been admiring earlier and pulling him into her, spreading her legs a bit. She gives as good as she gets, tangling her tongue with his, tasting him, twisting her neck to take the kiss deeper and faster. Heat spreads over her body like wildfire, and once again she's reminded of how good they are together. Oh fuck yes. They're finally going to do it. It's been so long, too long.

Killian is making noises that sound like dirty, happy little sighs, and he feels so good against her that she hardly notices the rock that is digging into her lower back or the coolness of the damp sand until she hears a strange little grumble whose source she isn't at all sure of, but she thinks she may have an idea.

Opening her eyes, she pulls back from their kiss, resting her head in the soft sand as she peers up at him through the dim light.

"You're hungry, aren't you?"

Killian smirks at her and she rolls her eyes.

"You know what I mean!"

Nodding, Killian sighs wearily, pulling her up to a sitting position with him.

"Starving, actually," he answers a bit sheepishly. "It's been quite awhile since we last ate."

Emma chuckles softly, rising to her feet and holding out her hand to him. "Come on, let's go have our picnic. What kind of girlfriend would I be if I let you go hungry?"

Killian smiles, accepting her offered hand and letting her pull him up to standing.

"Oh, I've no doubt I'll be properly sated before the evening's over." He raises both eyebrows and Emma can only shake her head at him, suppressing a smile.

"Mmhmm."

She tries to ignore the burning ache between her thighs as they walk through the sand, back towards the fire.

Dinner consists of grilled chicken from the night before and a pasta salad that Emma premade and packed into a plastic container. Once they begin eating, she realizes just how ravenous she actually is and is almost embarrassed at the speed with which she shovels the food into her mouth. Likewise, they down what seems like gallons of the water they brought, her body desperate with thirst. Afterward, they share grapes, taking turns trying to throw them into each others' mouths and laughing brightly every time they miss. Killian dives for one and manages to catch it, pumping his fist in the air triumphantly as he cheers in victory.

When the grapes are gone, they settle next to each other, backs up against a log and feet stretched out in front of them, bare toes getting warmed by the fire. There's a beat of comfortable silence between them that stretches out as they look up at the stars in the sky, amazed by the beauty of their sparkling light. She'd had her reservations about coming out here to the islands, but now she sees that it's exactly what he promised it would be: absolutely perfect.

Killian pulls out his flask. "Rum?"

A slow smile spreads across Emma's face. "Sure." She takes it from him and puts the flask to her lips, taking a deep pull and feeling the spicy liquid's heat spread through her. Then she hands it back and watches as he drinks too, suddenly feeling thoughtful.

"Do you miss them? The pirates I mean?"

His head hangs as he lowers the flask, free hand coming up to palm at the back of his neck.

"Aye. Sometimes. But it's not unbearable, not like-" He breaks off suddenly, and Emma knows what he means instinctively.

"Not like Milah." She tries to hide the vulnerability in her voice, but she knows it's still there.

Killian shifts his body until he's turned towards her. He shakes his head, sighing. "Well, they may have been my mates, but I didn't bloody love them. Not in that way."

Emma smiles. "Are you sure? You and Whale had quite the bromance!" She grabs the flask out of his hand, taking another sip, but it's tainted with bitterness as the gruesome scene from the mansion flashes in her mind briefly before she pushes it away.

He chuckles, shaking his head, but her unspoken questions aren't lost on him, and she feels him take her free hand in his, earnest blue eyes seeking hers.

"Emma, I don't blame you for anything that happened that night, and honestly I don't feel badly about the justice that was served. I'll always look back on the time I spent with the boys fondly - at least when it came to surfing and kicking around drinking a pint or two - but it's a chapter in my life that I'm glad is over. The stress of it is over, and I have you to thank for that." He smiles at her softly before continuing. "Much the same way I feel about the time I spent with Milah. I will always look back on that relationship with fondness and gratitude, but it's over now, it's in the past. My future is entirely full of blank pages, yet to be written, and I intend to write them with you."

Her breath catches in her throat. How does he do that? How does he always know the absolute perfect thing to say to both soothe her and catch her off guard? She absorbs it all for a moment as he rubs soothing circles over the back of her hand.

