#cs future

There was no doubt about that, and the mere reminder of his wife brought a smile to his lips. She was going to be surprised by this, and there was nothing that he loved more than surprising his Swan. Killian could hardly wait for the look of excitement that would spread across her face, and the light that would appear in her jade colored eyes. Her cheeks would flush from realization, and her hands would move unbiddenly, as if she couldn’t quite contain the excitement or suspense. Emma was always the most beautiful of women, and a miracle to be sure, but when treated to a gift that was truly worthy of her, she was transcendent, his own personal star and tempting taste of heaven.

“Any word from Snow?” Killian asked, checking his watch and seeing they had made good time, despite the hecticness of the day. He had enough time to catch a shower and prepare himself, but he needed to be sure that Emma and Hope were sufficiently occupied in the meantime.

“Better – she sent a video while you were hanging the last of the garland.”

David offered his phone and Killian laughed at the sight. Snow and Emma had taken Neal and Hope out of town to a nearby ski resort that was hosting all sorts of winter activities for kids. In the video Emma, Hope, and Neal were all making snow angels, until Neal gave the signal and he and Hope pivoted to throwing snowballs at Emma. The only problem was Hope was far too little and bundled up in snow gear to be effective. She was having the time of her life though, and at the end of the video, Emma scooped their daughter up and nuzzled her close, bestowing a kiss on her curly brown hair, which had escaped its winter cap. Hope was a dazzling blend of him and Emma, but her goodness and ability to inspire love was totally her mother’s doing.

“Perfect. You good here for the time being?” David nodded, pivoting from his assistant role to commander in chief with the quickness of one-time prince. Content that his tasks were in good hands, Killian headed out, eager to put the next parts of his plan in place.

Things moved quickly from there. He showered and readied himself for the kind of night his Emma had imagined, ignoring the strangeness of his reflection as he did. He would never feel quite right in these damn tuxedos, but Emma’s wish was specific and it included the blasted suit. It also included a number of gifts for Emma and for Hope, which he pulled from the one place in the house Emma never ventured to – the garage. From the back of the storage space there, he grabbed a number of boxes that he’d stuffed away last week, and brought them all inside. After checking the contents were free from any water or dirt, he was convinced things were as they should be, and he left the gifts underneath the Christmas tree.

The only thing left to craft was the note for Emma that would set her surprise in motion. He hadn’t dared to write it out before, wanting to save it for this moment. It felt right to speak from the heart and to put in words exactly how he felt tonight. Still, it took time to get the letter exactly right, and he must admit he grew a bit sentimental when crafting it. A time or two he fell into recent and more distant memories of their lives together, feeling the warmth in his soul that could only ever come from the truest love. Luckily, he had enough of his wits about him and time was on his side. Soon he heard the sound of a car pulling up the drive just as he closed the envelope with Emma’s name and placed it on the tree, and with the stealth accrued in his past life, he slipped out the back door just before his girls came in.

“Mama, look! Santa came early,” he heard Hope say as he quietly rounded the side of the house. For a moment he was truly tempted to steal a look and watch this scene play out, but he reminded himself that there was still more to be done, and instead headed down the street to where a not so patiently waiting Snow was parked.

“Killian, thank God! I thought you’d never get here!” she exclaimed as he opened the door, but before he could reply, young Neal let his own thoughts be known.

“Mom, it’s been like sixty seconds. Literally. Look, I timed it on the stopwatch Henry gave me. 63 seconds.

“No, has it only been a minute? I’m so excited I can’t tell. It feels like forever. I was waiting for this all day. It was so hard not to spill the beans.”

“But you didn’t, right?” Killian checked, pivoting to Neal for the truth. When the boy gave him a thumbs up, he let out a breath. “Good. But it all might be for not if we don’t get a move on.”

“Oh, right. We’ve got to go. We’ve got a Christmas miracle to deliver.” Neal groaned at the words and Killian remained quiet prompting Snow to ask the question, “Sorry, too cheesy?”

“For tonight? No, strangely it’s just right.”

And with that, they pulled away from the curb, headed back towards the barn and the long-awaited surprise.

……………….

“Mama, look! Santa came! Santa came!”

At first Emma didn’t understand the words from her daughter. She was just trying to get her bearings after peeling the snow clothes off of Hope and discarding her own jacket on the hook by the door. Her boots were barely off and her scarf was still wound around her neck. She couldn’t imagine how Hope still had so much energy, but then she remembered – three year olds were like comic book characters, with a super power of endless energy.

“Christmas Eve is tomorrow, honey,” Emma said, righting her clothes and letting go of a big breath, before walking towards the living room. “Two more sleeps until Santa.”

“But look, Mama, pwesents!”

Emma followed her daughters pointing finger across the way, and low and behold there were gifts under the tree that had not been there this morning. Her curiosity was peaked, but when she saw the white envelope secured in the branches of their evergreen tree, she had an inkling of what was happening.

“Killian,” she murmured walking forward, and running her fingertips across the delicate paper.

“Daddy?” Hope asked excitedly, and Emma nodded as she opened the envelope, only to fight off tears of love when she read the letter.

My Dearest Emma,

There are no gifts that I could ever give you that compare to all you’ve given me. I know and accept that, but this time of year is different. It’s a season predicated on love, light, and yes, even a bit of magic. So I had to try, for your sake and for mine.

Christmas is about showing the people you love what they mean to you. It’s about giving love and feeling love, and knowing that even in the dark of a winter night, there is hope and light ahead. It’s about reminding loved ones that you care, that you’re rooting for them, and that their dreams are your dreams too. You taught me that, you and Hope and Henry, and I swear to you that all I could ever want is to make you happy, and to grant the wishes you carry in your heart.

“Ooo, pwetty,” Hope said, dragging Emma’s eyes down to where her daughter had already begun opening the parcels below. Inside the white garment box was a gorgeous crimson colored dress, breathtaking in its elegant design. The satin and the beading were exquisite, and the color was to die for, and like something from a dream. Hope offered the box to her, knowing even at age three that it wasn’t the right size for her. “For you, Mama.”

“Thank you, princess,” Emma said, taking the box in hand, wanting to look at it in full, but knowing the letter was still more important.

You are everything to me, Emma. Everything and so much more. You and our children hold my whole universe in your hands. Tonight, I hope to take your hand in mine, and remind you that in life, all you really need is the perfect partner.

