We did it folks! This is the end! Pretty much exactly how I wrote it, but I added in some Liam closure too. Because it was missing and I know how much you all want it. I want another HUGE thank you to my beta electrictoes because seriously you helped me out so much through this journey and I don't think I would've made it here without you.

I hope you enjoyed this journey with me - this is the longest CS fic I've written to date, and all of your support and love has made me so much more confident in posting the little things I write. Hopefully I'll have time to give you more fun things to read, but until then, let me know what you think of the dodgeball tournament's finale!

Chapter 8:

The rest of November flies by in a flurry of small dates, texting, and holiday preparations. Killian joins Henry and Emma for their annual Christmas tree purchasing, and helps decorate their apartment too, in the first week in December. Emma is tempted to put up a stocking for Killian, but knows Mary Margaret could come over and doesn't want that to be how she finds out. The stocking is kept safely in Emma's closet, waiting to be pulled out in a few weeks for the real holiday.

The thing is, though, Emma feels ready to tell everyone. After telling Neal, and having her relationship out in the open with Liam and Henry and Ruby, Emma feels like she can have this relationship without being scared anymore. Killian isn't going anywhere, and Emma doesn't feel like she is going anywhere either. Her heart feels intact, and happy, and fuller than it's ever been.

But a stocking on her mantle is not the way she wants to tell everyone. To tell Mary Margaret about this, it has to be something big. Emma spends a week trying to figure it out. A week brainstorming, racking her brain, trying to find some big way of telling her friends about this relationship she's been in for the past few months. This relationship she feels could be the one that Mary Margaret has always been talking about. And it takes Emma until the week before Dodgeball playoffs, plus a stern talking-to from a certain older brother, for Emma to truly figure out her big moment.

It's Thursday night, the last night of the season before the big play-off night. They're all sitting in Killian's apartment, having just finished decorating his place for the holidays. Emma is eating her Chinese straight out of the box, just enjoying listening to her boys talk about what video games Henry hopes to get for Christmas (and taking a few notes to pass along to "Santa"). Her eyes scan the room, smiling at the four stockings hanging on the wall, and she truly feels at peace. So at peace, that she jumps when

Liam plops himself down beside her.

"You and Henry've both earned a place on our mantle this year, it seems. It's been a long time since Killian has put up even his own."

Emma nods, placing her dinner on the table in front of her and turning fully to face Liam. "Well, we have one for him too. It's just… not put up yet."

"Yes, he's told me about that. Something about a certain friend of yours still not knowing about this relationship?" Emma cringes at Liam's accusing tone, her eyes flicking to where Killian and Henry are now laughing about something that she can't fully hear just so she can avoid Liam's stare. When she doesn't reply, Liam continues, "Emma, I know Killian has fully integrated you and Henry into his life. And I can see the difference it makes on him – how much happier he is, how he is coming back out of his shell. It's great, getting back the brother I used to have. But I'm still worried you're still not all in."

Killian and Henry laugh again, and Emma feels her heart fill with joy. And then it all comes to her – a way to tell Mary Margaret, and pretty much every one of their friends on both teams, in one fell-swoop. A perfect opportunity to greet the holiday and new year as a couple, together against the odds. A new conviction filling her, Emma turns back to face Liam with more confidence than she has ever had facing the imposing older brother.

She takes a deep breath then says, "I think I just found out the perfect way to tell everyone. Think you could wait one more week for this all to be in the open?"

Liam smiles, an arm coming to wrap around Emma. "Welcome to the family, Swan."

Like normal years, the Storybrooke Saviours find playoffs to be the most fun night of the season. Because games are so short, they can do the whole thing in one night. Henry's hockey practice is done, so he sits on the sidelines cheering the team on. He is also cheering for the Hook Shots, but Emma reminded Henry about Mary Margaret (and informed him about her plan for later that evening, making Henry all the more gung-ho to keep up the charade for one day longer) thus the cheering for Killian is done in secret.

Because they are the two top teams from the regular season, the Hook Shots and the Storybrooke Saviours are placed on opposite sides of the playoff brackets. Both teams play their hardest though, easily defeating their opponents and finding themselves on either end of the finals match.

Emma also loves playoffs because, for once, there is actually an audience to the games. All the players from the losing teams usually stay to watch the finals, cheering on their friends and favourites, and poking fun at the teams when a throw goes way off target. The buzz they generate, from the cheers and excitement and energy, just put fuel into Emma's game and push her to win even harder.

As the teams gear up for the first game of the finals, Emma looks into Killian's eyes from across the court. She sees the challenge there, the competitive side of Killian coming out. He had told her earlier that they wouldn't be going easy tonight, that the Hook Shots would be playing their hardest to win. Emma had replied that they better bring their A-game, because she is taking the trophy home again with the Storybrooke Saviours. Killian smiles, then, a quick thing that Emma almost thinks she is imagining. She smiles back, but then focuses as the referee starts the countdown to the game.

