Summary: 12 holidays. 2 stubborn people in love. One very interesting year.
Notes: Hey guys I’m going to super busy next week, so I won’t have time to post this chapter on Valentine’s Day. I’m posting the chapter a little early when I actually have some time, but I’m sure none of you mind :) Things heat up in this chapter so enjoy!
FF Ao3
Chapter Two: Valentine’s Day
Emma was having a bad day. Plain and simple, there is no beating around the bush. One guy shot at her, another one tried to stab her, but just grazed her with his knife. Which ruined one of her favorite sweaters, might she add. Every man was a complete asshole. It was Valentine’s Day as well, one of the holidays that Emma hates the most. Mostly because it’s a holiday made for couples and if you’re alone on this holiday it’s considered pathetic, which is just ridiculous. There are flowers and chocolate in every store to remind her. She can’t get away from it no matter where she goes. Frankly it pisses her off to no end. Everyone of her friends knows it. They usually leave her alone on this day, at least she hopes they do today. Although they have been known to meddle, so really she wouldn’t be surprised if they butt in.
To top off her bad day, Killian Jones had the nerve to send her flowers with an insulting card. She discovered them after coming back from the ER where she had to get few stitches from her graze with a knife.
The flowers are beautiful, lillies are Emma favorite. She has no idea how Killian would know that, but the bouquet is beautiful and elegant. The card reads: Swan, I quite fancy you from time to time when you’re not yelling at me. Killian
How dare he send her flowers with a rude card? Who the the hell does he think he is? They kissed one time (a fact which Emma is trying to forget about). Since then they have seen each other, but their friends have usually been around. Nothing has been said, however there have been some small touches and glances exchanged. Glances where she feels like he can see through her and into her soul. They never last long because she always looks away because his gaze is too intense, too knowing. Like he knows that there are some nights she fantasizes about that kiss before scolding herself for doing so.
He’s supposed to the asshole friend of her brother. Killian Jones is supposed to be the bane of her existence, the man who she fights with constantly and now she has fantasies about him. She doesn’t quite know what to make of it. Now, he sends her flowers to what be a dick? What was the point? He always had to be an ass.
August (her boss and friend) walks up to her desk in the bail bonds office with a smirk on his face.
“Who are the flowers from?”
“No one important,” she sighs, leaving them on her desk. They were simply too pretty to throw away that would be a waste.
“A likely story. Someone from your weird friend group?” August pushes.
“Yeah something like that,” she grumbles and August just smirks again.
“Fill out this form for insurance bullshit.” August hands her a packet of papers and she glares at him.
“All of it?” It was already almost five and Emma really wants to go home. All she wants to wear sweatpants, watch netflix, and maybe drink some wine. No, definitely drink some wine.
“I just need the first five pages from you the rest is for me,” he reassures her. Emma just nods and sits down at her desk. Before getting started on the paperwork Emma pulls out her phone. Killian is going to get a piece of her mind.
ES: Seriously? You’re sending me flowers on Valentines Day to be dick? Real smooth move. Emma smiles, satisfied with her response. She silences her phone and places it face down on her desk to focus on the packet in front of her. The paperwork doesn’t take too long and she’s out of there in under an hour. She gives it to August before leaving for the night with the flowers in tucked in her arm. He gives her a bemused look before telling her goodnight.
Back at her apartment Elsa is waiting for Emma with a bottle of wine in hand.
“I never should have given you a key,” Emma grumbles and Elsa’s eyes go wide at what Emma is carrying.
“You love me and you know it. I sent you a text that I’d be here didn’t you get it?” Elsa asks still eyeing the bouquet in Emma’s arms.
“I didn’t check my phone on the way home. It’s been a long day,” she sighs as she takes off her jacket.
“Well good thing I brought some wine then isn’t it?” Elsa smirks, searching for Emma’s bottle opener.
“You must have read my mind. The next drawer down,” Emma directs her. Elsa finds it and gets to work opening the bottle.
“So are we going to talk about the flowers?” Elsa asks as Emma pulls down two glasses for them.
“Are we going to talk about why you’re not with Liam?” Emma throws back at her.
“Liam had to stay late, so we pushed dinner back. Your turn,” Elsa says with a raised eyebrow.
“Killian just sent them to be a dick. I have no clue what possessed him to do such a thing, but there you go,” Emma shrugs and Elsa pours her a generous amount of wine.
“Killian Jones sent you flowers?!?! The same Killian who you fight with constantly? The same one who can never take his eyes off you? The same one you claim to hate?” Elsa asks in a surprised tone.
“Yes that one, do we know another Killian Jones?” Emma takes a very big gulp from her wine glass.
“No, but that is not the point, Emma. How do you know he was being a dick?” Her friend asks thoroughly confused.
“Read the damn, card!” Emma throws her hands into the air. Elsa sets down her glass and picks the card out from the flowers. She looks from the card to Emma to the card again.
“How is this being a dick, please explain?” Elsa asks her.
“He insulted me with flowers!” Emma places her hands on her hips, not sure why Elsa was not getting whatever was going on here.
“Where is the insult?”
“The shouting thing,” Emma says with a shake of her head. Elsa just glares at her.
“Did you get a concussion today? Is that what happened at work? Because if you didn’t I don’t know how you’re this stupid.” Elsa snaps.
“No, I did not. What on earth are you talking about?” Now it’s Emma’s turn to be confused.
“This card says he likes you, idiot. He literally said he fancies you when you’re not yelling at him. He sent them to be nice. What the hell made you think he was being a dick?” Elsa practically yells.
“I-” Emma begins, but really she has no idea how she missed that, “I don’t really know.”
“Are you sure you didn’t hit your head today?” Elsa asks concerned.
“No, just a light stabbing, I had to go to the ER and they checked me out. No head injury,” Emma tells her.
“A LIGHT STABBING!?! Emma, what the hell?” Elsa says looking at her friend with a lot of concern.
“The knife grazed me. I needed a couple stitches,” Emma shrugs.
“We will come back to that another time, I assure you. Did you say anything to Killian about the flowers?” Elsa asks her annoyed.
“Yes…” Emma cringes. Elsa just rolls her eyes.
“Give me your phone,” Elsa says simply with her hand out reached. Emma slaps the phone into her friend’s hand. Elsa quickly unlocks it and opens her messages.
“Oh my god, Emma! Really?” Emma nods, not making eye contact with her friend.
“How bad is it?” Emma asks.
“Well would you like to know his response?” Elsa asks. Emma rushes over to Elsa’s side to see what he said.
KJ: What are you talking about? Then a few minutes later. KJ: Swan, I have no clue what happened, but I didn’t mean to be a dick.
“Shit, shit, shit,” Emma mutters.
“Yeah I think you need to apologize to him,” Elsa tells her. Emma throws her head back and ignores the urge to stomp her foot like a child.
“I have to?” Emma asks. Elsa places her hand on shoulder.
“Yes, you do. Now, I have to leave to meet Liam. Please do the right thing and apologize,” she tells Emma.
“Fuck, you’re right. I promise I will,” Emma says, annoyed with her own stupidity. Elsa gives her a hug.
“Good and I want to hear all about it,” Elsa says as she shrugs on her coat. Emma just nods and shuts the door behind her friend. God dammit. She really should apologize to him. Emma pulls out her phone and opens her messages.
ES: Okay I was an idiot. Are you home? I’d like to explain myself. Emma sends it before she can really think about it. She should explain in person because texting isn’t really her strong suit. Clearly. A few minutes later her phone pings.
KJ: Yes, come over whenever you’re ready. Emma slips on her jacket and grabs her keys before leaving. Killian doesn’t live far from her so she walks there, thinking about what she should say to him. She gets to his building and he buzzes her up. She stops in front of his door, taking a moment to collect her thoughts. How the hell should she even explain this to him?
Finally, she knocks and he comes to the door. Killian has a look of uncertainty on his face.
“Can I come in?” she asks. Killian steps to the side.
“Of course,” he says quietly. She steps in and he shuts the door behind her. Damn him he looks really good in his gray henley and black jeans.
“So I had a bad day at work, not really an excuse, but for some reason I thought you were trying to be a dick with flowers. It doesn’t quite make a lot of sense, but you know I was being an idiot. Anyway, I am sorry for sending that text and being a complete ass when you did something that was actually very nice,” She says quickly under his intense gaze.
“Thank you for apologizing. I must admit I was quite confused by the whole ordeal. Would you like drink?” he asks her.