“He didn’t,” Emma whispered, looking down from the letter which had been signed with love by her pirate. Then she looked at the other presents Hope was opening. A beautiful pair of heels, a white fur muff, and a necklace that sparkled, along with all the same things for Hope that were more their daughter’s style and perfect for her size. The last gift was another envelope, with a card. On the top in cursive script it read ‘Selected Suitors for Emma Jones’ and the only name was Killian’s. “Oh my god, he did. It’s a dance. He planned a Christmas dance for me.”

“Dance?” Hope asked and Emma crouched down to help her daughter really open her own garment box, where a beautiful princess-style dress was waiting for her. As soon as she saw it Hope let out a sound of pure delight, clapping her hands together at a hastened clip. At that moment, the front door opened, and Emma looked, expecting to see Killian but instead seeing her son, dressed up in a tuxedo and looking downright dashing. It would have been a shock either way, but this year, when she’d been bracing herself for her son being away for the holiday, it felt like an even greater gift.

“Henry?” she asked, as Hope bolted for her brother. Instinctively, Henry scooped her up, accepting all her hugs and kisses before turning his eyes back to Emma.

“Surprise! Well, part of it anyway. But we’ve got to get a move on, or we’ll be late.”

“Where are we going?” Hope asked. Henry responded by whispering in her ear, low enough that Emma couldn’t hear. Whatever he said made Hope gasp. “Really? We’re going there?”

“Sure are. But we have to get ready. Don’t worry, Mom, I’ve got Hope. You do what you need to do.”

Emma was spurred into motion, grabbing the gifts marked for her and heading upstairs. In thirty minutes, she and Hope were both ready for whatever awaited them, and though Emma had her suspicions, she was in no way prepared when they arrived at the old McDonald farm. Pulling around back to the barn, there were dozens of people milling around. Everyone in town was here tonight, dressed up and partaking in merriment, but when they left the car and walked inside, Emma was truly stunned.

“It’s beautiful,” she said aloud, taking in the gorgeous decorations. The space was totally transformed, a perfect blend of rustic refinement. The colors were vivid and vibrant, the air was warm and filled with the scent of cinnamon and honey, and the joy here was palpable. There was a buzzing electricity that crackled in the air. This was what all those Christmas movies strove to recreate but could never quite capture, and Emma took it all in knowing that her husband had made this just for her.

Scanning the room for him, Emma was first greeted with the sight of her Mom and Dad and brother. They came forward immediately, hugging her and Hope and Henry and extending their thoughts.

“Oh, honey, you look spectacular!” her mother exclaimed with tears in her eyes, holding her hands and looking at her red dress. It was a truly wonderous design, that hugged every one of Emma’s curves just right while still feeling of the season. It was classic and timeless and more than a little sexy, but it was appropriate for the night, when everyone was dressed to the nines.

“So do you guys,” Emma said honestly, taking in her mom’s sapphire ball gown, and her Dad and brother’s tuxes.

“I’m a princess, Grandpa,” Hope said happily and Emma’s father immediately agreed as the band began to play a slower melody.

“There’s no denying that. Care to dance with me, Princess Hope?” He asked, bowing to her daughter. Hope giggled but took Emma’s hand instinctively, looking at her for permission and clarity.

“What about you, Mama?”

“Don’t worry, sprout,” Henry said nodding across the room and using his favorite nickname for his sister. “Dad’s got her taken care of.”

Emma’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Killian, as if this was a first date and not years into their marriage. She couldn’t help the butterflies swarming within her, and then, like magic the crowd of people parted, and there, across the room was her man. It should have come as no surprise how handsome he would look. Emma was well versed in how roguishly hot her pirate could be, but in a tux it was a whole other story. Maybe it was the rarity of seeing him like this, or maybe Killian was just one of those men who was born to wear a tux, but either way she was struck by him. Everything seemed to stop around her, and all she could sense was the man who completely owned her heart.

A few moments later they were together again. Emma hadn’t even realize she’d been walking towards him, and him to her, but when he took her hand she felt her blood hum in anticipation. She was caught in his eyes, sensing the mixture of love and desire that was so intoxicating, and waiting for him to speak, because words in this moment truly failed her.

“You look stunning, Swan,” he said to her, the gravel of his tone washing over her and sending a shiver down her spine in that delicious kind of way. “The fantasies I’d conjured in my mind’s eye could never do you justice.”

“So you were fantasizing about this, huh?” she asked, her voice thready as she turned, purposefully taunting him with a view of all her best angles. This time he let out a low growl that spiked her desire to tease him. God damn, there were people around! How could she be this hot and bothered? Oh right, she was married to a sinfully attractive and impossibly romantic man. This was par for the course.

“Aye, love, and I promise those musings will prove more than satisfactory when we get home.” His voice dipped low and she swallowed hard, trying to tamp down her own building need. Then something shifted in his eyes, and she knew before he said a word that something immensely thoughtful was about to be shared. “I hope it’s everything that you wanted, love. Those blasted ‘Hallmark towns’ have a lot more built-in Christmas cheer than Storybrooke, but all it took was a hint that this was what you wanted, and everyone came together.”

It dawned on her that the wish he was referring to was one that she’d made a few weekends ago when they were laying in bed watching TV. She usually skipped the Hallmark Christmas extravaganza, but this year she was feeling sentimental. Maybe it was the fact that Hope was finally hitting an age where she was starting to understand the season, or more likely it was the pregnancy hormones from their little one on the way. She was only twelve weeks along, and wasn’t even showing yet, but her self-coined pregnancy induced crazy brain was in full swing, and had been from the start. The only thing getting her through most days was Killian, and then he went and did something like this… it was too much for her, she couldn’t take it.

“I love you,” she confessed, blurting it out like it was some big secret instead of established fact. “Like a lot. A lot a lot.”

“A lot a lot,” Killian parroted with a grin, pulling her with him out to the dance floor before taking her in his arms. She melded into his muscled physique, trying not to swoon as the melody carried them away.

“You know I’m not as good at the whole poetic declarations thing as you are.”

“Few can be, love,” he joked. She raised her brow at him in quiet consternation, and he only laughed before turning her into a low dip on the dance floor and reminding her that he was in total control of himself out here. “But where words might fail you, action is your strong suit. You show me every day how much you love me, Emma. And every day I thank my lucky stars to have that love.”