"Good," she finally answers, more passing between them in their gaze than she can possibly verbalize as she watches the firelight dance in his eyes.

His thumb comes up to stroke at her cheek, and she closes the distance between them to kiss him tenderly, nothing separating them any longer. His mouth slants over hers hungrily, and she closes her eyes and stops thinking altogether as her tongue seeks his and finds it.

Warmth floods her body as she kisses him thoroughly, luxuriously, her hands grabbing at his shirt and pulling him to her. When they break apart for air, she feels dizzy and breathless, pleased at the twin spots of color she finds in his cheeks and the passionate desire she sees in his eyes.

Surprisingly, he stands up suddenly, stepping back a few feet, but then she smirks as his hands go to the hem of his shirt and he lifts it, revealing a chiseled torso dusted with hair that she itches to get her fingers in. Her eyes scan over his wounded shoulder, flinching slightly, but the scar is much more pale now and seems to be healing nicely.

When his fingers go to the top of his shorts, a mischievous look in his eyes, she can feel her breath come short in anticipation. He undoes the top button, but then stops, looking at her questioningly.

"Do you trust me, Swan?"

Emma freezes as she remembers the first time he asked her that, but then he's reaching out his hand to her in silent invitation, and his face is almost apologetic enough to make her ache just slightly.

Rising, she comes to him, and Killian curls his fingers around hers. He gestures towards the ocean with a nod of his head.

"Up for a little night swimming? It's something I've been dreaming of sharing with you since we first planned this trip." His voice is tender and sincere, and as he bites his lip, waiting for her answer, she already knows what it will be before she opens her mouth. "Pirate's tradition."

"Night swimming? Aren't there sharks out there or something?"

"Not likely, unless it's me you're worried about."

Emma sees the hopeful look in his eyes - almost childlike - and she can hardly say no to him any more than she could deny him kisses.

Instead of answering, though, she takes a step back and shirks off her jacket. Then she fingers the hem of her tank top, watching with satisfaction the way his eyes darken as she lifts it slowly over her head, dropping it on the ground. Her pants slide down over her hips and then it's just two tiny scraps of material shielding her from his expectant gaze. Pausing, she fingers at the clasp of her bra.

As if sensing her nervousness, he continues removing his shorts, proudly displaying his gorgeous body for her perusal, and she bites her lip, the cool ocean breeze sending goosebumps flying across her skin and causing her to shiver. Reluctantly, she unclasps her bra and shimmies out of her panties, and then he's holding out his hand to her and she's balanced by the warmth of his palm pressing against her own.

"Come, Swan. I promise you'll enjoy this."

She walks with him through the untouched sand, her mind gathering up all the details - the dark, impenetrable night, the light breeze caressing her naked body, the roar of the ocean that gets louder the closer they get, otherwise obscured by the darkness.

"I'm not sure I want to do this. It's going to be freezing, isn't it?"

Killian only smiles at her, his teeth flashing brightly in the darkness.

"How about this? If you hate it, I promise I'll make it up to you," he answers with a wink, his voice low and seductive.

That sounds...tempting. "Hmph," she answers, smirking back at him.

She knows they've reached the water line when her toes touch wet sand, and before she can hesitate, Killian is pulling her forward, breaking into a sort of jog. Emma can't see a damn thing and she's suddenly terrified of what might be hiding in the deep, dark ocean, but as Killian lets out a whoop of anticipation she finds she's willing to throw caution to the wind, something that he seems to bring out in her.

Bubbly, cool water splashes against her shins and she smiles, suddenly feeling carefree as they jump over a small wave. Surprisingly, the water doesn't feel as cold as she'd anticipated, instead it's almost identical in temperature to the moist night air, and she doesn't have much trouble going in deeper, sucking in a breath when a wave crashes against her stomach. She can't quite see Killian clearly, but she can hear his laughter and she can feel his hands clasping hers tightly when another wave crashes over them, this one bigger than before, making her shriek. There's water all around her now, swirling and frothing, washing her body and touching her places in a way that's completely new. It's terrifying and electrifying and everything she'd never knew she'd been missing all at once.

Just as she begins to worry they are going to go completely under with the force of the next wave, nature's wonder roaring loudly in her ears, she feels Killian tugging at her hands.

