Work Text:
CS Winter Bingo
Hallmark Christmas Films
Emma was curled up on the couch. The fire was blazing and she had a blanket covering her legs. She had just finished her cup of hot chocolate.
“What are you watching, Swan?” Killian had walked into the lounge room to find Emma watching something on the television. He saw her freeze then quickly switch it off.
“Nothing, I was watching nothing, Killian.” Emma felt her face heat up with embarrassment. “Also, we've been married for eight years. I've been Emma Jones for all that time, how come you still call me Swan?”
Killian moved from where he'd been standing in the doorway to sit next to her on the couch. “Well, Emma my love, you'll always be a Swan to me. Beautiful and fierce - it's what attracted me to you in the first place. So now will you please tell me what you were watching?”
“It was just a silly film. A Christmas one on the Hallmark channel.”
“Oh? What is this Hallmark channel, and why did you feel you needed to turn it off when you realised I was there?”
“They're silly, romantic Christmas films,” Emma whispered.
Killian chuckled. “What's that now?”
“You know, girl meets boy. They fight or just don't hit it off. Something happens and they end up falling in love. I've watched them every Christmas since I had a place of my own. They're kind of my guilty pleasure. That didn't stop when I moved to Storybrooke. I usually watch them when I know you'll be out of the house.”
“Well they certainly sound like your type of film. That is basically our story, Swan.”
“Huh, I suppose it was. I guess I could start sharing them with you. It might be nice to see what you think of them. They're really funny as well as romantic.”
Over the days that followed Emma and Killian’s conversation, they watched many films when they weren't busy at work in the sheriff's office. The run up to Christmas was busy in Storybrooke as people started to complain about the smallest things. So much for it being the season of goodwill. They were both eagerly looking forward to watching the gentle romantic film of the day.
Killian would scoff at how the leading man couldn't see what was right in front of him.
Emma reassured him that, even when she wasn't ready to see it, he was a far better man than any of the characters in the films.
However, each film they shared together did give Killian an idea, which he managed to share with Snow and David one day when Emma was at work.
“Oh what a wonderful idea, Killian. It'll be lovely for the two of you to have a vacation. You've been through so much together and now that Henry has gone off on his own adventure it's time to start living your own life again.”
Killian looked thoughtful. “Whilst that may be true, Emma has revealed to me a liking for Hallmark movies. I want to give her a Hallmark movie experience.”
Snow squealed.
“Killian, a word from one wise man to another. Our wives have those movies in common. I would suggest you switch topics quickly.”
“Oh shush,” Snow told her husband.
“Snow, David, I would like you and your boy to join us on our Christmas vacation. Growing up Emma was either alone, or as good as, at Christmas. And whilst things have changed since Henry brought us all together, I think she deserves to have the full Christmas experience she watches in these silly films.”
Snow left David's side and went to hug Killian. “I'll let your slur on my favourite genre of films slide this time. I would love to join you and Emma. Where are you thinking?”
“New York. I know she has lots of different memories of that place, but I just think a family Christmas there will show her that the place can be fun.”
>>><<<
Arrangements were made, with a bit of magical intervention from Regina. Killian did mention to her that she was more than welcome to join them on the family trip, however she said she'd prefer to stay and keep watch.
“With the Sheriff Saviour and both her Deputies out of town, someone needs to make sure things are kept in order here.”
“Fair point, Regina,” Killian conceded. “Thank you for doing that but make sure you take some time to enjoy yourself too. It is Christmas after all.”
“I plan to, thank you. Zelena is coming along with Robyn and Alice. She may even bring her dad, so if things go really bad he can always pose as you. I doubt the dwarves can tell the difference still.”
Killian quirked his eyebrow at the thought of his elder counterpart standing in for him.
Regina stared him down before letting him know that three suites were booked. One for the Nolans, one for him and Emma, and one for Henry and his new family. They would join them until part way through Christmas Day then come to Storybrooke to be with her.
Once again Killian thanked Regina for her kindness and left to tell Dave of the plan over a drink at the Rabbit Hole.
>>><<<
On the morning of December 22nd, Killian woke Emma up with a sweet kiss to her cheek and a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee.
Emma stretched lazily in bed. “I could definitely get used to this. I wonder what put Regina in such a good mood to not only get another Deputy which, by the way, I think Ruby will be excellent at now that she and Dorothy are back in Storybrooke, but also to give us the week off. I mean I'm not complaining, but Christmas is usually our busiest time of year. I know Ruby will be able to handle it. I'm just curious.”
Killian smirked which made Emma sit bolt upright in bed.
“Oh my gosh, she's seeing someone isn't she?!” Emma exclaimed, her hands covered her face.
Killian chuckled. “Now that I don't know, but this may explain why we have the time off.” He handed a card to her.
Emma looked at her husband puzzled as he sat down next to her on the bed and encouraged her to open it. She was thrilled to see a Christmas card, but when she opened it was another more luxurious feeling card. She soon realised it was an invite. “What's going on, Killian?”
“Just read the invitation and all will be revealed,” Killian said, rolling his eyes chuckling at her confused impatient state.
She read on.
“So, Swan, my love. Care to join me on another adventure?”
“When do we go?” she asked, not wanting to sound too eager. Inside she was feeling so excited. Killian was a romantic man, but he'd far surpassed himself with this gesture.