He made a fair point. Emma was, after all, a woman of action, and so she decided to take some now. Though they were dancing, she stalled their moment to pull him in for a kiss, giving them both a taste of what was to come when the night drew to a close. The sparks between them ignited instantly, and without looking, Emma knew some of her magic was radiating from within. When they pulled apart she was almost dizzy from the delight, but Killian was even more effected. He had that boyish grin of his in full display, and that tiny hint of bashfulness that came when he’d done something really well. Only when she heard the oohing and aahing of the people around them did she realize their magic had created stars along the ceiling of the barn, making it appear that they were all dancing under an inky black sky bursting with constellations.

From a distance, Emma heard her daughter ask if it was ‘magic time’ now, but before she and Killian needed to step in, Regina told her ‘Not tonight, kid,’ and Henry whisked her off for her another dance. This gave Emma and Killian time, time to enjoy the fruits of all he’d done, and to revel in this moment for as long as they could.

“Merry Christmas, Killian. You’ve made it so perfect, I never want it to end.”

“What is it they say in those movies, love? Oh right – every day is Christmas when we’re together.”

And even though it was horribly corny, and she should have rolled her eyes at such a lame joke, Emma found that she couldn’t. She was simply too happy and grateful to feign otherwise. Instead she savored every moment of their Christmas dance, and the night they shared thereafter, knowing this would be one of the best days she’d ever had, and that somehow, some way, her pirate would find other means of making the future just as bright.

……………………

Girl I got a no problem Yeah, it's a bad habit, the way I gotta have it With or without you around All ya gotta do is call me, and tell me that you're lonely You're always stringing me out Yeah, they say the first step to quitting it Is admitting it, so here it is Girl, I think I got a no problem On my hands, 'cause I can't say no to you Once you start you know I can't stop it Even if I wanted to Yeah, I get tongue tied every time I try To do what I oughta do Girl, I got a no problem Yeah, 'cause I can't say no to you Girl, I should know better, yeah, I should know never To let you in just to leave If it's just two letters, then why can't I ever Find a way to piece 'em together Let's say the first step to quitting it Is admitting it, I'm admitting it, here it is Girl, I think I got a no problem On my hands, 'cause I can't say no to you Once you start you know I can't stop it Even if I wanted to Yeah, I get tongue tied every time I try To do what I oughta do Girl, I got a no problem Yeah, 'cause I can't say no to you Those smokey blue eyes staring back at me Yeah, you already know if you're asking me What the answer's always gonna be It's gonna be, yeah Girl, I think I got a no problem On my hands, 'cause I can't say no to you Once you start you know I can't stop it Even if I wanted to Yeah, I get tongue tied every time I try To do what I oughta do Girl, I got a no problem Yeah, 'cause I can't say no to you Those smokey blue eyes staring back at me Can't say no to you Yeah, you already know if you're asking me Girl, I got a no problem That the answer's always gonna be 'Cause I can't say no to you Girl, I got a no problem 'Cause I can't say no to you

Post-Note: So, what did you think? Hopefully you enjoyed this little dose of holiday cuteness and none of this is offensive in any way or to any story line. Most of you know I never watched the last season of the show, so I don’t know what they say happened to Henry and everybody. I only knew Emma and Killian did eventually have a baby girl named Hope. Anyway, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and healthy holiday season. I am grateful for you all, from the ride or die readers who comment on every post, to the people passing by who just wanted a little bit of Christmas cheer. You are such a force for good in my world, whoever you are, and I thank you for your light and kindness in these trying time. I wish you all the best this Christmas and in the New Year, and more than anything I wish you love! Sending my best vibes your way now and always, xE.

The Captain Swan Mixtape oneshot series:

Emma laughed and then groaned when she looked down at Liam’s feet.

“What happened to your other shoe, kid?”

“I lost it,” he said with a shrug.

“You had it five minutes ago.  It was on your foot.  How did you manage to lose it in five minutes?”

“I dunno,” he said with a shrug.

Emma blew out a frustrated breath.  “Go back to your room and put on another pair of sneakers.”

Liam scampered off, just as Eva dropped to the ground dramatically, her arms and legs spread out on the rug.

“What’s wrong with her?” Emma asked, turning to her husband.

Killian shrugged and attempted to make air quotes with his hand and hook.  “In her words, she’s feeling weird today.”

“What does that mean?”

“How the devil should I know?  Apparently, it makes it so she doesn’t want to attend the party.”

“Well, that’s not an option,” Emma said. “Get up, Eva,” she ordered.

Eva didn’t move a muscle.   Killian bent down to pick up his daughter, but she was dead weight and he couldn’t get her to budge.

“Bloody hell, it’s as if she weighs more than a barrel of rum,” he said.

Emma chuckled. “Yeah, that’s a special kind of kid skill right there.”

Just then, Liam appeared back in the living room.

“Ready!” he announced.

Emma looked at his feet.  He was now wearing two different sneakers.

“Why are you wearing two different shoes?” she asked.

“I couldn’t find the missing one,” he explained.

“That’s why I said to put on a different pair of shoes.”

“I did.”

“No, you put on two different sneakers.  One is red.  One is blue.”

He shrugged.  “I like it better this way.”

Emma rubbed her temple.  “Fine.  Go like that.”

Killian pinched the bridge of his nose.  “The headache I currently have rivals those I’ve only gotten after consuming several flasks of rum.”

Emma smiled and patted her husband’s shoulder.  “That’s parenthood for you.  The effects of a hangover without the fun.”

Killian laughed.  “Aye.”

They then worked together to lift Eva off the floor.  They thought they were finally ready to leave when they realized Ella was missing.  

“Where’s Ella?” Emma asked.

Killian groaned.  “Bloody hell.”

They heard a giggle coming from upstairs and she appeared at the top of the stairs, completely naked.

Emma let out an audible groan.  “Seriously?”

Killian exhaled in defeat and held up his hook and hand.  "That’s it.  I surrender," he said.

 His wife turned to him wide-eyed.  "What?  I thought you love a challenge."

 "Aye, that I do.  But I am also wise enough to know when to admit defeat."

 "So let me get this straight.  You've lived centuries and defeated villains and monsters, broken curses, but our three children manage to take you down?"

 He shrugged.  "Defeat can come in the most unexpected of ways and from the most underestimated of foes."

 "Okay, this is ridiculous.  What are we supposed to do?  Never leave the house again?"

 "No, we can certainly make another attempt at some point.  But today I believe we must admit the lad and lasses have bested us."

 "So much for never giving up," she muttered.

 "Perhaps if you could use your magic or I could use my sword to defeat them, we would stand a chance.  But, alas, that is not an option."

 Emma groaned and rubbed at her forehead.  "Yeah, this parenthood thing is definitely the greatest challenge we've ever faced together."