"Come!"

They go running out of the water just as quickly as they came, but now they're different - a bit braver, big radiant grins stretching their faces wide. Emma's never felt so happy or so alive.

All it takes is for her to slow and turn towards Killian, his eyes meeting hers as the grin on his face falters, a heated look of recognition in his eyes as he takes a step towards her.

Emma grabs his shoulders and pulls herself to him, stretching up on her tip-toes as their bodies crash together with uncontrollable force, nothing separating them except the slippery sheen of saltwater.

A low groan emits from her chest as their mouths fuse together, the feel of his tongue slick and warm overwhelming her senses. She's quick to hoist her leg around his hip, forcing them even closer, the feel of his soft skin and coarse hair contrasting against her own. Killian grabs her ass, pulling her into him and she gasps when she feels the hard, thick length of him pressing against her low belly.

His fingers tangle in her wet hair, their passionate kiss leaving her breathless and desperate for more as she strokes the back of his neck. She curls her hands around his hips, savoring the taste of rum on his tongue, and when she pulls him closer he makes a hungry-sounding noise somewhere between a groan and a whine, making her smile in satisfaction.

Emma cries out in surprise when Killian lifts her completely off the sand, but continues kissing him as he guides her other leg around his hip, and she hooks her ankles behind his back cooperatively. His hands glide up either side of her spine, holding her close and pressing her into him. She shivers as the cool ocean breeze caresses her wet skin, causing her nipples to rub against his chest and make Killian groan, low and dirty.

Mind foggy, Emma has no idea where he's taking her until she feels him push aside the tent flaps, then he's laying her down on top of the sleeping bags, the material smooth and cool, sticking to her wet skin.

Killian makes good use of his mouth and tongue, working his way quickly down her body from the sensitive skin of her neck to her taut nipples, all the way down her belly. She closes her eyes, clawing at the sleeping bag for purchase as he dives right in between her legs, his scruffy cheeks scratching up and down against her upper thighs. It's dim and quiet except for the roar of the ocean in the distance and Emma feels drunk on desire, no longer in control of the noises coming out of her mouth.

But he feels so damn good and she feels so lush and slick, there's nothing that can keep her from the rush of climax she knows is coming. She soars and crests, arching her back and crying out when she breaks, and she can almost feel Killian smiling against her as he continues to work her through it.

When she quiets, attempting to release her tight grip on the sleeping bag, Killian climbs towards her in a catlike manner, his eyes darker and more heated than she's ever seen them. It takes her breath away momentarily, and she swallows thickly as she motions for him to come to her.

Then he's kissing her, pressing down on top of her until she can feel every inch of his lean, muscled body covering hers. She grabs at his ass and pulls him into her where she's wet and ready, and Killian moans softly into her mouth, rutting his hips against hers.

He continues kissing her slowly, thoroughly, palming at her breast and tweaking her nipple, his hips undulating against hers until she feels dizzy and weak with need. She attempts to line him up with her, but he pulls away again, making her moan.

Emma pulls back to look at him. "Please," she begs softly, their eyes meeting.

He nods gently, their eyes remaining locked as he ever so slowly glides into her, her legs spread wide and welcoming, her hands palming his ass and guiding him home.

Emma's mouth falls open as he fills her completely, every last little sensation overwhelming her in its intensity. Killian's hands hold either side of her head, smoothing the hair back from her face as he watches her intently and she lets him, her gaze unwavering. She allows him to see what he's doing to her - how he's driving her completely wild - and every last emotion that flickers in her eyes, falling completely open.

"I love you," he pants out in a coarse whisper, his thrusts becoming deeper and stronger with every push.

There's nothing separating them now - no secrets, no lies, no exes or mates or pirates. Emma plunges deep into this new feeling - this new awareness, this new openness between them - and it's the most incredible thing she's ever experienced. She holds nothing back, meets him thrust for thrust and kiss for kiss.

Heart open, chest heaving, it doesn't take long until she's panting and moaning again, throaty and out of control. Killian, too, begins to lose control, his face twisting in agonized ecstasy.