“What? You want to have a drink with me?” she asks, surprised. This is not how she saw this going at all. She thought he’d taunt her or be an ass about it (which she would totally deserve).
“It’s certainly not the first time you’ve called me a dick and I doubt it will be the last,” he chuckles and she shrugs, “I meant what was on the card. I can’t stop thinking about that kiss on New Years and well honestly it sounds like you need one,” he shrugs.
“Oh okay. Sure,” she nods.
“Please take a seat, make yourself comfortable,” he nods toward the couch. She sits down, finally relaxing for the first time today.
“I’m afraid all I have is rum, not your usual whiskey,” he tells her from the kitchen.
“Rum is perfectly fine,” she tells him from her spot on the couch. He walks over two glasses in hand and passes one to her. She accepts and he sits next to her on the couch.
“Thank you,” she says quietly.
“Do you want to talk about your day or sit in silence until the food I ordered arrives?” he asks her. Emma’s thrown by this interaction entirely. She’s known Killian Jones for a while and really has only seen the asshole side of him. The one that teases her constantly or fights with her. Right now, he’s being nice and thoughtful. She’s never seen him like this. Ever.
“You ordered food?” she asks.
“Aye, some chinese. I ordered enough for two, you’re welcome to some,” he tells her.
“Yeah that’d be nice,” she admits right before her stomach grumbles. He smiles at this and she chuckles.
“Everyone was an ass today, that’s all. Oh and annoying paperwork,” she adds. She won’t tell him about the gun wielding skip or the almost stabbing, he would just tell David. She definitely doesn’t need a lecture from her brother right now.
“I understand annoying paperwork, all too much,” he tells her. Not too long after the buzzer rings and Killian hops up to answer it. When Killian brings the food in the smell is amazing and Emma is about ready to eat her own hand. She gets up to see what he ordered.
“Swan, I would’ve brought it to you,” he tells her.
“I’m sure you would’ve, but I’m curious and I want to know what you ordered,” she scoffs. He just rolls his eyes.
“Potstickers, shrimp lo mein for me and kung pao chicken for you,” he tells her.
“That’s my favorite, how did you know?” she asks confused.
“I’m more observant than I appear, Swan,” he says before handing her the container and chopsticks. Both starving they shovel down the food quickly without much conversation. Killian turns on Netflix and they watch some show Emma’s seen before. They still don’t say much, except for some laughter here and there. Emma’s pretty sure this is the longest they’ve gone without fighting before. They usually fight and bicker, but tonight she has seen a completely different side of him. He’s kind and thoughtful, all the things she thought he wasn’t. Could she have been wrong about him this whole time?
Emma looks over at him and finds his striking blue eyes on her. Since she’s caught him staring at her Killian blushes. Without really thinking about it she leans over and kisses him because well she wants to badly and she can’t think of a reason to not kiss him. Killian’s hand caresses her cheek, his other hand on her hip pulling her closer. Emma shifts quickly, straddling him. One of her hands tangled in his hair. God, kissing him is like nothing else. His soft lips and light, exploring touches. However when his hand touches where her stitches are she pulls away and winces.
“Emma, are you okay?” he asks, concerned. His eyes searching hers.
“I did say today was bad, right? This skip tried to stab me and his knife may have grazed me a little bit,” she shrugs, not looking him in the eye.
“Emma, you have to be careful,” he tells her before pulling up her sweater to examine her wound. He finds gauze covering the stitches.
“I went to the ER and I was being careful that would be why I’m alive and not dead in an alley,” she tells him. His hand is on her cheek once again, the touch light and caring.
“You know what I mean. No wonder you had such a bad day,” he says understanding her turmoil and she bites her lip.
“Please don’t tell David,” she says quietly. He gives her a distressing look.
“I- all right I won’t,” he nods. He wanted to say like hell he would, but it would just cause more trouble for her.
“Thank you, he just worries too much,” she explains. Killian nods. David worries a lot about Emma and her job. David has always felt the need to protect her at all costs. Emma interrupts his train of thought by kissing him once again. He could kiss her for all of his days and never complain. Her hands make their way under his shirt and he helps her get her sweater off. Killian’s careful to not touch the gauze covered area again. All the kissing and tender touches leaves Emma’s skin on fire and she wants more. More of him. She pulls away, leaning her forehead against his.
“Bedroom?” she asks feeling his erection growing beneath her.
“Are you sure?” he asks her.
“Positive,” she says, never wanting anything more. He grasps her back pulling her closer into him. He stands carefully holding onto her. Emma wraps her legs around him. She surges forward kissing him again. He guides the toward his room the best he can. To be quite honest the beautiful blonde in his arms is very distracting. Especially when she grinds down on his erection. The little minx.
Emma leans back to open the door one handed holding onto Killian tightly with the other.
“Thank you, love.” She smiles as he carries her into the room. He gently lies Emma down on the bed and they both work quickly to remove their pants and his shirt. Killian carefully peels her underwear off before pushing his own boxers to the ground. Every touch he gives her is light and caring, and damn does it feel good. She tries to sit up, but winces and falls back. Killian’s eyes find hers.
“Love, lie back. Let me take care of you,” he tells her and she nods, not trusting her own voice. She never lets anyone take care of, she never lets anyone see her this vulnerable. He takes her hand in his and presses a kiss into it. She blushes. Killian drops her hand and begins trailing kisses up her thighs. His thumb reaches her clit and rubs small circles. He places several kisses on her outer lips before capturing her clit with his lips. Emma bites her lip at this. Killian slides one finger inside of her and then another. Emma let’s go of her lip and lets her moans fill the bedroom. His lips leave her clit and their eyes meet.
“That’s it love let me hear you,” he smirks with a few aggressive pumps of his fingers. When his lips come back to her clit she calls out his name. He feverishly moves his fingers in and out of her and moves his tongue over her clit until he can feel her walls flutter around him. She lifts her head up and their eyes meet.
“I need you inside of me, now,” she tells him before pulling him closer. He’s careful with her, not wanting to pull out any of the stitches she received today. He rolls on a condom before sliding into her. They release sounds of pleasure. Killian never imagined his day quite ending like this. He’s found her attractive since the moment they met, but to have her in his bed is something else. He moves slowly, one of their hands intertwined above her head. Their lips gliding over one another. Killian snaps his hips forward causing Emma to moan his name. Gods it’s a beautiful sound, one he could go on hearing forever. They always fought and bickered, but he knew that just clouded other emotions that lay down deep for both of them. Emotions they weren’t ready to admit yet. Emotions that had finally come to the surface after all these years.
His thumb goes to her clit and makes lazy, slow circles around it causing Emma to writhe underneath him. He moves a little faster still conscious of her injuries, his thumb increasing in speed as well. Finally her back arches off the bed and her walls clenching around spurring his own climax as he spills into the condom. Carefully he flops down onto his bed beside her. He rolls off the bed, discarding the condom before coming back to her.
Emma lays her head on Killian’s chest both of them a little out of breath. She should leave, she normally leaves after sex and collapses in her own bed. This time though Emma doesn’t want to leave and that’s a little terrifying. But she’s tired and doesn’t quite think her legs will allow her to move. She’ll close her eyes rest for a couple minutes then leave. Yeah that’s definitely a good plan.
As it turns out it was a horrible plan because Emma fell asleep and didn’t wake up until the early morning hours with Killian’s arms wrapped around her and pain blossoming where her stitches are. He hums at her movements, just barely waking up himself.
“Morning, love,” he mumbles pressing a kiss into her shoulder.
“Morning,” she says clearing her throat, frowning. He rolls away from her, disentangling their limbs. She carefully sits up, her limbs stiff and certain places especially sore.
“Are you alright, love?” he asks. Emma clenches her jaw before answering.
“The stitches aren’t feeling that great,” she says, her voice tense.
“Did they give you anything for the pain?” he asks, concerned.
“Um yeah. They’re in my jacket pocket,” she mutters, moving to get out of the bed. He places a hand on her shoulder and she stops.
“I’ll get it,” he tells her before leaving the room. Killian comes back with a prescription pill bottle in hand and a glass of water.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she scoffs, taking the pill bottle from him.
“Swan, I’m trying to be gentleman here,” he teases her. She swallows the pills and takes the water from his hand, using it to wash down the pills.
“A gentleman? You?” she teases him right back.
“I’m always a gentleman,” he says with a cocky grin as he walks away from her. There’s a beat of silence between them.
“What do we do now?” she asks, turning to face him.