 “Some days it feels more like a hostage negotiation with a band of drunken pirates than actual parenting,”  Killian said.

 "Well, I guess you would know," she replied with a chuckle.  Emma paused and and shook her head.  "But one thing I know is that we've always been stronger together."

 "Aye."

 "The kids outnumber us.  But-..."

 He nodded, finishing her thought, "We've been outnumbered before and emerged victorious.  You’re right, Swan.  We just have to keep our wits about us, formulate a plan, and work as a team."

 Emma nodded, as she came closer to her husband and snaked her arms around his neck.  "Now there's the determined pirate I love.  There's no battle we can't win if we work together."

 Killian pressed his lips to his wife's.  Just as they parted, they both felt a tug on their shirts.  They looked down to find Liam staring up at them.

 "I lost my shoes," he said.  

 Emma and Killian sighed, as they dropped their foreheads together and squeezed their eyes closed.

 ...

 "Okay, here's the plan," Emma said, as she handed Killian a roll of duct tape.

 Her husband's eyes grew wide. "Love, admittedly I'm still learning about parenting in this realm, but I do believe it is frowned upon to restrain them."

 Emma laughed, shook her head, and then handed him a pair of green sneakers. "For Liam's sneakers.  Put them on and secure them with a bit of duct tape around his foot.  They won't be going anywhere for awhile."

 "Brilliant."

 Emma pointed to Eva and Liam. "Both of you on the couch," she ordered.  

 They begrudgingly followed their mother's command.

 She addressed Killian.  "Okay, watch them.  Don't let them out of your sight."

 "As you wish."

 "I'll take care of Ella," she said.

 Emma headed upstairs.  She found her naked toddler jumping up and down on their bed.  

 "Ella, do you want to play a game?"

 Ella stopped jumping and nodded enthusiastically.  "Yeah!"

 "Okay, how about dress-up?  You love playing dress-up."

 "Can I be a princess?"

 "Yup.  But here's the game part.  I'm going to time you on my phone.  I'm going to give you five minutes and you have to be fully dressed, including pull-up.  And you have to stay dressed for the rest of the day or you lose.  Got it?"

 "Got it!" she yelled and gave her mother a thumbs up.

 "Ready," Emma said, as she tapped the time on her phone.  "Get set.  Go!"  

 Ella jumped off the bed and raced to her bedroom.  Emma followed and watched as she ran to her toy chest and began to frantically pull out her dress-up costumes.

 ...

 Killian could hear his wife and daughter upstairs as he guarded their other two children.  They squirmed on the couch.

 "I'm hungry," Eva said.

 "I'm thirsty," Liam announced.  

 "Well, loves, if we leave this house sometime this century, then you can have your fill of food and beverages at your uncle's party."

 "But I'm hungry now."

 "I'm thirsty now."

 Killian waved his hook at them and shook his head.  "I know what you're attempting to do and your efforts will be fruitless."

 Eva tilted her head and smiled at her father, batting her eyelashes.  "You're the best daddy in the whole wide world," she said softly.  

 Killian blushed and shrugged.  "Thank you, love."

 "In all the realms," Liam added, spreading his arms out wide.

 "And you're the funnest, too," Eva said.  "All of my friends are jealous because their dads are boring."

 Liam nodded. "Yeah, mine too.  Our daddy's a cool pirate."

 Killian puffed his chest out proudly, his face beaming.  "Well, I can't argue with that. I'd imagine the other fathers would be rather envious of me.  I can't say I blame them."

 Eva and Liam slowly inched off the couch and came to sit on their father's lap. They looped their arms around his neck and each placed a kiss on his cheek.

 "We love you, Daddy," they said in unison.

 Killian smiled. "I love you, too."

 "Now can we have something to eat?" Eva asked.

 "And drink?" Liam said.

 Killian nodded, kissing their foreheads. "Of course.  How could I ever deny my beautiful offspring anything?  You’re such a wonderful lad, Liam, and you’re a lovely lass, Eva."

 "Thank you, Daddy!" they said, as they hugged him, and then jumped off his lap and ran into the kitchen.

 ...

 A few minutes later, Emma came down the stairs with Ella, who was now dressed in a glittery purple princess dress and sparkly pink shoes. The look was made complete with a crown atop her head.

 Killian smiled. "Well, lass, you look stunning," he said.

 Ella giggled, as Emma's eyes widened at the empty couch.

 "Where are Eva and Liam?"

 "Oh, not to worry, love.  They're just getting something to eat and drink."

 Emma's eyes widened. "What? Killian, I told you not to let them move.  Every parent knows you never let a child who is dressed to leave the house eat or drink anything or they will surely require a change of clothes.  How did they convince you to let them move off the couch?"

 He grinned.  "We have very sweet children, Swan.  They told me how I am the best daddy in all of the realms."

 Emma groaned. "Of course they did.  They stroked your ego.  Smart kids."

 Killian shrugged.  “It was rather brilliant.  Well played.”

 Eva and Lia emerged from the kitchen a moment later.  Eva had chocolate pudding all over the front of her dress and Liam had grape juice on his pants.  Emma stared daggers at her husband.

 "Apologies, love."

 Just then, Emma's cell rang.  She looked down and groaned.  "It's my mother."

 She answered the phone. "Hi, Mom."

 "Emma, where are you?  Neal's party started an hour ago."

 "Well, we started the process of leaving the house two hours ago.  Let's just say it isn't going well."

 Snow chuckled. "Ah, I can imagine it's difficult with three young children."  She paused and said, "Put me on speaker."

 Emma pressed speaker.

 "Eva, Liam, Ella.  It's grandma."

 "Hi, Grandma!" they yelled.

 "Do you know what's waiting for you at the party?"

 "What?" they asked.  

 "A piñata full of candy.  And there’s chocolate cake.  And there’s ice cream.  Plus, a little present for each of you."

 "Yay!"  

 "But you must get in the car within the next five minutes or everything will disappear.  Okay?"

 "Okay!" they screamed.

 Emma watched as Liam and Eva raced upstairs to change.

 Emma and Killian shook their heads in amazement.

 "Unbelievable," Emma said.

 Snow chuckled. "Emma, never forget a parent's greatest weapon: bribery."

 "I thought bribery was frowned upon," Killian said.

 "I'm a big believer in whatever works," Snow said.  "See you soon.  Hopefully."

 Eva and Liam ran down the stairs a moment later, freshly changed.  "Ready!"

