This is end people! I'm sorry I was late in updating because I added a scene to this, and well, I hope the end lives up to your expectations.

I really appreciate everyone who left their lovely reviews (even if you were just yelling at me or Emma loool)

Hope you like it :)

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"Emma." Mary Margaret brushed the tears away from her cheeks. "Honey, why would you ever feel the need to do all of that for us? You know your father and I will support you, no matter what you do. If you truly didn't want to be with Killian, we would have supported you!"

After Emma didn't reply her father spoke instead, "Emma, please talk to us."

"I-" She tried to calm her sobs. "I didn't tell you because I knew you'd make me go back to him-"

"Emma, we wouldn't if that's not what you wa-"

"But don't you see? I do want it!" Emma interrupted. "And I didn't tell you because I knew you'd make me see things clearer, and tell me how great we are together, and I didn't want that 'cause…"

"Because?"

Emma exhaled loudly, defeated. "Because I was scared, okay? I love him. More than anything. I couldn't bear the thought that he'd ever leave me…I can't lose him."

Mary Margaret seemed puzzled by this logic. "But, Emma, by breaking up with him, you did lose him."

"Yeah, but it's better to break up now than when you're living together, or married or something," she reasoned, and the moment the words left her mouth, she realized just how stupid they sounded.

"But that's a risk you have to take," Mary Margaret said, clutching her daughter's hands tightly in hers. "Love is freaking scary, Emma. You put yourself out there. You open yourself up, and sometimes you get hurt. But, Emma, I promise you that when it's right, when it's true, what you get back is worth it. Love is worth it."

She looked between her parents, as even more tears began to track down her face.

"Go find him, Emma," David urged. "If he's who you want, you have to fight for him. You deserve love in your life."

Emma stood up abruptly, her parent's words hitting her hard.

She was at the door before she knew it, but just before she could turn the knob, she turned back to her parents, "But... your anniversary! We're, I mean, I'm still supposed to be here for another week."

Mary Margaret shook her head good-naturedly. "Emma, the greatest gift you could give us right now is to go get your happy ending!" Her mother stood up and walked over to gather her daughter in her arms. "And don't forget to tell us what happens!"

"Never be afraid to tell us anything Emma. We will support you, no matter what," David said, coming over to give her a quick hug too.

With a final smile to her parents, she quickly grabbed her purse and headed downstairs, hoping to catch Killian at the airport. She was greeted by Robin who was leaning against the railing of the stairway.

He smiled knowingly as Emma approached him. "Regina mentioned you'd need a ride."

Emma didn't know how much Robin had heard, but in that moment, she'd never been more glad to have the Hood-Mills family as her friend. "And step on it!"

~~xx~~

Emma left Robin idling outside Departures, telling him to go back to Storybrooke and enjoy what was left of the party.

"I'll be fine," Emma assured him, as she opened the passenger door towards the curb. "Either I'm headed back to New York, or I'll get a cab back." Then with one last hurried thank you to her friend, she headed for the terminal.

She scoured the latest departures, and once her gaze landed on the New York bound flight, her heart sank. It had finished up boarding just 10 minutes ago. The next flight was going to start boarding in about an hour and Emma was forced to make a choice – let him go and probably lose him forever, or go after him and fight for their relationship.

Regina's words rang loudly in her ears, this little drama of yours is either going to end up with you both happy or really fucking miserable.

Well, if it was up to Emma, she chose to be happy.

With a quick text fired to her parents, she headed towards the sales desk.

~~xx~~

He wasn't home.

After knocking on his door a couple of times, Emma pressed her ear to it and heard absolutely nothing. For a minute, she was afraid that he was actually inside and just didn't want to see her. But thinking of it, he had no way of knowing it was her pounding on his door in the early hours of morning. Not without checking the peephole anyway, and she hadn't heard any movement inside at all. Emboldened by that thought, she pushed her doubts aside.

There were a couple of places she could think of where Killian might have gone to escape his own thoughts, but one in particular stood out in her mind.

He always sought out the water when he was upset.

~~xx~~

Emma paid the cab driver off as soon as she spotted the familiar silhouette that sat low on the bench. The weather was gloomy and dark, grey clouds marring the sky. It really wasn't the best weather for a romantic and hopefully happy end.