“Well I imagine you need to get to work and so do I,” he shrugs, searching through his dresser drawers.
“Killian, that is not what I meant at all,” she says with a raised eyebrow. He just chuckles.
“I know what you meant, Swan. What do you want?” he asks, turning to face her with something akin to disappointment in his eyes.
“I’m not sure yet, but I don’t want our nosey friends meddling in our business until we know whatever this is,” she says meeting his fierce blue eyes. He walks up to her, standing in front of her with no shirt on, which is extremely distracting.
“As you wish, Swan. I do want you to know one thing,” He takes her hand in his and pulls Emma gently to her feet, “When I win your heart and I will, it won’t be trick or that we simply fell into bed together. It will be because you want me.” Emma can practically hear her heartbeat in her ears. His gaze so intense and serious. She’s never felt like this before. Hell she’s never seen him like this before.
“Is that your way of telling me that you won’t sleep with me again until we slap a label on this?” she asks with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh definitely not. I’m just letting you know that I’m not going anywhere,” he tells her before pulling her into his arms. Killian puts a lot of passion into the kiss. He knows Emma is the kind of person who believes in actions more than words. Now that he knows what it is like to be with Emma Swan he is never letting her go.
After losing track of time kissing Killian they break apart and she leaves, so they can both get to their jobs. When his door shuts behind her Emma comes to the strange realization that her and Killian had sex. Not only that the sex was tender and kind. Emma Swan is pretty sure that he made love to her last night, but she’s going ignore that fact for now. She knows one thing for sure Killian Jones has gotten underneath her skin.
Summary: 12 holidays. 2 stubborn people in love. One very interesting year.
Ao3 FF
Chapter Three: St. Patricks Day
“This damn holiday is just an excuse for people to drink and make jokes about irishmen,” Liam groans when he enters Killian’s apartment with Elsa trailing behind him.
“Ah come on its fun, brother,” Killian says shutting the door behind the couple. Liam just grumbles some more while Killian changes out of his work clothes quickly.
“I thought you were going to be ready when we got here,” Liam shouts to his brother through Killian’s closed bedroom door.
“I was supposed to be, but criminals don’t respect the end of my shift. Dave and I had to chase a suspect through Central Park,” Killian shouts back.
“A likely story,” Liam grumbles starting to pace around Killian’s kitchen. Killian pulls on a pair of black jeans and the shirt he bought for the occasion.
“Why do you care if we’re on time tonight anyway? You’ve made it clear you don’t want to go,” Killian points out, opening the door to his bedroom. Elsa chuckles when she sees Killian’s shirt.
“Killian, you can’t wear that!” she says through her laughter. Killian is wear a bright green t-shirt that says kiss me I’m Irish across his chest in white lettering with a white shamrock in the middle of his chest. Liam just rolls his eyes then glares at his brother.
“I can and I will, Elsa.” She just shakes her head.
“You bought that just to piss me off,” Liam crosses his arms. Killian just smiles. Liam’s right, he definitely bought this shirt just to piss him off. Liam has never been shy about how much he hates this stupid holiday. Killian doesn’t really care about it one way or another, but it’s definitely fun to push all of his brother’s buttons.
“I might have, but your reaction is definitely worth it,” Killian smiles at his brother.
“Let’s go and get this idiotic night over with,” Liam groans.
“If you keep complaining then you are going to be the designated driver for the night,” Killian tells him with all seriousness. All color drains from Liam’s face.
“You wouldn’t dare make me be sober with all the idiots out tonight,” Liam says.
“I’ll tell Mary Margaret you volunteered if you keep this up,” Elsa shakes her head. Liam exchanges shocked looks with both his brother and fiancé. Valentines Day was a busy night all around for the Jones brothers. That night was the first time of many that Killian and Emma had sex. Liam and Elsa got engaged. By all reports it was entirely cheesy, Liam proposed in a goddamn horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park.
“This is nice my fiancé and my brother ganging up on me,” Liam says throwing his hands in the air.
“Honey, you’re being a bit of a downer,” Elsa says taking his hand in hers. He just frowns, but stops complaining.
“Come on, let’s go. We’re definitely going to be late now,” Killian chuckles while pulling on his coat.
“Fine,” Liam says before opening the door for Elsa. Killian thinks tonight is going to be very interesting.
Despite Emma’s usual hatred for most holidays she actually likes St. Patrick’s Day. It’s fun and gives people an excuse to go out and drink. Also, a lot of people do stupid shit on this holiday in a couple weeks there are usually a lot of people skipping out on their bail. It’s good for business and a good night out, so there’s not much to hate there. Although tonight there is one wrinkle in going out. Killian will be there.
Since Valentines Day they just keep falling into bed together. Emma has tried to stop because god sometimes she can’t handle how well he knows her or how he looks at her. Sometimes this whole thing between them scares the hell out of her. It’s not like they’re dating though it’s just sex. At least that’s what Emma thought until about a few days ago… Emma pulls on her underwear and his t-shirt before climbing back into bed. Killian brings her into his chest.
“Swan, we gotta talk about something,” Killian says his voice serious. Emma’s heart stops in her chest. While there are times they still fight she really likes sleeping with him. More than she’ll ever admit to anyone who asks, but then that would require someone to know about them. Elsa gives her a lot of knowing looks, but Emma hasn’t confided in her since Valentines Day. In fact she likes Killian more than she ever thought she would. They start to get to know each other better in the quiet moments after sex.
“Okay, what?” she asks carefully.
“When are you going to let me take you out on a date?” Killian asks with a smirk. Now, Emma can hear her heartbeat in her ears from how fast its beating.
“I-” she starts her eyes searching his. She hates that she can feel the panic raising inside of her. Emma wants to be a normal blushing girl when a guy asks her out, but the simple fact is she’s not. She can’t help thinking that in the back of her mind that he’ll leave like all the others.
“Stop. I don’t need an answer now. You tell me when you’re ready. I’m not going anywhere,” Killian tells her. His thumb sweeping back and forth across her cheek before he kisses her.
Emma feels guilty, she wants to give him an answer. She wants to tell him that despite their years of fighting she actually likes him. Every time she tries say something along those lines it stops on the tip of her tongue. She’ll tell him soon, definitely soon.
Emma glances at the time on her phone and curses. She’s late and Mary Margaret is going to be pissed with her, although she should really expect it at this point. Emma’s always late to all the holiday bullshit. She grabs her phone and wallet before running out the door.
By the time Emma gets there the bar is packed and Mary Margaret has managed to get their large group a table big enough for all of them. Emma’s sure that Mary Margaret glared at people until they left the table while David stood behind her. Emma is the last person there from their group. David and Mary Margaret are at the head of the table. Dorothy and Ruby are practically sharing one chair. Elsa and Liam are staring at each other lovingly, one of Liam’s arms thrown over the back of her chair. Kristoff has an arm wrapped around Anna, who is engaged in an animated conversation with Killian. His eyes meet hers when she walks in and Emma swears her heart stops at the look he gives her.
“Emma Swan, while I’m not surprised you’re late you could try to be on time,” Mary Margaret scolds her. Emma rolls her eyes.
“Maybe next time, Mom,” Emma teases her. Mary Margaret just sighs and hands Emma a Guiness.
“I ordered for you. Go sit down,” Mary Margaret orders her. Emma accepts it and looks for the only open seat. Of course it is next to Killian who is wearing a bright green shirt with the words kiss me I’m Irish sprawled across the chest.
“Jones, you’re seriously wearing that in public?” Emma snorts as she sits down.
“Yes, I am. I also want you to know you’re not the first person to comment on my lovely shirt,” he says puffing out his chest. She rolls her eyes. They may be sleeping together, but they are still their normal bickering selves around their friends. They agreed to not tell anyone just yet. They have a nosey, at times annoying group of friends and Emma needs time to figure out how she feels. She doesn’t want anyone else in their business for now.
“Lovely isn’t the word I would use for that shirt, but whatever you say,” Emma raises an eyebrow before sipping her beer.
“Are you two going to argue all night?” Anna asks, annoyed.
“Anna, those two don’t know how to do anything else,” Liam teases them. Killian just glares and Emma chuckles. If Liam only knew that Emma and Killian could do a great more than argue. For instance Killian is excellent with that tongue of his.
“Well can you please try not to?” Anna asks them. Killian just laughs shaking his head.
“No promises, Anna,” Emma shrugs and Anna just sighs. David stands and taps his glass getting everyone’s attention.