 Emma and Killian exchanged a relieved smile.  

 Emma looked at them.  "Does anyone need to use the bathroom?"

 "Nope," they said.

 Killian grinned. "Then let's go."

 They filed out of the house and piled into the car.  Emma was almost backed out of the driveway when Liam began to squirm in his seat.

 "I have to pee," he said.

 Emma and Killian squeezed their eyes shut, as she put the car in park.  She glared at him in the rearview mirror.  

 "Seriously, kid?  I just asked if anyone needed to go to the bathroom not three minutes ago."

 "I didn't have to go then," he replied with a matter-of-fact shrug.

 Emma and Killian exchanged a look and then simply laughed, as Emma dropped her head onto the steering wheel.  

 …

 From their booth at Granny’s, Emma and Killian watched their three children attempt to hit the piñata.

Emma smiled, as she leaned forward and linked her fingers with her husband’s.

“As crazy as they drive us, I have to admit we created three pretty great kids,” she said.

Killian nodded. “Aye, love, that we did.”

Emma’s smile faded and her expression grew serious.  “Do you ever regret it?  Do you ever regret trading life as a pirate captain for like in Storybrooke?”

Killian’s brow furrowed, as he shook his head. “Not for a moment, Swan.  It was the best decision I ever made. You helped me find the good man I still had inside of me and gave me a noble cause.   And that decision gave me you and our children.”

Emma bobbed her head.  “I know,” she said.  She waved her hand at their children. “But I doubt when you made that decision back then, you could have imagined what your life would be like now.”

Killian chuckled. “You’re quite right, love.  I traded battles with pirates over treasure for battles with children over shoes and diapers.”  He paused for a long moment. “I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a very small part of me that feared that life as a husband and father in Storybrooke could grow dull and tiresome.  But I had nothing to fear because this life we’ve created together is the greatest adventure of my life.”

Emma smiled as he leaned forward and placed a kiss to her knuckles.  

“And there's no one else I’d rather go on this adventure with,” she said.

“It’s my turn!” Eva suddenly yelled.

Emma and Killian groaned, as they turned to find Eva and Liam in a tug-of war over the plastic bat being used to hit the piñata.  

“No, it’s not!  It’s mine!” Liam screamed.

“Duty calls, Swan,” Killian said, as they both slid out of the booth.

Killian grabbed Eva and Emma grabbed Liam, pulling them apart until they dropped the bat.  Ella giggled as she picked it up from the ground and began swinging it haphazardly.

Eva and Liam squirmed in their parents’ arms until they were finally released and set on the ground.  

Eva pointed at Liam.  “He stole my turn!”

“She stole my turn!” he yelled.

Emma and Killian sighed heavily, preparing to launch into their upteenth lecture on sharing.  But just as they opened their mouths, Ella screamed, “My turn!”

Unfortunately, she was only two and her aim left a lot to be desired.  She swung and missed the piñata entirely.  But what she didn’t miss was her father’s face.  The plastic bat hit Killian square in the nose.

“Killian!” Emma screamed, as he fell backwards and landed on the ground, his hand going to clutch his nose.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered, as his nose began to throb.  

Emma stroked his cheek, as Snow ran off to get ice.  

Ella walked over to her father and touched his cheek. “Sorry, Daddy,” she whispered in his ear.

Eva grabbed Killian’s hand, while Liam took hold of his hook.

“Are you okay, Daddy?” Eva asked.  

“I’ve been better, love,” he mumbled.  

Snow arrived with the ice and Emma pressed it to her husband’s swollen nose.  

“You’ll be fine, Daddy.  You’re a big, strong pirate,” Liam said.  

Emma smiled at their children, as they attempted to comfort their father.  

“Thank you, lad.  You’re right.  I’ve endured far worse.  I’ll be just fine,” he said.

Emma helped him up and then ushered him back to their booth.   She scooted all the way in and then motioned for Killian to placed his head on her lap.  He lay back, settling his head in his wife’s lap as she placed the ice back on his nose.

“Has the handsome finally been knocked out of me, love?”

Emma caressed his cheek. “I told you.  No one’s that powerful, not even our kids.”

Killian laughed and then winced in pain.  

Emma brushed his hair off his forehead and placed a kiss on it, as she met his eyes.  “So still no regrets?”

He shook his head.  “Not a one.  I wouldn’t trade our life together for all of the treasure in all of the realms.”

Emma smiled, as she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips.  

Just then, all three kids appeared at the booth.  They started to climb on top of Killian.  

“Careful!” Emma said, as Liam kneed him in the crotch, garnering another groan from her husband.

“We just want to hug him,” Eva explained.

Emma’s face softened. “Okay, but be gentle.”

Eva flopped down on top of her father’s chest as Liam took up a spot beside her.  Ella managed to climb on top of her siblings.  

Killian smiled and tightly wrapped his arms around their little brood.  Emma found his hand and slipped hers in it, as they exchanged a smile that said it all.

...THE END...

Despite the fact that this free-weekend thing was normal (it had been about a year since she agreed to the schedule shift), she was still awed by the premise. When the kids were still home, nearly every moment that she wasn’t working was dedicated to them, to their games, and plays and homework and lives. But now their nest was empty. The kids all had their own worlds and agendas, and weekends were becoming a time when Emma and Killian could genuinely relax.

This morning was the perfect example. After waking up bright and early in her husband’s arms, and after their heated exchange of what Killian always called ‘good morning pleasantries’ (code for sex that had no right to be that hot after how long they’d been together), Emma had fallen back asleep while Killian rested only briefly before heading out to go for a sail or run some errand or another. No matter how much quiet they had, her husband was still an early riser. No amount of downtime would change that. But for Emma a lazy morning was a luxury, one that she soaked in and cherished after years of never having them.

As she showered and got dressed, Emma found herself smiling, knowing that she was a lucky woman in every possible way. She was blessed with healthy kids, a network of supportive friends and family, and a true love who was always in her corner. The sun was shining in Storybrooke, and the summer heat was already beginning to climb. She had a whole host of possible paths to wander today. She could go for a hike, or tend to the garden out back. She could drive up the coast and explore the world beyond, or she could take it easy and relax, luxuriating in this happy, stress-free moment that they currently had going. But whatever she did, Emma knew she’d have company for the ride.