She knew he tended to come here whenever he was particularly stressed – this same bench by the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge overhead wending its way into Manhattan. He liked it here, where the constant clamor of distant police sirens and horns played second fiddle to the steady lapping of the water against the bank. He'd found it calming, he'd say, a quiet oasis in the midst of this busy city.

Emma took a couple of deep calming breaths before she made her way towards him. He must have been deep into his thoughts because he didn't notice her approach until she'd already sat down on the opposite side of his bench, and turned to face him.

Killian did a double take, his eyes widening as his gaze fell on the woman beside him "Emma?"

"Hey," she said, her voice surprisingly clear, despite her nerves. She couldn't fault him for being surprised. She wasn't really one for grand romantic gestures, and the plan she had concocted was certainly verging on rom-com territory.

"What? What are you doing here?" he asked, pushing his hair away from his forehead roughly. "Your parents…"

"You left," she stated, adding a little shrug as to not seem accusatory.

His eyes wandered over her,

"Emma," he finally spoke, when he seemed convinced enough that she wasn't simply an apparition, come to torment him. "What the bloody hell are you doing here?"

"Trying to make a grand romantic gesture?" She tilted her head, her lips lifting in a teasing smile. "I mean, I've got the location working in my favour. I figured it was worth a shot," she said, arm sweeping wide to take in the stunning vista.

"Do you mean…" He paused, eyebrows knitting together in a frown. "You wish to get back together?"

"That's what I'm saying," she said, his frown giving her pause. "I know I've been all kinds of awful to you, but honestly all I want is another shot."

"Emma," he said, sounding exhausted. "What would be the point? You don't really want a future with me. You don't want to move in with me. You clearly don't want to marry me. I want those things. I can't just go back to how things were, and pretend that I don't want more, because I do. I really really do."

He sounded utterly defeated, and it broke Emma's heart.

"No," she said, scooting forward. "You don't get it. I do want a future with you. I want to move in. I want to get married someday. Kids, maybe. A Labrador, if you want. I want it all."

That pulled him up short.

"You... do?" he asked, sounding uncertain.

"I really do," she stated firmly, her heart feeling lighter at the confession. "I was afraid before, afraid that I was somehow going to lose you. And I know it sounds stupid 'cause I broke up with you, which means I did lose you then anyways, but I was screwed up. I was worried that if I let myself depend on you, I'd just end up getting hurt. With Neal…" It almost felt wrong, saying his name in this moment, but she had to get through this. She had to tell him the truth.

"When Neal betrayed me, it hurt so fucking bad. And I mean, I know it wasn't my fault, but I guess some part of me figured that I didn't deserve to be loved. That deep down he knew that, and that was why he left me. And that just scared the fuck out of me."

Killian made a noise of protest, but Emma held up a hand to silence him.

"I know it's stupid, okay? But that's how I felt. That's why, when you came along and you were everything I ever wanted, I guess I panicked. Too good to be true, you know? I thought it'd be easier if I ended things before I got in too deep, but It made me miserable, Killian; being away from you. And I know it made you miserable too. And I know it sounds crazy to just get back together now like this bu-"

"It doesn't sound crazy, Emma," Killian finally spoke, the beginnings of a smile stretching across his lips. "It sounds like music to this Brits' ears."

"Yeah?" Emma asked, returning his grin.

"Aye," he replied, moving closer.

"Listen, I know we need to talk about…well, everything really. But can we just go back to your place, for tonight?" When he raised a suggestive eyebrow at that, she smacked his shoulder. "Not for that. Can't we just hang out? Drink cocoa and watch something really lame on TV, like we used to?"

"I would very much like that," he said, bringing his arm around her waist and pulling her to him. "But I also seem to remember leaving something unfinished in the bathroom a couple of days ago?"

Emma blushed. "You started it."

"I did not!"

"Did so! You even kissed me first that night, after the party!"

"I- What?" he asked, brought up short again.

"The night after the party at Granny's?" Emma repeated. "You kissed me when we got home. And then you passed out. It was super classy."

A look of realization crossed his features. "Ah. So that's why you were ignoring me the next day."