“Look we all wanted you guys to come out tonight for more than just celebrating this dumb holiday. We have something to tell you,” David shouts over the noise in the bar. He places a hand on Mary Margaret’s back, looking down at her. She smiles and returns the same loving, adoring look to David.
“I’m pregnant!” Mary Margaret cheers and the whole table explodes in congratulations. Killian wolf whistles and Liam springs up to bring David into a hug. Emma gets up and finds Mary Margaret, who brings her into a bone crushing hug.
“You could’ve told me it was important to be on time because you had big news,” Emma shouts.
“And ruin the look of surprise on your face? Never,” Mary Margaret chuckles. Liam buys the table a round of shots minus Mary Margaret of course. Once they sit back down again Killian pinches Emma’s ass when no one is looking.
“What the fuck was that for,” she hisses, murder in her eyes.
“Swan, you’re not wearing green of course,” he winks at her. Oh so he wants to play this game with her? He won’t win.
“Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean I’m not wearing it, Jones,” she whispers her voice sultry. Killian chokes on his beer.
“Still can’t see it, Swan,” he replies when he recovers.
“Maybe you haven’t earned the right to see it yet,” she says challenging him. Killian leans in and stares deeply into her eyes.
“You sure you want to play this game, Swan?” he whispers, in order to make sure no one can hear them.
“You’re on,” she whispers and he nods before leaning back. Everyone gets pulled into an ER story told by Dorothy. Killian’s hand slides onto Emma’s knee underneath the table. Killian starts tracing lazy circles onto the fabric of her jeans. Thess subtle, little touches want her needing more. When his hand moves up her thigh as high as he’ll dare she knows she needs to make her next more soon. The smirk on his damn face indicates the bastard knows all too well what he’s doing to her.
Emma slips off her leather jacket to reveal a tight gray tank top, her cleavage in full sight. Killian’s hand slips off her thigh, leaving him looking a little fuck struck. She smiles and goes to the bar with Ruby to retrieve shots for the table, making sure to sway her hips. Emma can feel Killian’s gaze on her and she knows she’s winning.
When they come back to this table Killian is blushing and everyone is looking at him expectantly.
“Oh what did we miss?” Ruby asks excited.
“Liam asked Killian if his girlfriend was coming tonight,” Elsa says with a smug look on her face. This almost causes Emma to drop the shots she’s holding.
“I don’t have a girlfriend,” Killian tells the table. The girls pass around the shots and down them quickly.
“Oh yeah those hickeys just appear magically overnight, huh?” David snorts. Liam nods in agreement. Emma likes leaving her mark on Killian and well he hasn’t complained as of yet. Emma slips back into her seat quietly, not sure where this is going.
“So, you’re seeing someone?” Mary Margaret asks.
“Oh come on, Jones doesn’t date. One night stands are more his style,” Emma says coming to his rescue.
“Oh Emma be nice,” Mary Margaret scolds.
“No, Swan’s right. I’ve just been lucky lately,” Killian shrugs and Elsa shakes her head.
“Whatever you say, brother,” Liam shrugs and the conversation moves on. Not long after Emma excuses herself to the restroom. That was a close call. It’s not like she’s embarrassed of him or anything, but if everyone knows they will be all up in their business every minute of the day. She just needs to figure out how she feels before that craziness ensues.
Emma comes out of the restroom and runs right into none other than Killian. His arm wraps around her waist.
“What the hell was that back there?” he asks her.
“I thought we weren’t ready for the group to know yet?” she asks confused.
“Oh right because I’m your dirty little secret, huh?” he asks his eyes searching hers.
“No, what? It’s not like that at all,” his hand slips off of her and steps away.
“You haven’t shown me otherwise. Emma, after Milah I can’t be someone’s secret again. I’ve given you space, but I need more than this,” he shrugs before walking away. Late one night he told her about Milah, the married woman he was with a couple of years ago. How terribly she treated him, how he thought they loved each other, but in the end it was just an affair to make her husband jealous. Emma had carefully listened and didn’t judge him for what happened.
“Killian,” she calls out after him. Shit, she doesn’t want to lose him. He’s not a dirty secret, she’s terrified of her feelings for him because the only thing she’s ever felt remotely similar to this was all those years ago when Neal broke her heart. Then again this was nothing like Neal at the same time. Killian is a much better man than Neal ever was. Emma knows he’s not going anywhere, but she’s terrified to end up with a broken heart again, which may happen anyway if she doesn’t fix this.
Emma needs to fix this. With a plan in mind she storms after Killian. The rest of the table sees her coming before he does with their eyes wide. She grabs a fistful of his stupid t-shirt, pulling Killian out of his chair. She pulls him into her, kissing the hell out of him. It takes him by complete surprise and it takes him a moment to respond. He wraps his arms around her waist pulling her in closer. When they finally break apart everyone, but Elsa is staring at them with their mouths wide open.
“He has a girlfriend,” is all Emma says before sitting back down. Killian sits down and wraps his arm around the back of her chair. Before they can say anything else a flurry of money is exchanged between everyone. Elsa is making out like a bandit with a large grin on her face.
“You couldn’t have waited like a week to say that,” Ruby says to Emma handing over a twenty to Elsa.
“You all bet on us?” Killian asks shocked. Emma just laughs. Of course this group of assholes bet on them.
“You were pretty obvious. Especially tonight,” Ruby winks.
“Some of us didn’t think so,” David says with his arms crossed. Mary Margaret leans closer to Emma.
“He was convinced it was someone else,” she whispers to Emma. She sends an apologetic look to her brother. Killian kisses Emma’s cheek before getting up and walking over to David.
“Come on, Dave. Let’s go for a walk,” Killian says patting his partner’s shoulder. David glares, but stands up following Killian out of the bar. Outside in the cold night air Killian turns to his friend.
“I’m not going to apologize for being with your sister or not asking for permission or something else ridiculous. Although I will apologize for how you found out. I wanted to tell you myself,” Killian explains.
“You think that’s what I am mad about?” David huffs, crossing his arms. Killian just raises an eyebrow and nods.
“I’m not mad for some overprotective bullshit, Emma can take care of herself. I’m mad cause I’m your partner and you didn’t trust me enough to tell me what was going on. What else aren’t you telling me?” David asks him, his anger boiling over.
“David, it’s not that I didn’t trust you. You know Emma with her sky high walls I was trying to get her to trust me and let her figure out how she felt. I’m sorry that I hurt you,” Killian tells him. David sighs.
“No, I get it. I should be glad that you were being considerate of her boundaries, just no more secrets okay?” David says hands on his hips.
“No more I promise,” he says patting David on the back before heading back inside.
The rest of the night goes smoothly, well as smoothly as a big group of drunk friends trying to get home can be. Killian and Emma decide to walk home apart from their friends. Hand in hand they head back to Killian’s place.
“So you’re my girlfriend, huh? We haven’t even gone on a date yet,” he teases her.
“When you asked to take me out I wanted to say yes, but I just-” she sighs, shaking her head.
“How about a redo?” he asks and she nods, “Emma Swan, will you go out with me?” Emma stops walking and pulls Killian in for a kiss. It’s sweet and soft. Their lips glide over each other, his tongue working its way into her mouth. His hand finds its way into her hair. They break apart and lean their foreheads against each other.
“So was that a yes?” he chuckles. Emma pulls back and kisses his cheek.
“Yes, it was. Come on, Jones. You still need to see a certain green garment I’m wearing for this stupid holiday,” Emma says with a sly smile. She slips out of his arms and starts to walk away from him.
“Little minx,” Killian says before running after her and scooping her into his arms. Emma laughs and buries her head into the crook of his neck.
Summary: 12 holidays. 2 stubborn people in love. One very interesting year.
Notes: so I’ve been working on this fic for a while, I’m so excited for it! With each month there will be an update focused on a holiday in that month. Starting with New Years Eve...
Ao3 FF
Chapter 1: New Years Eve
Emma Swan was not one for holidays. Holidays required a family to spend them with and for most of her life she didn’t have a family. Ruth adopted Emma at sixteen and holidays with the Nolan’s were a shock to say the least. It was a whole lot of family that she wasn’t quite ready for or expecting. None of Emma’s foster parents had ever cared enough to get her presents, or make her Halloween costumes, or make thanksgiving dinner. It was an adjustment to say the least and just when Emma was getting used to it Ruth passed their second year in college and left a hole in David and Emma’s hearts
David was an overprotective brother from day one. In high school being the new kid was never easy and Emma was having a hard time adjusting to the new school. The older kids who picked on her didn’t make it any better. One day David caught a boy getting in Emma’s face and just when she was about to punch the kid David swooped in and did it for her. That’s when Emma knew she had finally found her home and had a brother who cared about her.