"Three…. Two… one… dodgeball!"

The first two games fly by, both teams gaining a win and showing how evenly matched they are. The Hook Shots manage to pull ahead after a ricochet ball gets both Emma and David out in the third match, causing the Storybrooke Saviours to re-group before game 4.

"Okay, guys," Merida says in the huddle, pulling her friends close. "We have never been this down in a finals match - we can't let 'em win this last match!"

"Agreed," David replies, looking around the circle. "We have to find some way to get their Captain out first - even with one hand that guy is getting in all the shots that end up being our downfall."

"We should send Emma in to distract him," Ruby says with a laugh. "He seems to like her."

"They are friends, right?" Mary Margaret asks, looking towards Emma. "Though I don't think we should use dirty tactics, I do want to win."

Emma shakes her head, trying to restrain a laugh. "How about we just play our hardest, and get their Captain out first? That should work, right? We can totally come back from this!"

"Yeah!" Graham replies. "We just can't let them win this match, or we lose the whole thing. I do have to say, though, being down 2-1 in the final match feels pretty crappy."

"Oh yeah," Ruby says. "But we can do this if we get that darn Captain Hook out!"

"Right. Let's all aim for the Captain first, then go for the others!" Merida adds. The team solidifies their huddle with a cheer, going back onto the court with a new-found vigour.

Unfortunately, their vigour turns to anger quickly as Killian manages to get Emma out with his first shot. Ruby misses, getting pegged in the leg by a ball thrown from Scarlett. Merida then manages to hit the brunette Belle, getting her out, followed by another hit thrown by Graham. Mary Margaret's throw gets caught, though, knocking her out and bringing Belle back in.

Everyone continues to aim for Killian, but he manages to avoid or deflect every shot. Killian throws his ball, knocking Graham out. Merida and David are the only two left, both tossing balls with vigour and dodging as best they can. They manage to get two more players on the Hook Shots out before Merida gets hit, leaving David alone against three on the other team.

Emma finds herself bouncing, unable to stay still as she watches David jump and dive to escape the balls flying at him from across the court. David throws, missing the other players but thankfully not having his ball caught. This feels like the end, it feels like they are going to lose, and Emma doesn't know how she will deal with that. They haven't lost a championship match in years, and to lose to her boyfriend? That cannot happen. It will also kind-of ruin her plans for after the game.

"You can do it, David!" Emma calls, but her hope falls when David gets hit in the shoulder by a ball thrown by Killian. Their team lets out a collective groan, but it soon turns into a gasp as David dives to the side towards the ricocheting ball. His hands grab the ball in the air before it touches the ground, and David lands on his side with the ball triumphantly still caught.

For a moment, no one knows what to do, looking between the referee, David, and Killian.

"It's a catch!" The referee calls out, and suddenly Emma feels herself running towards the court with a whole second wind, grabbing a ball off the ground as she watches Killian move off the court.

Emma and David lock eyes, and then both throw their balls hitting Scarlett in the arm and leaving them suddenly with a chance of winning this match and tying up the finals. It doesn't take long, one more carefully timed double throw, and the Storybrooke Saviours are back in the game, cheering together with one final tie-breaking match left in the finals.

"David, that was amazing!" Mary Margaret cries as she runs on the court to join them, kissing her husband with vigour.

"Way to go, bud! You saved our team!" Ruby adds, their excited cheers calming down.

"I have no idea how I caught that," David says after he and Mary Margaret finally pull apart. "But we are back in this game!"

After a quick moment for David to grab some water, the teams re-group and line up again for the final match. Emma's heart is pounding in her chest, the adrenaline building up again as they wait for the match to start. This one is for all the marbles, so they say. And while Emma knows she still has a prize at the end of the night in the form of the rival team's captain, she would still like another trophy and dodgeball-winner tee-shirt to add to her collection.

The game starts, and Emma barely notices what is happening around her, too busy dodging the balls that come at her and throwing at the other team. In her peripheral vision she notices players going off the court and coming back on, but she tries to focus on her own game and keeping herself on the court.

Being oblivious to everyone else, though, leaves Emma a little shaken when she is the only one left on her team as she stares down both Killian and Scarlett. She quickly looks around the court, noticing she is alone as her friends cheer from the side-lines. When did she become the last one left?

Emma doesn't have much time to think, having to move quickly when Scarlett throws a ball straight at her. Without hesitation, Emma grabs the ball out of the air changing the odds back in their favour as Killian is left alone while David rejoins Emma. It doesn't last long, though, as David is hit almost instantly upon return to the court by a ball leaving Emma and Killian alone on the court.

"Sudden death!" The referee calls, his voice booming. "Sudden death will decide the championship! Two team captains competing to win for their teams!"