"Well, yeah. I didn't know how much you remembered and..."

Emma bit her lip, knowing she had to get something out before things went any further. "I also just wanted to say that I'm sorry. We broke up because of me, and even now all of this, it's all my fault."

"Emma, no. It's not your fault. Maybe I should've als-"

"Killian," she interrupted him, knowing he'd want to somehow redistribute the blame, but she couldn't let him do that. "Let me. And there was also what I said to you the night of the pool party. You have to know that I'm so so sorry, Killian. I only said it because I ran into Neal that night -"

"Neal was there?" He looked almost angry, "How dare he?"

"It's okay" Emma smiled, sighing before she continued, "He came with a fiancée and I was jealous, and confused, and I regretted the words as soon as I said them. I never meant to hurt you."

"I know," he said with a small smile. "And you shouldn't feel too bad. I haven't exactly been entirely blameless. Flirting with another woman, when you're hopelessly in love with someone else is poor form indeed. Even if it's just to secure her as a client. I should have told Gold to go to hell. Which I will, as soon as he starts responding to my messages." He leaned forward then, his nose brushing hers. "Now, if we're done with all this forgiveness nonsense, I'd very much like to kiss you, soberly now."

Emma laughed. "God this is too much like The Proposal."

"I will never understand your love for that movie." He shook his head, but reached up a hand to cup her jaw, pushing her silky golden locks away from her face.

"Ryan Reynolds follows Sandra Bullock all the way back to New York in the climax, and then they ki-"

She never got a chance to finish her sentence as Killian dove in and kissed her, his lips moving softly yet urgently against hers, his hands moving down to press her more tightly to him. Emma released a surprised grunt but soon met every stroke of his tongue, as her hands did some exploring of their own. They separated for air for only a moment before diving back in, the kiss gentler this time as they swayed slightly in each other's arms.

This kissed was mixed with everything – forgiveness, relief, longing, and love. Emma sighed into his mouth as a smile crept up her face, a grin so big that it made him grin as well and soon they were clanking their teeth together as they attempted to keep kissing.

They were back home.

~~xx~~

He dropped her hand as he fished for the keys from his pocket to open his door, but Emma missing his touch already, stood behind him and hugged him from behind, her cheek pressing between his shoulder blades. He just chuckled and turned, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her inside with him.

Emma had imagined that once they'd get home they would both just break from the sexual tension and the longing – that they'd pounce on each other and have at least one orgasm each under their belts before they even make it to his bedroom.

But they're quiet and comfortable, just satisfied with simple and sweet touches, and nonsensical conversation.

"Pick the movie, love, I'm just going to go change." He informed her, Emma raising an eyebrow as he was still wearing his dress pants and shirt he wore to the party. Apparently he'd only dropped his stuff to his apartment before he had headed towards his favourite spot.

He in turn ran his gaze over her own dress, "Would you like a change of clothes?"

"Yes, please." She rose on her toes to press a final kiss to his lips, just because she could now, before she let him go.

Sitting down on the couch she ran her gaze around the room. She'd been here hundreds of times. She missed this. It still warmed her heart to see that he still had the painting she had brought him of the Lady Washington put up, and a photo frame of the two of them with the Mills-Hood family, still sat at the table beside the television.

Emma smiled to herself as she put on some Disney movie and slumped down on his couch. It was 4:24 am in the morning, a time at which Emma would never be caught awake, especially since it was softly raining outside, yet she had never felt so alive in her life.

Killian threw a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt on her lap before he headed to the kitchen to make them hot cocoas, a big grin following him at just how domestic and familiar this all felt. Him and Emma watching stupid movies while drinking hot chocolate sprawled out on his couch. He never thought he'd have that again. He still vaguely thinks he's just dreaming and soon enough he'll wake up to a cold and empty bed, but once he comes back with their mugs and Emma smiles brightly at him as she settles in his arms, he knows it's true.

Emma sighed, Killian feeling her entire body shake against his chest, making him look down at her, "Everything alright, love?"

She looked up then, her cheek pressed to his chest and she tightens her hold on his waist, "Just thinking how stupid I'm that because of me we wasted a good eight months."