David and Emma had a rather large friend group who they celebrated holidays with. Mary Margaret was excited about every holiday and insisted they celebrate every single one of them. Emma was fairly certain that David had loved Mary Margaret from the first moment he met her. The couple met their freshman year in college. Mary Margaret was Emma’s roommate and David was helping his sister move in. When their eyes met David seemed to stop moving and Mary Margaret blushed immediately under his gaze. The rest is history, the lovebirds have inseparable since that day. The happy couple got married six months after college in the middle of Central Park in the biggest whitest wedding Emma has ever seen.
Over the years their friend group expanded to include several others who all loved holidays as well. Mary Margaret’s best friend, Ruby Lucas, from home gave them a colorful flare. Shortly after college David met Liam Jones, which brought Killian Jones into their lives. Emma and Killian did not get along then and frankly they still don’t till this very day. Jones knows how to push all her buttons and she tolerates him at best. He can dish it out, but she can give it back to him. Much to her disappointment Killian and David are the best of friends and detectives for the NYPD. She couldn’t get away from Killian even if she tried.
Liam Jones was the nicest guy you could ever meet and despite being a couple years older than the group he seemed to get along nicely with everyone. He did take on a bit of a father role, making sure none of them did anything too stupid. Especially where Killian was involved, which was a natural role from him seeing as he practically raised Killian since Liam was sixteen. Their mother died and not long after their father vanished into thin air. Ever since then the two brothers had been on their own.
After college Emma met Elsa one day about a case and the two became fast friends. Emma was the one who brought her into the group. This caused several problems because apparently Liam and her were on opposite side of the courtroom and butt heads frequently. Their passionate arguing eventually developed into passionate sex, which shocked everyone, but Ruby, who called it from miles away.
Elsa’s easily excitable sister, Anna joined the group not long after talking at about ten miles a minute and hugging each of them immediately. Elsa just looked apologetic, but couldn’t stop her. They soon learned a force of nature would be required to stop Anna.
A patch of ice lands Ruby in the ER and Doctor Dorothy Gale patches her up and gives Ruby her number, telling her to call when she’s ready to go out with her. This bold action shocked Ruby, which no one had done to that day. Determined to know more about her Ruby called her and they went out for a year until Ruby asked Dorothy to marry her. They got married about six months ago and couldn’t be happier.
Emma has a bigger family than she ever could’ve imagined as a kid and she loves most of them dearly, but she still isn’t wild about holidays. Without her friends she’d almost positive she wouldn’t celebrate holidays. Here she is on New Year’s Eve trying to come up with a way to get out of going to the party David and Mary Margaret were throwing in the floor above hers. If she didn’t come up with something soon, someone would come down to retrieve her.
Emma just got home from catching her latest skip. She was dressed for a party already. Emma had chosen her best dress to use for a honey trap on this skip tonight. It worked quite well if she says so herself. The guy was fooled by her looks and charm, which allowed for a quick arrest and trip down to the station. Although he got a little violent, but they usually did. It’s nothing she couldn’t handle. She loves her pseudo-family, but there are nights when they get to be too much, where she just wants to be left alone. A disadvantage to living the floor below her brother is that he will drag her up to the party sooner rather later. It would be easier if she just went up to the party of her own accord and not dragged by one of her friends. She releases a sigh knowing she has to go to the party. She leaves her purse, but takes her phone and keys. She walks up the flight of stairs to David and Mary Margaret’s.
The door is unlocked and swings wide open when she gets there. The party is in full swing and most of the group is there, unfortunately that includes Killian. Emma shrugs out of her coat and places it on the hook. Ruby lets out a low wolf whistle when she catches sight of Emma in her red dress. The groups eyes turn to her.
“Emma Swan as I live and breathe are you wearing something other than jeans and your red leather jacket?” Ruby teases.
“Yes I am. You already knew that though because I bought this dress from your boutique,” Emma smiles.
“I knew I liked that dress for a reason,” her friend grins.
“Did you have a date tonight?” David asks curious as Emma grabs herself a drink.
“No, mate your sister doesn’t date. That’s a dress for a honey trap if I ever saw one,” Killian rattles her, knowing he’s right, but she won’t admit that. He can read her so well sometimes it’s so unnerving how much he knows about her. Emma joins the group in her brother’s rather large living room.
“Well which is it, date or honey trap?” Liam asks knowing she’ll be more likely to answer if he asks. Emma only likes one of the Jones brothers.
“Honey trap,” Emma says before sipping her whisky.
“Emma,” David moans.
“David, don’t start,” she groans, knowing this would be his response.
“You told me if you were doing that you would at least let me know,” her brother says, always concerned about her safety.
“I know, but it was last minute and I’m fine. I caught the guy,” she defends herself.
“Swan, you can’t say you’re fine when you’re bleeding,” Jones points out, concerned. His tone is what catches her attention. Killian could not care less about her. They fight like cats and dogs. They mix together as well as water and oil. It’s a mutual hatred.
“Jones, what the hell are you on about?” Emma snaps, glaring at him and his idiotic smirk.
“Emma, he’s right. Your elbow is bleeding,” Elsa confirms from her spot on Liam’s lap. Emma looks down and sure enough they’re right. Killian’s smirk is not going to leave his smug face any time soon. Damn him for being observant and most importantly right. He’ll never let that one go.
“Shit,” she mutters and moves to the kitchen. Mary Margaret follows her and grabs the first aid kit.
“Ruby, where’s your hot doctor wife you’re always bragging about?” Emma jokes, hoping to ease the tension in the room.
“Doing her job in the ER saving lives,” she calls back.
“What was that about you being fine?” David asks, looking irritated.
“He tried to run, and it got a little violent. It’s a little scratch,” she explains as Mary Margaret cleans her up.
“They’re always violent with you,” Killian smirks and Elsa smacks his shoulder signaling him to shut up. Surprisingly for once he does, but that won’t last for long.
“See all fine,” Emma says as Mary Margaret places a band aid over the scrape. David just shakes his head and walks away knowing he cannot win this fight with his stubborn sister.
“Emma, you know he worries about you,” Mary Margaret says in a hushed tone.
“I know he does. I’m a grown woman and I can take care of myself. You think I don’t worry about him? He’s detective, his job isn’t exactly known for being safe; people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones,” she says quietly.
“I know that. Ruby’s right though,” Emma raises an eyebrow at this, “You look great in the dress.” Emma smiles at her best friend.
“Thank you,” she says as they rejoin the group.
“Where’s Anna? I thought she’d be here by now,” Ruby asks Elsa.
“Me too, but she’s bringing her new boyfriend. That’s all I know,” Elsa shrugs.
“I’m here, I’m here!” Anna calls out as she comes through the door in a flurry with a tall, stocky blond guy behind her.
“I guess technically we’re here,” Anna cheers as the man slips his hand into hers, “Everyone this is Kristoff, Kristoff this is well everyone. You know Elsa and Liam obviously. Mary Margaret and David are in the kitchen, this is their apartment. Killian is brooding by the TV there. Ruby is making herself a drink over there, watch out her drinks are STRONG. Emma, what a pretty dress! I think that’s everyone. Wait no Dorothy?” Anna says in practically one breath.
“Work,’’ Ruby calls out after taking a big gulp of her drink. Anna turns to Kristoff.
“You’ll just have to meet her another time then,” Anna shrugs. Kristoff just smiles.
“Okay, what do you want to drink?” he asks her sweetly.
“Oh! Vodka cranberry, please!” Anna says with the biggest smile. Kristoff kisses her cheek before walking off. Anna looks happy Emma couldn’t be happier for her.
“He seems nice,” Emma says to Anna as Elsa approaches.
“He really is, but he is you know shy, so I was a little worried about this group meeting him,” Anna shrugs.
“We are a little intimidating and loud,” Elsa says with a shrug. Emma looks over Anna’s shoulder. Ruby has cornered Kristoff, who is now blushing.
“Oh boy Ruby’s sinking her claws into him,” Emma mutters with a smile. Anna turns around quickly and sees her boyfriend with Ruby.
“Oh, I should save him huh?” Anna chuckles before walking over.