Moving downstairs Emma caught the scent of bacon and coffee in the air, she closed her eyes and hummed out a sound of contentment. Spoiled – that was what she was, and as she walked into the kitchen and saw Killian flipping some blueberry pancakes she leaned against the doorway and bit her lip. Damn, nearly thirty years together, and he was still too hot to handle. Standing there, making her breakfast with that mix of salt and pepper in his hair, her pirate was still fit and ready for whatever fight might come their way. There were more laugh lines etched upon his skin, and he might move just a touch slower than he did back in the early days, but the light in his blue eyes that sparked when he caught sight of her still pierced down to her soul, and the sexy grin of his made her heart skip a beat.

“Finally, the lady wakens,” he joked and Emma shook her head and smiled as she kissed him quickly and then moved around him to pour herself a cup of coffee.

“Sounds like someone missed me.”

“You know how I feel about being away from you, Swan.” The growl in his voice sent a thrill of anticipation down her spine. Damn this man and his sexiness. Thirty years wasn’t enough to get used to him, and some days she still felt like a honeymooner as opposed to a couple long settled and established.

“You’re not a fan as I recall,” she teased and she let out a yelp when he swatted at her ass with the hard metal of his hook. She blushed in spite of herself, thinking of all the times that particular appendage had made itself known before. She could tell from his deep chuckle that he read her like a book, and she cleared her throat and changed the subject. “Any thoughts on what we should do today, Captain?”

“Whatever my wife wishes, I reckon,” he quipped as he placed their plates on the kitchen counter and he held out her chair, tucking her in like a true gentleman before taking his own seat. They discussed the possibilities as they ate, and he caught her up on some friendly neighborhood gossip that he’d heard down at the market, but when their meal was done and they moved to clear the dishes, Emma noticed a little sadness in Killian’s eyes. Immediately she knew the reason for it.

“You miss the kids, don’t you?”

“Aye, love. How could you tell?”

Emma didn’t have the heart to tell her pirate that his expression was totally transparent. Instead she came to cuddle with him, her arms encircling him as he did the same. This was her favorite spot, tucked in her with her true love. It was always her safest space and the place she felt like things would always be okay. Now though it was Killian who needed that anchor, and she was more than willing to give it to him.

“Because I miss them too,” Emma confessed, knowing it was silly. She saw all of her children nearly every day, and they were all in constant contact. Still it wasn’t the same, and time, as beautiful a gift as it was, was also all too fleeting. Years moved by so quickly, and some days it felt like she blinked and that whole chapter of their lives had flown by.

“It feels like only yesterday the whole house was filled with Hope, Liam and Leia running about, and with Henry coming home any chance he got. Remember the morning we found the little ones all in the mud out back?”

“Which time?” Emma asked, laughing even as she shook in horror.

The sight of them that day was so damn funny – covered and filthy and dripping in liquid dirt. But it had also been a logistical nightmare. They tracked the stuff everywhere, ruining the couch and a carpet, and the magic each kid was capable had created some kind of spell where all the stains were permanent. It was maddening but also so freaking funny, and of course, Killian had been a superhero, wrangling all three of them back outside to get cleaned off on the back porch. In less than a day he’d had the couch and carpet replaced, consulting Regina about the rest of the mess, all while Emma was on a shift at the station, and her cheeks flushed at the memory of the night they shared together when he got home. There were thousands of nights like that in the long arc of their marriage, but that one stuck out. She was especially grateful for everything he did for her and their family, and they’d made some truly lasting memories as a result.

“Or the Halloween they started the prank war with your siblings?”

“Oh my God,” Emma groaned remembering. Her kids at that point were so beyond toilet papering and throwing eggs. They had the benefit of understanding their true love magic to a certain degree and they’d made use of it. She and Regina had spent days unmaking the mess, and the town was still a little whacked out energy wise until after Christmas.

“How about the day Leia decided she wanted to be a vet?” Killian said, laughing straight out this time.

“She brought home six cats, four bunnies, and three dogs. I still never figured out where she found them all.”

Okay that wasn’t exactly true. Leia made a ‘wish’ that she could give all the homeless pets a home, and her magic had crafted its own attempt at a spell. As a result, all of the strays in a ten-mile radius arrived at their house, all of them charmed by her daughter, and cute even if they were most of them worse for wear.

“To be fair she was only trying to help them all. And she had a plan, didn’t she? A special room or space for every last one of them.”

“She was fourteen at that point. She knew there was no way we could keep them all, even if Hope was away at school and Liam was on his way to college soon too.”

“Perhaps, but we kept more than a few.”

Emma nodded, thinking of their two dogs and two cats. The other animals had all found homes either with her parents, Henry, or Belle. Even at the time she’d found it endearing, and look at where they were now. Leia was away at her last year of college, and she’d been accepted early to the university’s veterinary program. Even if that one day was madness, Emma knew it was the beginning of a real vocation, which she wanted each of her children to feel.

“You know what I think will help?” she asked, circling back around to how much they missed their family.

“Rum?” Killian asked, though he was kidding. He’d cut back considerably as time went on, but he loved pretending rum was still the answer to all things. Always with the jokes, this man.

“Maybe a little. I was thinking you, me, and maybe a bit of sailing?”

“You had me at you and me, love.”

Emma laughed at his attempt to blend a movie quote from long long ago into their conversation. Despite his being here for so many years, Killian still delivered anything having to do with pop culture like he was fresh from the Enchanted Forest. It made for many a funny moment, and this was no exception. The humor of it was only compounded by how quickly he sprung into action. No sooner had she spoken then idea than he was moving about, grabbing things they might need, and packing them a picnic lunch for them to enjoy hours from now when they were out on the water.  For a moment she watched him, delighting in how adamant he was to spend time with her and get to go make some brand new memories, but before he could get too carried away, she pulled him into her, clutching at his shirt and smiling at him happily.

“I love you, Killian. A little bit more each and every day.”

“For this day and all days,” he agreed, before kissing her sweetly and resting his forehead against hers. In that moment they just enjoyed this, breathing in the peace and calm they’d fought so hard for. And even when they did break apart, and were back in action once more, Emma carried her love for him always, reveling in how magical it was to truly have a happily ever after.

………………….