"It's not stupid, Swan," he brushed the loose strands away from her face, "There's nothing wrong in being afraid or uncertain. Love is a journey and all I want is for us to be together at the end of it."

"You're so sappy." She teased him, "God, I missed you."

"I missed you too." He kissed her forehead, "Don't ever leave me again, Swan."

Emma turned in his arms, kneeling in front of him as he watched her with a raised eyebrow. The little mischievous glint in his eyes told Emma that he knew what she up to.

So she just grabbed his shoulders and pulled him to her, their lips meeting halfway through. Killian's hand tangled in her hair while the other circled her waist to pull her closer until she was straddling him, her fingers dragging along the hem of his shirt to lift it off of him.

Killian allowed her to remove his shirt, groaning as Emma's mouth closed around his nipple instantly, his own fingers caressing her hips gently. As her hands wandered to the waistband of his sweat pants, Emma's brain started functioning again and damn her self-control sometimes astounds her as well because she pulls away from him.

"Fuck Killian, I'm so sorry." She mumbled, trying not to swoon over how adorable he looked with his lips kiss-swollen, his breathing ragged, and his hair sticking everywhere, thanks to her fingers.

"What? Why?" He leaned in but Emma stopped him with a hand on his chest.

"I said we wouldn't do this, but yet I'm trying to have sex with you…I mean we still have a lot to talk about and all…" Her eyebrows furrowed, but why exactly couldn't she just fuck him before the talking?

"And like…" She rambled, unsure of exactly why she did stop this, "We should probably, maybe I don't know, talk abo-"

Emma's half-ass reason is cut mid-sentence as Killian cupped her cheek, "Would you stop apologizing if I kissed you?"

Instead of answering, Emma grinned as she leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow and languid kiss. She lets him switch their positions, Killian pressing Emma into the couch as he trailed kisses down her cheek, to her jaw, and neck.

He looked up at her once his mouth reached the top of her breasts, her pebbled nipples straining against his thin shirt. She smiled at him then, fuck it all, she could enjoy one quiet moment with him. It didn't matter that they hadn't really talked about where they stand with each other at the moment, or that there was still some lingering hurt and anger left. Because right now, all Emma really wanted was to lose herself with Killian. And the way his eyes had blown wide with desire, he was on the same page as well.

Her smile was all the permission he needed before his lips closed around her nipple, Emma feeling the heat of his mouth even through the barrier of cloth. The sensation was short lived as he soon moved down, pressing quick kisses everywhere before he grabbed the waistband of the sweatpants she was wearing and dragged it down along with her underwear, Emma lifting her hips and kicking them off her ankles until they were forgotten on the floor.

She was moving to take her shirt off as well, but Killian spread her legs then, exposing her to his gaze and she couldn't move a single muscle in her body then if she wanted to. He ran his knuckles on the inside of her thighs, slowly coming closer to where she was now aching for him; his fingers, mouth, cock, anything. And just when she thought he's about to touch her, he moves towards her, his hips settling into the cradle of her thighs and his sweatpants doing absolutely nothing to hide how much she's affected him.

"Emma" he breathed, settling his weight on his elbows before he kissed her, a dirty and fierce kiss which made her push her hips up to his in search of some relief, Killian chuckling then as he separated from her. With a wink to her, he returns to his previous position with his hands keeping her legs separate.

His knuckles brushed against her bare mound when Emma grabbed his hand and pushed it down to where she needed him, "If you don't hurry up, I'm gonna take this into my own hands. Literally." They hadn't even seen each other, let alone be intimate this way for the past 8 months, yet there was no shyness to their touch or demands.

He raised an eyebrow in teasing, "Is that so?" He continued his soft brushes against her skin, now sliding his finger just around her nub, watching as Emma bit her lip. He stopped abruptly then, "If you bite your lip, then I'm not touching you, Swan."

She rolled her eyes, giving him a seriously? look – this has always been a topic of discussion whenever they get intimate. Emma for some reason always bites her lip, but Killian always wanted to hear her, despite how loud she can get.

Emma released her lips and he muttered a "Good," sliding his body down so his mouth was hovering over core, his hot breath alone making Emma tighten her fingers on the slippery leather of the couch.