"You can do it Mom!" Emma hears, smiling as she picks up a ball off the ground. Henry's voice rings in Emma's head as she looks over at Killian. He has that glint of adrenaline in his eye, bending low and staring her down.

Emma sees the moment when Killian moves, throwing her ball with a curve in it. Killian goes down into his deep lunge, throwing his own ball in turn towards Emma.

Everyone in the court is waiting on baited breath, and the room is silent as the two balls fly across the court. Emma sees her ball make contact with Killian's foot, still outstretched as he lunges in place, just before she feels his ball graze her shoulder. The silence continues as Emma's eyes light up, realizing what just happened, before the referee calls out.

"The ball hit Captain Jones' leg before it hit Captain Swan's arm. THE STORYBROOKE SAVIOURS WIN!"

Emma reaches her arms up in happiness, letting out a joyous laugh as her team bombards her with hugs. Henry comes running over too, joining in on the celebrations. After a few moments of triumph, their cheers die down as the spectators begin to leave. The two teams line up behind their Captains, making a line of handshakes.

Emma winks at Killian as they cross paths, and he shakes his head at her but still smiles. She continues down the line, shaking Scarlett's hand, and getting a compliment on a good game from Belle. The rest of the team follow suit, and once they finish the line, the Storybrooke Saviours form one last group hug.

As the commotion dies down, Emma looks over towards Killian and his team, where they stand in high spirits despite their loss. She remembers her plan for tonight, and decides to start putting it into action.

"Hey," she says, waiting a moment for her team to quiet down so she can continues. "We still doing our winning celebration at Granny's?"

"Of course!" Mary Margaret says. "It's tradition!"

"We all deserve a good piece of pie after today's win!" Merida adds, to which David and Graham nod their agreement.

"I was thinking of inviting the other team. You know, show some friendship after our rivalry?" Emma says, vaguely noticing Henry's wink from next to her. "Are you guys okay with that?"

"The more the merrier!" Mary Margaret replies.

"Yeah, go invite them," Ruby says. "I've got a couple people from some other teams coming too."

Mary Margaret turns to her friend, confusion on her face. "You do? Who did you invite?"

"Oh… um… just this girl I'm seeing…" Ruby says with a shrug. "No big deal…"

"No big deal?" Mary Margaret yells, drawing a few heads towards them. "SPILL NOW!"

Emma uses the distraction to walk over to the other side of the court, where Killian and his team are still milling about. They are chatting about something, but the group goes quiet as Emma walks over.

"Excuse me, Captain?" Emma says while tapping on Killian's shoulder. Killian turns around, a wry smile filling his face. They hear Scarlett whistle from behind them, but neither acknowledge it.

"Ah, the Captain that stole today's win. To what do I owe this pleasure?" The smirk doesn't leave Killian's face, and if she wasn't still surrounded by dodgeball players and didn't have a true reveal planned for later, she would have punched his arm by now.

"I wanted to congratulate you guys, all of you," Emma turns her attention away from Killian to face his team. "You put up a good fight, but I guess you guys just aren't a match for the Storybrooke Saviours."

"You just got in a lucky shot!" Scarlett calls, but he is elbowed in the ribs by the brunette next to him.

"Will! They played great - and rightfully beat us," the brunette adds. "I'm Belle, by the way. And I do have the say - that catch made in game four that allowed your comeback? That was fantastic!"

"Oh, that was all David. I didn't even know he could do that, honestly," Emma replies, smiling back at Belle and thankful to finally be formally introduced after all of Killian's stories.

"It was a lucky shot," Scarlett mutters again, causing the group to break out into a laugh.

Emma shakes her head, realizing that coming clean to their friends means she will definitely be experiencing more of Will Scarlett in person. And that doesn't really scare her anymore.

"Anyways, I actually came over here to invite all of you to a bit of a… celebration of sorts? We always have a wrap-up party, that ends up being a win-party for us as well. It's at Granny's - this little restaurant off Main Street that is run by my teammate's grandmother. We'd love if you all want to join. Granny usually has the alcohol flowing, and she bakes theses amazing pies," Emma gauges the positive reaction from the group before turning to look in Killian's eyes as she adds, "Plus, you never know what kind of secrets come out at these events."

"Secrets? Like what?" Belle asks, excitement filling her voice.

Emma shrugs, trying to act nonchalant. "Oh, not much really. Mary Margaret and David got engaged at one a few years back, that was pretty insane."

"I was in when you mentioned booze," Scarlett says, causing everyone in the group to laugh.

Killian looks over at his team, then turns back to Emma. "We will be there. What time do you guys tend to start?"

"Whatever time everyone manages to show up," Emma says, her smile beaming before she quickly turns and runs back across the court to her team.