They climax simultaneously, each lover's expression of pure pleasure pushing the other towards the peak, and when he comes inside of her she feels whole and satisfied, eagerly drawing him closer and deeper.

He kisses her long and hard while they both lie there, slowly coming down from the high.

"I love you, too," she whispers when he pulls away and looks deeply into her eyes, and Emma knows it's real and it's true. She kisses him again, her lips lingering.

Sighing, they pull apart reluctantly to clean up before the bedding is completely mussed. Tiredly, they pull the covers back and climb in together naked, warming each other with the soothing comfort of the other's touch.

"You're amazing," Killian tells her, hand stroking through her hair. "Bloody brilliant."

Emma smiles all the way through. "You're not so bad yourself."

They kiss until her jaw is tired, hands stroking over smooth planes of skin, Killian's scruff making her chin raw. Neither of them seems to want to stop though, and she can feel the evidence of another erection rubbing against her thigh.

Finally, she flips them, easing herself down over him as she grips his hands tightly, pressing them into the ground behind his shoulders. She loves the sound he makes as he enters the tight clasp of her body, the beginnings of a third orgasm already winding its way through her body. She never wants it to end.

Taking her time, she works her hips over him, grinding down slowly, working him in circles, scratching her hands through his thick thatch of chest hair while he kneads her ass. Letting her head fall back, she moans in luxurious ecstasy, uncaring if all the world could hear them, but knowing that no one will.

She comes first, his thumb stroking in circles over her sensitive nub, and he follows shortly after, thrusting up so hard he shakes her entire body.

Emma collapses onto his chest, panting heavily, feeling the burgeoning ache in her thighs. She's definitely earned her sleep tonight.

Killian strokes her upper thigh with one hand, massages the back of her neck with the other, and it's utter bliss, Emma struggling to keep her eyes open.

She presses her lips to his one more time, then with a groan pushes off of him to clean herself again and turn off the lantern.

When they're both settled under the covers, her arm thrown across his body as he cups her face and strokes her cheek with his thumb, she gazes at him until she can no longer hold her eyelids open and sleep settles over her, the gentle whisper of, "Goodnight, love," echoing through her mind the whole night through.

In the morning, daylight washes over them in warm golden tones, bathing the tent in light. Emma awakens to the distant call of a sea bird and feels the gentle rise and fall of Killian's chest beneath her cheek.

She stays that way for a long while, just savoring the closeness and intimacy, not wanting to wake him. Carefully, she traces over his eyebrow with a whisper-light touch, admiring his handsome face while he sleeps. When he begins snoring softly, she realizes that he's not likely waking anytime soon, so she retreats from their bed as carefully and quietly as possible, pulling on a t-shirt and some sweats and unzipping the tent, breathing in the salty air.

Emma walks a few paces from the tent, awestruck at the natural beauty all around her. The ocean is calm, waves gently lapping at the shore, and rays of eastern light are breaking over the hillside on the mainland, creating a golden fan above it. She stops right there in the sand and sits, crossing her legs and leaning back on her wrists, smiling wistfully to herself.

It's in that relaxed state that Killian finds her, gently wrapping a blanket around her shoulders and dropping down to sit next to her in the sand.

"Morning, stranger," she says with a smile, leaning her head on his shoulder as he pulls her close and kisses her temple.

"Morning," he answers.

As if in silent agreement, they remain quiet as they watch the brilliant beauty of the sunrise, their breathing in perfect synchrony. It isn't until the sun has risen completely that Killian finally breaks the silence.

"What're you thinking about, love?" He rubs her shoulder, peering down at her curiously.

Emma looks up into his deep, blue eyes, seeing everything she wants to see reflecting back at her, and it makes her heart flutter, a smile gracing her lips as she thinks on how to answer him.

"I...was thinking about how much I'd like to go surfing again. I'm looking for an instructor - you know anybody?" She smiles coyly at him.

The dimple in his cheek deepens as he scratches at his scruff and smirks at her, raising a dark eyebrow.

"As a matter of fact, I do." He nods, giving her a cocky smile. "Quite the dashing chap, too, if I do say so meself."

Emma giggles, snuggling her head into his shoulder as she gently pinches his ribs. Looks like she's caught herself a pirate, alright.

THE END