“It looks like she found a good one, huh?” Emma asks Elsa.
“Finally, I was worried after Hans. She’s too trusting,” Elsa shakes her head.
“It’s a good quality, there’s too many cynics in this world,” Emma counters. Liam walks up wrapping an arm around Elsa’s waist.
“You two are having an entirely too serious conversation for tonight,” Liam scolds them playfully. Elsa rolls her eyes.
“We can talk about whatever we want, nosey,” Elsa throws back at him.
“You may, but David claims you can see the ball drop with binoculars on roof care to join me?” Liam smirks.
“Lead the way,” Elsa smiles and turns to Emma, “You coming?”
“In a minute you two go ahead,” she tells them.
Times Square is barely visible from the rooftop and it is very hard to see the ball even with binoculars (despite what David claims), but most of the group runs up to watch the ball drop anyway. Emma stays behind to clean up. She’s seen the ball drop enough times and it’s a cold night. Killian brings dishes into the kitchen.
“I thought you went up with the others,” she comments, barely looking at him.
“No, you can barely see the ball drop from here, not worth it if you ask me,” he shrugs, and she nods.
“Despite all the teasing tonight,” he starts.
“Oh, would you give it a rest, Jones,” she sighs throwing her head back.
“Would you shut up for one minute I’m trying to pay you a compliment,” he snaps, and she raises her eyebrows waiting for a response, “You cut quite the figure in that dress, Swan,” he compliments her. She rolls her eyes at this.
“Oh please.” She places dishes and glasses in the sink, avoiding him once again. Maybe he’ll shut up if she doesn’t give him attention, but knowing him this is unlikely.
“I was trying to pay you a compliment, Swan,” he points out, following her around the kitchen.
“I’m pretty sure that was you hitting on me, but sure whatever you say Jones,” she says in a lofty, unbelieving tone.
“Oh, thinking about me in your bed, huh?” he teases. She turns to face him hands on her hips, forgetting about cleaning up all together.
“In your dreams. You couldn’t handle it,” she says placing emphasis on the last syllable, feeling the alcohol coursing through her veins.
“Maybe you’re the one who couldn’t handle it,” he smirks. She has had enough of him and that damn smirk. Without thinking she pulls him in by the lapels of his black leather jacket. He’s surprised for about a second, but then their lips connect, and Emma swears that sparks fly. Mainly she did this to shut him up, but dear god the man knows how to kiss. His hands are in her hair, hers still clutching his jacket. There’s passion in the kiss with a touch of anger. They pull apart breathing heavily and Emma backs up until she runs into the countertop.
“That was…” he trails off.
“A one-time thing,” she mutters, not able to look at him, “That cannot happen again.” That was a huge mistake, one she intends to not make again. They hate each other, how the hell did that happen?
“Already thinking about kissing me again, Swan?” he teases, “I assure you that I won’t stop you.” The smug bastard. Seeing as kissing him didn’t shut him up she makes her way towards the door.
“I’m serious, don’t tell anyone. I’m headed home, tell everyone I had a headache,” she snaps as she pulls on her jacket before storming out.
“As you wish,” he calls out as the door slams shut behind her. Emma hurries down to her apartment, when her door closes behind her, she leans against it. What on earth just happened? Why did she kiss Killian Jones? She hates him. He drives her crazy. He teases her constantly and is a shameless flirt. She teases him right back and they fight. Half the time she wants to punch him in the face. Knowing all of that what possessed her to kiss him? Whatever it was it won’t happen again.
Killian stands there shocked, fingers touching his lips. Of all the things that were going to happen tonight he did not think kissing Emma Swan was one of them. She’s beautiful, smart, and fierce as hell. They had a rocky start, where he definitely made an ass of himself.
They met years ago, hell David and Killian were still beat cops then. Liam and David brought him to some party. Killian has no idea how he let David and Liam convince him to come to this damn party with a million people in a tiny apartment, but he could use a drink he might as well he’s here anyway. Killian grabs some rum and spots a stunning blonde across the room. She’s easily the most beautiful woman in this room. He has to talk to her. It takes a few minutes, but he makes his way to her through the sea of people thinking of a line, of something, anything to say on the way over to her.
“Did it hurt when you fell?” Killian asks, falling back on his old cheesy pick-up lines.
“Excuse me?” The blonde says with an eyebrow raised.
“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” he asks with a smirk. She rolls her eyes.
“Oh my god, has that line ever worked for you?” she asked shocked, but amused. Frankly she thinks he has some balls to walk up and say that to her. He’s definitely attractive with his dark hair and piercing blue eyes, there is no denying that.
“You would be surprised,” he smiles at her, “most women like it when they’re complimented.”
“I’m not most women,” she chuckles.
“That is most evident,” he smirks. David and Liam walk up at that point.
“Oh, Killian you met my sister, Emma! Ems, this is Killian, my partner,” David says, and all the color drains out of Killian’s face. Emma bursts out laughing. Liam looks to Killian and David looks to Emma.
“What?” her brother asks. Emma shakes her head.
“I’m going to find Mary Margaret,” she says through her laughter and walks away. Killian avoids eye contact with Emma for most of the night. He can’t believe he hit on his partner’s sister. If David and Liam find out he’ll never hear the goddamn end of it. Later on, they’re alone once again.
“Look about earlier, I didn’t mean- I mean I didn’t know who you were. I didn’t mean to well you know. I wouldn’t have if I knew you were well you,” Killian rambles on.
“Oh, because David’s my brother and your partner you’re no longer interested in me,” she says a little pissed off.
“Hey, wait a minute, you didn’t seem that interested in me anyway,” he snaps at her.
“That’s not the point, the point is just because I’m related to David you have some macho male instinct to back off now, which is more ridiculous than that damn pick up line you used,” she practically shouts.
“Oh, don’t worry, sweetheart! Trust me I don’t want to get involved now,” he shouts back at her.
“Good!” she says hands on hips before walking away.
Since then it has been teasing and sharp remarks between them. It’s gotten slightly better over the years, but not by much. He’s fairly certain that she hates his guts. He’s not sure what happened tonight, but he definitely wants to kiss her again. Killian has wanted to kiss her since the night they met.
When Emma Swan's relationship ends badly she lands on her brother's doorstep. Only to find that their friend Killian Jones has moved in with David and Mary Margaret. Will close proximity with Killian bring up feelings Emma buried long ago or will she keep denying any feelings she has for him?
Ao3
FF
This is a little one shot I have been working on for a while hope you guys like it!
-CSCS-
Even in the pouring rain Emma Swan managed to pack up her life in under an hour and a half. She never really need much, she wasn't a sentimental person. Emma had shoved everything she owned and into her yellow Volkswagen bug. Without looking back she starting driving to Boston, leaving New York in her rearview. Leaving her old life behind.
Emma's adoptive brother lived in Boston with his wife Mary Margaret, known by her friends as Mary. She was too cheerful for Emma's liking sometimes, but was the nicest person you'd ever meet. Emma had been placed with Ruth, her adoptive mother, her freshman year of high school. David was a year older and not exactly thrilled about her at first, but that didn't last long. He was quick to fall into the role of older brother. Him and Emma have always gotten along well. They bonded over watching sports and videogames, and the two have been pretty inseparable since.
The siblings even went to the same college. College is where David met Mary and the duo then became a trio. Emma and Mary became instant friends, much to David's relief. After college Emma moved to New York to become a journalist, David stayed in Boston and got a job with the police department, and Mary became a school teacher. A year ago the perfect couple tied the knot, in which Emma was the best man. The distance had been hard on the siblings, and the married couple continually tried to convince Emma to move out to Boston since they got back from their honeymoon. With that in mind, Emma hoped they would take her in for a few weeks.
Emma knows she should call David, but her phone's dead and she doesn't have a car charger. She just hopes he'll answer his door at two in the morning, which is when she expects she'll get to Boston. Despite the late hour she feels wide awake and speeds down the highway.
A few minutes after two, she pulls up in front of David and Mary's townhouse. Until recently Ruby, a friend of Mary's, had been living with them, but she just moved in with her girlfriend, Dorothy. David mentioned in their phone call last week about Killian, an old friend of theirs from college and David's partner at the police station, moving in with the couple. However he left no explanation as to why. Last time that Emma could recall he was living with his girlfriend, but things must have changed.