Henry smiles up at Emma as she returns, throwing in a wink for good measure. Emma ruffles his hair, winking back. Ruby shakes her head, subtly turning to look at the Hook Shots across the way.

"So, are we going to Granny's to party or what?" Emma asks, interrupting whatever conversation she walked back in on.

"Of course! Let's go!"

The team heads out, and it takes Emma a little longer than usual to get to Granny's. She wants to drop off her things at home, then have Henry and her make the short walk to the restaurant so she can have a drink or two and not have to drive them home. Henry doesn't really mind - he is excited to see their plan come to fruition and also just excited to stay up late on a school night. So when Emma arrives, the party is in full swing.

She and Henry enter together through the front, the sign saying "closed - private function" being no deterrent. They both scan the room quickly upon entering, breathing out equal sighs of relief when they notice Killian and the Hook Shots haven't arrived yet. Together they walk to the counter, joining up with the rest of the team and grabbing drinks. Henry gets himself a hot chocolate, Emma giving him a strict no-pop rule for the evening, though the sugar from hot chocolate will probably keep him up as much as caffeine. Emma grabs herself a rum and coke, needing a little bit of liquid courage even with the knowledge that she is ready to step their relationship into the spotlight.

Over the next half-hour, Emma finds herself beginning to get jumpy. She laughs with her friends, and enjoys the party, but also looks towards the door every time they hear the bell jingle trying to find Killian. She is already sipping a second drink, mid-way through a conversation with Merida and Mary Margaret on the benefits of hand-grip gloves during dodgeball, when finally Killian enters the door.

Emma's eyes widen for a second as she stops mid-sentence, and Emma can tell Mary Margaret notices something is up. But it is now or never, and Emma definitely wants this reveal to come now. She wants to be able to spend the rest of the night curled by Killian's side, and having him laugh into her hair, and whisper things into her ear. She wants them to be able to go home together without doing it in secret, and she wants them to come back the next morning for breakfast without fuss.

"Emma are you okay?" Mary Margaret asks, concern and a little intrigue in her voice.

Emma nods, then drinks back what is left in her glass. "I'm perfect. I just have to do something for a minute."

"Okay," Mary Margaret says, staring stunned as Emma walks across the diner. She takes even strides, moving to where the Hook Shots have just entered the diner and stopping right in front of Killian.

"Hi," Emma says, rocking back on her heels.

"Hello, love," Killian replies, a question in his voice.

Emma doesn't answer the question. Emma doesn't say anything, actually. She instead reaches up and pulls Killian's face down so that she can mold their lips together. The kiss is slow at first, Emma can taste the surprise on Killian's lips. But after a moment, he relaxes and his hand reaches up to tangle in her hair and everything is perfect.

The perfection only lasts a moment though, interrupted by Ruby's hollering and Mary Margaret's cry of "I KNEW IT!". Will Scarlett makes a vulgar comment, and Belle smacks him in the chest reminding him that children are present.

Emma ignores them, continues kissing Killian, and waits for the panic to set in. But it doesn't. And Emma knows in that moment that she made the perfect decision.

They pull back, finally, earning another holler from Ruby, and someone somewhere tells them to "get a room". The Hook Shots have dispersed from behind Killian, and the rest of the party has gone back to its pre-kiss atmosphere. Emma knows that she will be facing an interrogation from Mary Margaret as soon as she heads back to the counter, but with Killian looking at her like she is his guiding star, it really doesn't matter.

"Well, that is one hell of a consolation prize, love," Killian says, his hand moving to graze through Emma's loose curls.

"I mean, you guys didn't win the match, so I thought I should give you something. You know, team captain to team captain."

"Aye, very good plan," Killian replies. "Though, next session you'll be the ones getting the consolation prize, love."

"Next session?" Emma asks, a little confused. "But your Y is back up and running next session. You won't be in our league."

"Oh, Emma," Killian replies, shaking his head. "Clearly you've underestimated us. As pirates, we are liable to jump ship and join whatever league we deem necessary. And we find it absolutely necessary to take the Storybrooke Saviours down a notch."

Emma looks behind her, seeing her friends all staring towards the newly-exposed couple. Mary Margaret is jumping with glee while David is glaring angrily at Killian. Ruby has a knowing grin, and gives a wink when she sees Emma looking in her direction. Merida and Graham just look astounded, clearly both having no idea of anything going on between the two team captains. Henry's face is filled with joy, and Emma smiles right back at him.

"Do you really think you'd be able to beat us next time?" Emma asks, head swooping back to face Killian. She leans her chin up in defiance, crossing her arms and staring Killian down.

"Oh, this season was only a warm up, love. You'll not know what hit you when we are through, and the Hook Shots will reclaim their title as the true masters of both YMCAs."

"You're on!"

They seal the competition with a kiss. And while this season may have been the best one yet, Emma has no doubt in her mind that next season will be even better.

~Fin~