He grabbed her hand and interlaced her fingers with his as he licked a long strip to her clit, making Emma's hips jerk up. Killian moved their joined hands to rest on her hipbone, pushing her down as he licked, lapped, and sucked on her folds – moaning once himself as Emma tangled her other hand in his hair, pulling him even closer to her.

Killian pushed her shirt up, groping her breast as Emma's thighs shivered under his touch. He held her gaze captive as he sucked hard on her clit, making her fall apart with a whisper of his name. Killian merely grinned and divested himself of his sweatpants and boxers before winking at her, "Do you want me here or the bed, my love?"

Emma let out a long exhale, looking utterly flushed as she ran her hand down her own body, "Bed." She answered breathily, "but you have to carry me there."

Without argument, Killian lifted her in his arms, Emma's hands closing around his neck as she pressed her cheek to his chest. He gently laid her down on his bed, the mattress dipping slightly as he moved to join her.

He was painfully hard and in desperate need for release but he was content just laying down beside her. And if she didn't feel like she could handle another orgasm, he'd be happy enough to take himself to the shower.

"That was amazing." Emma whispered, turning on her side so she could face him, her breasts pressing against his side. She was still wearing his shirt but had no energy to remove it.

Killian smiled, "I've still got it, huh?"

"Still?" Emma swallowed – her implication on the word clear.

"Aye, it's been 8-"

"Yeah, same" She smiled, running her fingers teasingly over his chest.

Thunder rumbled outside, making them both turn towards his large windows as rain suddenly started pouring.

"You always like to - "

"- fuck when it's raining outside."

Emma smiled at the way Killian shook his head, "Oh sorry. I mean make love. Wouldn't wanna hurt your delicate sensibilities." She teased.

"Make love just sounds much better, love." He said, turning on his side as well so they were now facing each other.

"Well, then," she dragged her hand down until it was hovering just above his erection, "Why don't we make love Jones?"

"As the lady wis- aaah" his head fell back as Emma grasped him in her hand, pumping a couple of times before she moved so she was settled between his thighs, her hand still moving on him.

"Take off your shirt, Emma. I want to see you." He demanded, his hands touching any patch of skin he could reach. It was maddening really, the soft brushes of his fingers on her thighs, her hipbone, and then coming down to circle her clit.

Emma let his cock go as she removed her shirt, throwing it behind her before she grabs him again, and with slow precision, sinks down on him. They both groaned loudly once he was buried to the hilt inside her, his hands digging in her sides almost painfully.

Emma started moving her hips in slow circles, burning up all over. She missed this – the way it felt with him inside her, his hands touching her everywhere. Her hands, and the occasional vibrator were just very poor substitutes.

She increased the speed of her thrusts as the tingling in her body started, Killian sitting up to wrap his arms around her waist, his lips and tongue moving across her nipples with every thrust.

They join together in one slow and gentle kiss, much in contrast to the hard and fast thrusts both were pushing. Her fingernails dig deep into his back and he knows she's close. So he brings one hand to where they are joined and it only takes one flick on her clit before she's falling, him following suit.

Emma collapsed onto him the moment she comes back down from seeing stars and all. He gently moved her so she laid down on the bed, joining her as soon as he pulled the cover up.

"Killi-" she started, but her eyes were dripping shut as all the exhaustion was catching up with her – not just from their recent activities, but all the high anxiety, tears, lies, anger, and uncertainty from the past week.

"Shhh." He kissed her forehead as she snuggled even more into the crook of his neck, "We'll talk tomorrow."

~~xx~~

Later, when they're back to snuggle up on Killian's couch, with their mugs of cocoa grown coldand forgotten after they'd allowed themselves to get distracted, and they were both basking in the afterglow of some rather welcome make-up sex, Emma finally texted her Mom back.

I'm happy.

P.S. Any chance you might come down to visit us and bring the rest of my stuff?

Smiling to herself, Emma leaned back into the crook of Killian's shoulder, her hand coming up to caress his chest, letting her fingers tangle into the patch of hair which grew stirred at her ministrations, clearly still awake, and Emma saw an opportunity to sate her curiosity.

"Hey," she said, nudging his shoulder a little until his blue eyes popped open. "So before we left you said that you didn't tell my parents that we broke up, even though you were still talking to my dad sometimes – why?"