Emma packs up an overnight bag and drags herself to the front door. She's about to ring the bell when she stops herself. What will he say? It's two in the morning and she has a swollen eye that will surely turn into a black eye and busted lip. David's going to want answers that she doesn't want to give, that she's not ready to give. On the other hand she has nowhere else to go. She rings the bell and hears nothing. It takes her ringing the bell for a couple minutes before she can hear someone making there way to the door. She preps herself for a long conversation with her brother. The door swings open and none other than Killian Jones answers the door in his boxers. His blue eyes as piercing as ever, hair all messed up from sleep.
"Swan? What-" he stops talking when he sees her face.
"I sure know how to pick them don't I?" she jokes and he just frowns.
"Come in," he opens the door all the way and steps back. She walks in and they move into the living room. She's glad he doesn't say or ask her anything because honestly, she doesn't know what to say. Killian guides her into a seat on the couch.
"I'll get David," He says then kisses the top of her head. The move doesn't really surprise Emma. The two had been close in college and for a while Emma had hoped for more between them, but she couldn't risk losing him as a friend. Then Milah came along and she tried to move on. It's part of the reason she left Boston to go to New York. It was easier to move on when she was a couple states away from him. Whenever she saw him, however, all the effort she put into moving on went straight out the window.
Emma cannot stand sitting anymore so she stands, which feels better after sitting in a car for over three hours. A couple minutes later David pads into the living room rubbing his eyes, Killian right behind him.
"Ems, it's two am what is-" he stops talking when he sees her face, "Emma, what happened?" he asks her. That's when the full gravity of what happened hits her. Before she can explain tears form and spill over. David just pulls her into his arms, which makes her cry even more. Killian takes this as his cue to leave, quietly backing out of the living and makes his way toward his room. David moves them to the couch, keeping a hold on her. He rubs her back, letting her cry it out. Eventually she makes herself stop crying and finally looks at David.
"You need some ice, hold on I'll be right back," he says as he slips away. He darts off to the kitchen. He comes back with a bag of peas wrapped in a towel and hands it to her. She takes it and gingerly places it on her swollen eye.
"Thanks," she mumbles.
"Please tell me what happened," he pleads with her. She sighs, but continues on, but she will not look at him.
"You know that guy I told you about, Walsh," she cringes saying his name and David nods, "He wasn't what I thought. We were fighting about something stupid and he snapped. He hit me then stomped out the door talking about needing a drink. So I packed up my bug and left. I - um - I would've called or something, but my phone died as I was leaving New York. I just didn't know where else to go," she says as she fiddles with ice pack. That's not the whole truth, but it's what her brother needs to know for now. His fists are balled up, but his voice is calm as ever.
"You're always welcome here, Emma. Come on let's get you to bed. Did you bring anything in from the car?" he asks as they stand. She walks around the couch and picks up her bag.
"You can stay in the guest room," David says as he leads her down the hallway, "You'll have to share a bathroom with Killian, but you've done that before," he comments and she just nods. The group shared an apartment as upperclassmen in college.
The guest bedroom has an olive green color on the walls with a floral pattern bedspread with a nightstand and dresser. Emma's stayed in this room during the holidays the past two years. It strangely almost feels like this room is hers whenever she visits, like home.
"Anything else you need?" David asks her and she shakes her head. "Try and get some sleep. We'll see you in the morning." He gives her head a quick kiss then he ducks out if the room, closing the door behind him. That conversation could've gone worse.
Emma tosses the ice pack on the dresser and plops her bag down on the bed. She rummages through the bag until she finds her pjs and changes. Emma pulls her gun out of the bag and places it in the bedside table. She doesn't think she'll need it, but you can never be too safe. After that the bag is pushed to the floor and she crawls into bed. As soon as her head hits the pillow she falls asleep.
-CSCS-
The next morning when Emma wakes she can hear laughter and the clattering of dishes coming from the kitchen. Over the course of the night her eye swelled shut. Emma looks in the mirror to discover that the bruise fully formed as well. Today's off to a great start. She stretches and makes her way to the kitchen. Before she enters Emma pauses to eavesdrop. It's a horrible bad habit that Ruth tried - and failed - to squash out of Emma when she took her in. Some bad habits never die.
"Emma just showed at two am with a swollen eye and cut lip? What happened?" Mary asks, worry creeping into her voice.
"Apparently her piece of shit ex-boyfriend is what happened. I got the Cliff Notes version of what happened. I don't know a lot of details. Well really any of the details. All I do know is I want to kill the fucker," David practically growls.
"Easy, Mate. We all feel that way, but you can't act on that," Killian warns.
"I know. I'm going to take her back and we will settle this with the police," David states and Emma decides this is the best time to enter.
"That is certainly not happening," Emma states, arms crossed. The group is surprised by her entrance. Mary stands and begins to fuss over Emma's eye. She hands Emma another ice pack, which she accepts. Emma's sister-in-law makes her sit down. Killian frowns.
"Emma, he should go to jail," David argues.
"David's right, Emma. Don't you want to see him thrown in jail for what he did to you?" Killian asks softly.
"I agree with both you, but I never want to see him again. I don't want to have to deal with him just to find out that he gets what a couple months in jail or even worse a slap on the wrist. It's not worth it. I just want a fresh start away from him. I want a fresh start here," she explains. Mary moves around in the kitchen putting together breakfast for Emma.
"You really don't want to press charges?" David confirms.
"No, I don't," she says, effectively ending that conversation. Mary drops a plate of hot food and a mug of hot cocoa with cinnamon in front of her.
"Thank you," Emma says as she sets down the ice pack and begins to eat.
"Swan, your eye got worse," Killian comments, expressing some concern about her injury. He pours himself another cup of coffee.
"It will get worse before it gets better," Emma says between bites of food and he nods.
"So what are your plans now that you've gotten to Boston," Killian asks Emma.
"Well I was hoping I could stay here for a while. Just until I got on my feet and find a job and an apartment," she clarifies, looking from Mary to David.
"Of course you're going to stay here. Don't rush any of that though. You can stay here as long as you need," Mary stretches out a hand and gives Emma's a little squeeze. David nods in confirmation.
"Lovely, it will be good to have someone besides the love birds around," Killian teases the married couple, who both roll their eyes. David glances at his watch.
"Killian, we better get moving, we're running late," David says and Killian finishes the last few bites of his breakfast.
"Weekend shift?" Emma asks David, who nods. David gives his wife a quick kiss and runs out after Killian.
"See you two for dinner," Mary calls out to them. Emma helps clean up the kitchen. Even though her friend keeps insisting that she needs rest. Emma ignores the request and does the dishes.
"What exactly is Killian doing here?" Emma asks, her curiosity finally getting the best of her.
"Didn't David tell you?" Emma shakes her head, "About a month ago Milah kicked him out and he showed up on our doorstep. He was pretty heartbroken. I really shouldn't be the one telling you this, but we're halfway through the story anyway. We couldn't turn him away and he's practically family anyway. I'm just glad he came here and didn't go out to a bar to drink away his feelings. He did too much of that in college. Turns out she just changed the locks on him and left his belongings outside the apartment," Mary pauses for a breath.
"What did he do to her?" Emma asks her friend.
"Nothing. She went back to her ex-husband and I guess Killian could hear them through the door doing, you know," she whispers the last part.
"That's horrible," Emma says as she loads the dishwasher. Emma didn't think much of Milah, but she didn't think Milah was capable of crushing Killian's heart like that.
"That's what I said. Anyway, he took his stuff and left. He called her the next day looking for an explanation. She said that she was tired of fighting about money and she just hadn't been feeling it between them lately. And that her ex-husband could take care of her," Mary finishes the story.
"I've been with some shitty people, but I think she takes the cake," Emma comments.
"He's been looking for an apartment, but hasn't found anything yet. Not that he needs to be gone, especially with you here. It will be good for him to have some company besides us," Mary explains and Emma nods. Killian's one of her closest friends and she loves spending time with him, maybe this will be good for both of them.
-CSCS-
Mary Margaret helps Emma unpack the bug, which her sister-in-law cannot believe that everything Emma possessed fit in such a small car.
"This is everything you own? Seriously?" Mary asks, staring at the few garbage bags that now sit on the guest bedroom bed.
"Once again, yes," Emma says tearing into one of the bags. Mary does the same. It doesn't take them long to unpack everything and get her settled in. Emma finally plugs in her phone and allows it charge. She doesn't look at it though. She knows Walsh has most likely tried to contact her, so when Mary asks her to go to the store with her Emma has no problem leaving her phone behind.