“Tomorrow. Regina will be opening a portal that will lead us to Neal's former apartment. We have rooms booked starting tomorrow night in the best hotel in the city.”
“Tomorrow?!” she exclaimed. “I need to get packing. And what do you mean rooms? How many do we need?”
Killian pulled her closely to him. Kissing her forehead, he said, “I know you've had a few family Christmases here, but I thought it would be nice for you to share this experience with your parents and younger brother.”
She nodded. “Have I told you how much I love you?”
“Eh, not recently. Do you like this gift?”
“I love it, Killian. I love you.”
“And I love you,” he told her.
They spent the remainder of the morning making love before having a lazy breakfast and packing for their trip to New York.
>>><<<
The following morning Emma and her family gathered at Regina's mansion house to travel through the portal door together.
When they stepped through, they're greeted by a familiar face.
“Hi, Mom, hi, Dad.”
“Henry!” Emma screeched. “What are you doing here?”
“I couldn't miss ‘Operation Hallmark Christmas’ now could I?” he said, winking. A trait he'd picked up from Killian but could pull off far more successfully. “I'm surprise number two.”
As Emma and Henry hugged, she wondered out loud just how many more surprises there would be.
Henry hugged the rest of his family and the others greeted Ella and Lucy.
Killian explained to Emma she would find out the plans as they unfolded.
Truthfully, of course, everything was booked and he had a full itinerary for them all to follow.
“First things first, we need to get to the hotel. I believe our carriages await?” Killian asked.
Henry confirmed that the carriages were indeed ready for them.
Emma was surprised to see actual horse drawn carriages on the street as they left the apartment building.
“This is amazing, Killian. Thank you so much for all this.”
“You're welcome, my love,” he said, before whispering, “But this is only the start.” He kissed her hand suavely as he helped her step into the carriage.
Emma, Killian, the Nolans and the Mills were all in awe when they saw how big and luxurious their suites were.
“I swear, you could fit our entire apartment in this one room!”
“I thought the same, Mom.”
>>><<<
The following morning, Christmas Eve, after the group had partaken in a very large and enjoyable breakfast in the hotel's restaurant, they wrapped up warmly and ventured out to make their way towards Central Park.
“I still can't get over the fact that Henry has a family of his own. It doesn't seem that long since we were living here and you turned up knocking on my door.”
Killian winced at that thought. “And how times have changed.”
“They certainly have.” Emma stopped walking and turned to face him. “I really thought we'd have had a child of our own by now, Killian. I just can't work out why it's not happening.”
Killian pulled her close and kissed her forehead. “We've only been trying for a short time. I'm confident it'll happen soon. If it doesn't I would be sad, but I'm still happy with the family we have. Who'd have thought I would be a granddad, eh?”
A small smile spread across her face. He was an excellent grandfather to Lucy. “Alright then old man, let's go catch up with the others.” She kissed him again then asked, “When do I get to know where we're going, by the way?”
“I suppose I could tell you now, to give you time to prepare. We're going ice skating, then we'll warm ourselves up with hot chocolate. You coming, Grandma?”
“Ice skating? I don't think I've ever been skating before.”
“Then I'll teach you. It's been a while, but I've done it a few times in my long life. Trust me you're in good hands.”
“Is that a joke?”
“Maybe?”
“Idiot. I love you.”
“And I you. Now let's go join our family again.”
Hand in hand they walked towards the entrance to the park, where they found the others already waiting for them.
Emma did fall a number of times but each time she did Killian was there to help her to her feet again and promise to kiss it better later. She had the biggest smile on her face and enjoyed every moment with her husband, parents, brother, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. It was the best Christmas she could remember.
That night Killian made love to his wife. Kissing all the tender parts from where she'd fallen on the ice, just like he'd promised.
When they joined together as one, they moved rhythmically, completely in sync with each other. They came together moments later, eyes locked together as the moment threatened to overwhelm them.
Breathless but satisfied, they fell asleep wrapped in each other's arms.
>>><<<
Christmas Day morning was spent exchanging the gifts over breakfast, which they had opted to have served as room service. Thank you Regina for that extra Christmas present.
Before lunch that day, Henry, Ella, and Lucy made their way to Storybrooke to spend the remainder of the day with Regina.
“Thank you for coming along, lad. Happy Christmas to you all.”
Emma hugged her son. “Merry Christmas, Henry. Thank you for making this Christmas extra special.”
After the Mills contingent had checked out, the Jones and Nolans enjoyed the drinks reception in the bar. The hotel also put on a special Christmas lunch service which the family took part in.
Killian particularly enjoyed sweeping his wife around the dance floor to the live music being performed by some talented musicians.
That night, feeling relaxed and a little tipsy, they made love again.
>>><<<
The family stayed until December 26th, having a wonderful quiet family Christmas away from Storybrooke.
“It really has been a fabulous Christmas. I can't thank you enough for organising this, Killian.”
When they got back Killian asked Emma if she enjoyed her real life Hallmark Christmas.
“I did wonder if that was what was happening. Yes, I had a fabulous time. I loved this Christmas almost as much as I love you. In fact, can I tell you a secret, Killian?”
“Aye, my love.”
“The first time we met I was insanely attracted to you. The only reason I put my walls up was to stop that attraction from coming across.”
“Can I tell you a secret too?”
She nodded.
“I knew all along. Open book, Emma. Happy Christmas, Darling.”
“Happy Christmas, Killian.”