Killian sighed, tilting his chin to look down at her. "Why does it matter?"

Emma scoffed, moving her hand from his chest to trace his jawline. "Because I want to know!"

After Killian didn't say anything, Emma moved to straddle him so that he couldn't escape, her hands folded on his chest with her chin resting on them. She raised her eyebrow at him and he turned red, his hand going to scratch behind his ear.

"Yes?" she asked, expectedly.

"Alright, alright. Well, I figured out pretty quickly you hadn't told your parents. And I suppose, in my wishful thinking, I hoped that meant you hadn't completely written off the idea of getting back together?" He confessed, and then with a blush added, "And a small part of me always thought we'd eventually find our way back to each other."

"Quite the romantic, huh?" She teased him, pressing a kiss to his cheek.

He laughed once she reached his ear, nibbling at a particular ticklish spot of his. She kissed his cheek before burrowing her head at the crook of his neck, Killian tightening his arm around her as he sighed in contentment.

"I'm really glad I'm here." Emma confessed.

"Me too, love, me too." He nodded, pulling her even tighter against him.

He was right. It didn't really matter. Emma was back with him, where she belonged, and that was all that really mattered. Once again, everything made sense.

~~xx~~

One month later

"Okay, why don't we move that fucking boat somewhere else, and put this beautiful vase here instead?" Emma suggested, holding the offending vessel out of his reach.

Killian looked her over as he turned to face her – her hair was up in a ponytail, and she was stripped down to her sheer white tank top due to all the heavy lifting but God, she was lovely, even when she was being obstinate.

"Love, that ship was a gift from Gold. He found it at some antique store."

"More like a pawn shop," she scoffed, "See that boat-"

"Ship," he corrected automatically.

"That boat," she repeated, with a wicked grin in his direction, "could also go on the side table near the couch." She pointed towards it. "This vase can't. So we have to put it there!" She crossed her arms, lifting her chin slightly as if daring him to argue.

He swore sometimes he felt like she was the lawyer among them.

"As you wish, m'lady," he bowed, taking his little ship from her grasp. But lest she think he was a complete pushover, he give her a playful slap on the ass as he passed her, for making him move his ship which had never once needed moving in all the years he'd lived in that apartment.

But now, of course, it was their apartment, and Emma had only agreed to move into his apartment, instead of finding a new one, so long as she could bring all her own belongings and get dibs on where to put it. Killian found that last point particularly sticky, but seeing as he was the one who'd been so eager to cohabit in the first place, he supposed reasonable sacrifices had to be made, good taste be damned.

"And with that vase, that makes three out of eight boxes unpacked!" She said in mock cheer, rubbing her face in her hands.

"Why don't we take a break, Swan?" he suggested, moving to stand behind her. With his arms encircling her waist, he let his chin rest on her shoulder, his mouth inches apart from her earlobe as he spoke, "We've got all the time in the world to unpack this."

"You're right, we do." She turned in his arms, bringing her own hands to rest on his chest. "I'm so glad we're doing this."

"Aye, me too."

Emma sighed, resting her forehead against his. "I love you."

Killian smiled, "I love you too."

~~xx~~

For Christmas that year they made it back to Storybrooke to visit the Nolans – the townsfolk none the wiser for their earlier deceptions, having apparently swallowed David's hastily prepared excuse -an emergency work assignment for Killian- hook, line and sinker.

Her parents were another matter, but they'd long since buried the hatchet since the two of them had arrived at Killian's door the day after their reconciliation, bearing warm hugs and the rest of Emma's luggage.

This time, when they bowed out early from the festivities at Granny's, both of them sober but still very giddy, Killian drove them out to the docks instead of going home. And at her favorite place in Storybrooke, with his mother's ring heavy in his jacket pocket, he asked her a very important question.

(She said yes).

~~xx~~

the end.

/-/

The scene that was added was the smut scene since I know a lot of people wanted some make-up sex lool.

I'd like to thank all of you who read it and kudo'd (is that a word?) it, and left reviews. I've appreciated every single comment SO much and I hope this lived up to your expectations and I hope to see y'all again with my next MC!

Thank you sooooo much 3