I hope we stay the same, hey Honeymoon

Unexpected, this thing that we fell into Lie, so connected You came at a time when my heart was selective Didn't have to choose my love Was accepted, yeah

Now we're running your luck one on one You were sent to me like a one of one And, now we're going I just want no one Nobody else

I hope we never change I hope we stay the same I hope that we can love through the pain After the honeymoon fades I hope we never change I hope we stay the same I hope we can love through the pain After the honeymoon fades

After the honeymoon fades, yeah

I remember when we met we was all in each other's bed And we were spending every second we had And now that it's official it's hitting a little different What the hell we're gonna do with these bads, no yeah

And now we're running your luck one on one You were sent to me like a one of one And, now we're going I just want no one Nobody else

I hope we never change I hope we stay the same I hope that we can love through the pain After the honeymoon fades I hope we never change I hope we stay the same I hope we can love through the pain After the honeymoon fades

After the honeymoon fades

And I hope it tastes the same Even if it's the best way

Honeymoon fading with you (Fading with you) Honeymoon fading with you (Fading with you) Honeymoon fading with you (Fading with you) Honeymoon fading, fading

Once there, they found their seven year old twins engaged in a tug-of-war with a plastic sword.

“It’s mine! Give it back!” Liam screamed.

“You’re supposed to share!” Leia yelled back.

“What the devil is going on in here?” Killian asked.

“Dad, Leia took the sword Grandpa gave me and she won’t give it back.”

“He wouldn’t share it with me,” Leia countered.

Emma looked at their son.  “Is that true?”

He shrugged.  “Well, yeah.  Swords aren’t for girls.”

Emma’s jaw tightened and she crossed her arms over her chest.  Killian chuckled as he slapped their son gently on the back.

“Oh, lad, now you’ve gone and done it.”

“Excuse me?”  Emma said. “You know I am quite skilled with a sword, as is your grandmother.  What would make you say such a thing, Liam?”

Leia smiled.  “I know why.  He’s afraid I’ll be better at sword fighting than he is, so he doesn’t want me to use his sword.”

“Liam,” Killian began. “Is your sister right?”

Liam shrugged and dropped his gaze to the ground.  “She’s better at everything.  School, sports, even video games.  I just wanted to be better than her this one time.”

Emma and Killian’s faces softened.  Emma took the sword from them.

“Have a seat on the couch,” she ordered gently.

The twins sat down on the couch as their parents sat across from them on the coffee table.  

“You are not in competition with each other,” Emma said.

Killian nodded.  “Aye, you both have your own talents and gifts.  All we ask if that you try your best at whatever you do.”

Emma bobbed her head.  “Your father is right.  And if one of you happens to be better at something than the other, then you should be proud of each other.  Just like I know your father is proud of me, even though I am better at sword fighting than he is.  Right?” she said, turning to her husband.

Killian’s eyes widened and he chuckled nervously,  “Well, love, I’m not sure I’d say you’re better than me.  After all, I do have a few centuries of practice on you.”

“True, but at this point, I’ve defeated countless villains, so that has to count for something,” she said.

“Aye, that it does.  But to declare you are better than me is a bit of an overstatement,” he said.

The children stared at their parents.   Emma and Killian were suddenly aware that their parental lecture had gotten away from them.

Emma forced a smile.  “The point is, I am proud of your father for being so good at sword fighting and he is proud of me.”

“That’s right.  And we want you to support each other and be proud of each other,” Killian added.

“Okay,” they replied begrudgingly.

Emma held the sword out.  “So you have two choices.  You can either take turns playing with the sword or we keep it and no one uses it.  What’s it going to be?”

Leia and Liam exchanged a glance, then sighed heavily.  

“Take turns,” they mumbled.

“Brilliant,” Killian said with a grin, as Emma handed the sword over to Liam.

“But it’s time for breakfast now and then we need to get ready for our fishing trip on the Jolly Roger today.  Go get washed up,” Emma said.

The twins scampered out of the room.  

Killian grinned at his wife.  “Love, you don’t truly believe you’re better at sword fighting than me, do you?”

Emma shrugged.  “Well, when we dueled in the Enchanted Forest, I did beat you.”

Killian leaned in close to her, his eyes scanning her face and stopping at her lips, as he replied softly,  “I was distracted.”

His lips moved to her jaw and he began to leave a path of kisses down it.  

“Oh yeah, by what?” Emma breathed.

“Your beauty,” he mumbled against his wife’s skin.

 “Sounds like an excuse to me,” she giggled, as his mouth trailed down her neck.

 “Perhaps a rematch is in order then,” he said, lifting his lips from her body and meeting her eyes.

 “Maybe so,” she agreed.  “I’ll give you this though.  You made good on your promise.”

 “And what promise was that?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

 Emma grinned. “Every time you jab me with your sword, I definitely feel it.”

 Killian laughed and kissed her again.

 …

 It was nearly noon by the time they made it onto the Jolly Roger.  The twins helped Killian ready the ship and soon they were sailing away from Storybrooke.  Once they were far enough out, Killian dropped anchor.  He handed each child a fishing pole and they hurried to the side of the ship.   Emma and Killian watched the twins as they waited for a bite.

 “Can you believe we made them?” Emma asked.  

 Killian put his arm around his wife’s shoulders.  “Sometimes it’s hard to believe.”

 “They’re a product of our true love,” she said.  

 Killian pressed a kiss to her temple.  “Sometimes it’s hard to believe that this life we have built together, this family, is real.  These years we have spent together have been the happiest of my life.”

 Emma nodded.  “Mine too.  I love our life.  I love our family.”  She paused and then met his gaze. “What would you say to adding another little pirate or princess to it?”

 Killian raised his brow and then grinned.  “I’d say that making the two we already have was an awful lot of fun.  I certainly enjoy the process.”

 Emma took his hand in hers and brought it to her belly.  “And what if I told you that the fun we so frequently have has already produced another little pirate or princess?”

 Killian’s eyes grew wide in shock.  “You mean…we’re…you’re...you’re with child?  We’re going to have another baby?”

 Emma nodded, a smile spreading across her lips.  “Yes,” she whispered.

 Killian’s lips gave way to a huge grin.  He pulled his wife into his arms and pressed a kiss to her lips.  He then looked into her eyes.

 “You are an incredible mother, love.  I can’t wait to bring another child into this world with you.”

 Emma felt tears fill her eyes.  “You are an amazing father, Killian.  This adventure certainly hasn’t been easy, but I have loved every minute of it with you.  I can’t wait to see what comes next!”

 They kissed again, but were soon interrupted by their children.

 “Mom!  Dad!  Come quick!” they screamed.

 Emma and Killian parted and ran over to their children.

 “Liam has something on his line,” Leia said.

 Liam pulled on the rod as the line jerked back and forth.  

 “That’s it, lad.  You’ve got it,” Killian said.  “Now reel it in.”

 Liam held on tightly, as he reeled the line in.  Their eyes widened as he pulled and a huge striped bass leapt out of the water.   Liam kept reeling it in and then pulled again, dropping the fish onto the deck.

 “Bloody hell!  It’s massive!  It must weigh at least 10 pounds!” Killian said in disbelief.

 “Great job, honey!” Emma said, giving him a hug.

 Leia smiled at her twin and then lifted her hand to high five him.  “Awesome job, Liam!”

 Liam grinned proudly and slapped his sister’s hand. “Thanks!”

 Killian picked the fish up.  “I think we’ve got breakfast for tomorrow.”

 His wife and children scrunched up their noses and replied, “Yuck!”

 Killian shook his head.  “It’s good for you.  Not like those toaster tarts you all insist on eating.”

 “They’re called Pop Tarts, Dad,” Leia corrected.  

 “Whatever their name, they are absolute rubbish,” he said.

 Emma and the twins simply shook their heads and laughed.

 …

 They fished until the sun began to set.  All four cuddled up close on the bench Killian had built for them, as they watched the sun turn the sky into a rainbow of colors.  Killian wrapped his arm around his wife.  Leia rested her head in her mother’s lap, as Liam did the same in his father’s.  Soon, the children drifted off to sleep.

 Emma looked up at her husband.  “So what do you think?  You think we can handle another one?  We’ve already got our hands full with these two.”

 Killian nodded. “I think there isn’t anything we can’t do as long as we do it together.”

 Emma sucked in a breath, her expression suddenly growing serious.  “I think we’ve been spoiled these last couple of years, Killian.  We’ve been villain-less and curse-free.  It’s made things easier.  But this is Storybrooke.  That could change at any moment.”

 Killian nodded and pressed a kiss to her hair. “Aye, love.  And whatever comes our way, we will deal with together.”

 Neither had any way of knowing that the very next day their lives would change forever.

 …

 The next morning, Killian went to retrieve the newspaper from the front lawn.  He had just picked it up when his eyes caught sight of something down the street.   His mouth dropped open at what was before him.   Killian turned and ran into his house.

 “Emma!” he screamed.

 Emma came running down the stairs, her eyes widening at the fear etched across her husband’s features.

 “Killian?  What is it?  What’s wrong?”

 “I don’t know exactly, but it looks as if there’s a curse coming.  There’s an enormous blanket of blue smoke heading this way.”

 “Oh my God.  I have to warn my parents,” she said, heading to retrieve her phone.

 Killian gently grabbed her elbow, stopping her movement.  

 “There’s no time, love. It will be here any moment,” he said.

 Emma squeezed her eyes closed and sucked in a calming breath.

 “Leia!  Liam!” Emma called, as she cradled her stomach with her hand.  

 The twins scampered down the stairs and came to stand before their parents.  

 “What?” they asked in unison.

 Their parents knelt before them.  Emma cupped Liam’s face, as Killian did the same to Leia.

 “There’s a curse coming.  It will be here any minute,” Emma said.

 Tears immediately filled their children’s eyes.  The fear suddenly present in them broke their hearts.

 “What is it going to do?” Leia asked softly.  

 “We don’t know, sweetheart,” Killian replied.

 “Will it separate us?” Liam asked, his voice trembling.

 Emma and Killian exchanged a look.  They had always been honest with their children.  

 Emma slowly nodded. “It might,” she said.

 “No!” they screamed, as tears began to stream down their cheeks.

 Emma and Killian pulled their children close to them, rubbing their backs soothingly.

 “Shh, loves, it’s going to be okay,” Killian said comfortingly.

 “Your father is right,” Emma said, as they pulled back and looked at their parents.  “We have been through alot and we always find our way back to each other.  No matter what happens, hold onto that.  And always remember we love you.”

 Emma and Killian hugged and kissed their children one last time. Then they stood and faced each other.  

 “I love you,” Killian said, as he blinked back tears.

 “I love you,” Emma replied, her voice cracking with emotion.

 Killian placed his hand on her stomach.  “No matter what happens, I will always be with you.  I will always be by your side, even if you can’t see me.”

 Emma cupped his face and stood on her toes as she brought her lips to his.  Tears streamed down their cheeks as they kissed.   When they parted, their foreheads remained touching.

 “If we are separated again, then we will find our way back to each other.  Nothing has ever stopped us before and nothing ever will,” she said.

 “Aye, love, I’ll never stop fighting to get back to you and our family,” he vowed.

 Emma sucked in a breath and wiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand.  She swallowed roughly and then quickly moved to the table by the door.  She grabbed a Sharpie out of a cup on the table and returned to stand in front of her husband.

 “Give me your hand,” she ordered.

 Killian extended his hand, palm up.  

 “What are you doing, Swan?”

 “Something to remember me by,” she whispered.

 Emma wrote with the Sharpie across his palm:  Forever Yours.  Love, Emma.

 She met his gaze.  “These curses have a way of wiping our memories. If that happens, and assuming this remains on your hand, I want you to know that somewhere there is someone who loves you and is waiting for you to get back to them.”

 Killian smiled sadly and kissed her again.  Then he took the Sharpie and lifted her hand with his hook.  He was about to write the same thing across her palm when the blue cloud enveloped their home.  Emma and the children became frozen to their spots, while Killian disappeared.

 …

 Killian’s head was pounding.  He felt like he had consumed an entire barrel of rum.   He felt the warm sun on his face and the hard ground on his back.  Slowly, he pried his eyes open.   He was met with the sky, which seemed to be spinning.  His body ached, as he finally managed to lift himself into a sitting position on the sidewalk.   Killian rested against the brick building behind him, as he took a deep breath.

 Where in bloody hell was he?

 He stretched his legs and arms, trying to determine if he was injured in anyway.   His eyes moved to his left hand, his brow furrowing at it for some unknown reason, as if it didn’t belong to him.   His gaze traveled to his other hand and he flexed it.   His brow wrinkled curiously as he noticed something was written on his palm.  He held his hand up in front of his face.

 “Forever Yours.  Love, Emma,” he read aloud.

 Emma.  Emma.  The name rolled around in his head.  He felt his heart skip a beat and his breath catch in his chest at the sight of it.  

 He didn’t know who Emma was or why exactly her name elicited such a reaction in him, but he knew that she must love him and that she must be waiting for him somewhere.

 Slowly, he stood, a determination he couldn’t explain boiling up inside of him.  Deep inside of him, he knew he had to get back to her.  Someway, somehow.

 ...THE END...