Before dinner Emma goes to her room to check her phone. As she suspected there are about twenty missed calls and voicemails from Walsh. She listens to the voicemails, which range from angry to sad to apologizing. She deletes all of them and blocks his number. Emma doesn't want anything to do with him.
When she finally emerges for dinner she feels light as a feather. She will never hear from him, she can move forward with her life. Dinner goes by smoothly and it's the most she's laughed in ages. It makes her realize how much she missed her family and friends.
The next week goes by much like dinner on the first night. Emma's eye is healing quite nicely and the black and blue bruising is fading to a yellow color. Emma keeps her gun in her purse just in case.
The only downside to staying here is Killian. Every time he moves past her he'll touch her in some small way. She doesn't mind, she never has, but every small touch of his sends a spark through her body and she doesn't know how much of it she can take. Up until she came back, she thought she was over Killian Jones and now all she can think is how wrong she was about that. All she can think about is how much she wants him and not just how much she wants him in bed. She often lies in bed thinking about how fucked she is.
The next night things are worse because it's David and Mary's date night. As soon as the married couple leave the tension in the air seems to double.
"What do you say to take out and a movie, Swan?" he asks her from the kitchen.
"That's fine," she calls out from her spot on the living room couch.
"I'll order if you pick out the movie" Killian hollars again.
"Okay, but you cannot complain about what I choose," she yells back. She can hear him groan, but knows he'll like the movie she has in mind. Emma wanders over to the movie collection, scanning the titles looking for her all time favorite, Princess Bride. When she finds it a grin spreads across her face.
"Found what you're looking for, Swan?" Killian asks as he strides into the living room, "The food should be here in about forty minutes," he notifies her.
"Good to hear and yes, I did find it," she smiles and she holds up the DVD. He just chuckles as she places the disc in the DVD player.
"You're so predictable sometimes. You know David only has that around for you," He tells her as they get situated on the couch.
"I suspected as much. He's a good brother for doing that," she smiles as she navigates the menu screen.
"Aye that he is," he says as he throws an arm over her shoulders, bringing her closer. The move feels natural, she feels safe. He can also smell his cologne, which is one of her favorite scents. Fuck, she is in too deep. The movie starts bringing her attention to the screen. When the food arrives they pause the movie and sort out who ordered what.
"You remembered my order," she smiles at him.
"How could I forget? We got take out about a million times in college. Hell whenever I'd call they were already making our food," he chuckles. She just smiles and presses play. Some things never change. The movie ends and Killian changes the TV to the Tonight Show. Emma eyelids grow heavy throughout the course of the show and she eventually falls asleep on Killian's shoulder.
He doesn't have the heart to move her just yet. She looks so peaceful and after all the shit that wanker put her through, she deserves some peace. Thinking of that useless excuse of a man makes his blood boil. How could he treat Emma like that? She is an amazing woman who should be cherished. Some time ago when they first met he had hoped that their friendship would blossom into more. It was just never the right time for them. Milah came along and then Emma moved to New York, which was a move he never understood. Then his relationship went up in flames. Him and Emma were never on the same page.
How do you tell one of your closest friends you're in love them? What if she didn't feel the same way about him? He would rather have her as a friend then reveal his true feelings and lose her forever. He figured would always love Emma and that was the moment he figured out how fucked he was.
Just as David and Mary come home from their date Killian is scooping Emma into his arms. This is certainly not the first time he's done this and doubts it will be the last. He lays her down in her bed and she stirs slightly. Before he can slip away she grabs his hand and squeezes it. He squeezes her hand back and she gives him a lazy, sleepy smile. He releases her hand and kisses her head. He slips out the room and softly shuts the door behind him. He was in too deep and there was nothing he could do about it.
-CSCS-
The next week Emma's eye heals and she begins applying for jobs, as staying in the house is killing her. She feels like a bird in a cage. Emma sits by her phone waiting for it to ring. When it does she snatches it up without even glancing at the phone number.
"Hello Emma Swan speaking," she says as calmly as possible.
"Emma," the voice on the other end of the line says. Chills run down her spine. Walsh.
"What do you want?" she says through her teeth.
"Now there isn't a need to be hostile," he sneers.
"No, that would be your department," she snaps at him.
"Okay you've played your game long enough, you've proved your point. It's time to come home," he says calmly. He thinks I am coming home? Reality is cruel.
"Walsh, I'm not coming home. Ever. We're done. I took my things and left, was that not enough of a clue for you? We're done," she confirms.
"We're done when I say we're done. Don't think I won't find you," he growls through phone. That's when she hangs up the phone. He must've borrowed someone's phone or got a new number. That's how he was able to reach her. Talking to him hits her like a ton of bricks and that's when she decides day drinking is the best idea she's had all day.
Emma grasps a bottle of rum, there's no need for a glass she's going to be drinking a lot and the glass will slow her down. Emma settles into the couch. She turns on the television and tunes in to some crappy daytime television.
By the time Mary gets home it's safe to say Emma has left sobriety behind her. Miles behind her. Emma and the bottle of rum are close friends now.
"Emma, I think it's time to sober up," Mary reaches for the bottle, but Emma snatches out of her reach.
"I really don't think it isss," Emma slurs her words a little. Then proceeds to take another drink. Her friend makes another grab for the bottle and Emma isn't as quick this time.
"Hey! I was drinking that," Emma whines.
"Oh I am well aware of that, dear. Why the sudden interest in day drinking?" Mary inquires. She directs Emma into a kitchen chair and is getting her a glass of water.
"Well that piece of shit ex boyfriend of mine decided to give me a call, which I did not appreciate," Emma spills, the liquor making her secrets flow out easier. The confession causes Mary to freeze. When she moves again it's to give Emma the water and to sit in front of her.
"What did he want?"
"He wants me to come home. I just cannot believe he would think I would go back to him. He might come after me," Emma frowns at this.
"What?" Mary asks shocked. She's quick to pick up her phone, "David, yeah look something's happened with Emma. Yeah I think it's best you two call it a night. Be safe," with that she hangs up the phone. Mary is bundle of nervous energy and uses it to make dinner. Emma keeps trying to sneak another drink, but she keeps all alcohol out of her reach. When the guys get home Emma's still very drunk.
"Ah more company, maybe they will let me have a drink," Emma says in a cheery tone. Killian sits at the table with her and David helps set the table for dinner.
"No, love I am sure Mary here has a reason for keeping you from the rum," he says with a smirk.
"Not a good one," Emma grumbles, which causes him to laugh.
"Why don't you tell them why you're already drunk at seven o'clock," Mary scolds.
"Walsh called," the room is so silent you could hear a pin drop, "Yeah he wanted me to go 'home'." Emma throws air quotes around the offending word.
"Like I'd go back to that bastard. Anyway he might show up here because he's mad, but he still doesn't know where I am," she rambles on.
"Em, is there any motive for him to follow you?" David asks growing more curious by the second.
"I did find out he is smuggling precious stones into the country, probably has something to do with that," Emma sighs and all eyes in the room are trained on her. Mary's mouth hangs wide open.
"That's why you didn't go to the police," Killian sighs.
"Oh I went to the police just not about the eye," he gives her a quizzical look, "Called in an anonymous tip before I left New York, so I am rather confused as to why he is still out and able to call me," she frowns. The room grows quiet, all of them absorbing the information.
"So you think he's going to come after you?" David states plainly.
"Most likely. I'll leave in the morning," she sighs, finally beginning to sober up.
"What the bloody hell are you talking about, Emma?" Killian asks anger rising within him. It grabs her attention when he calls her by name. Not Swan, love, or lass. He called her Emma.
"I am not going to stay here and endanger my family and friends. Don't be ridiculous I'll go away until they find him then I'll be back," she reasons. Killian is about to argue with her when Mary jumps in.
"Emma Swan, do not for one minute think that you will be leaving this house. I'll be damned if we let you leave. I don't care who is coming after you we will protect you. We are your family and I'm sure as hell not letting anything happen to you. Right boys?" She calls on two of Boston's finest to back her up. They both nod. Killian reached out and grabs Emma's hand. He knows she's a runner she's going to need more than Mary's speech to convince her to stay.
"Swan, you're safe here. David and I will protect you, not that you need it. We know you're a strong lass. Let us help you. We'll even get some uniforms outside the house," he says calmly. There's a pleading look in his eyes as if he's asking her to stay. Like he doesn't want her to leave, like he needs her as much as she needs him. She just nods and they continue on with dinner. Emma knows she should leave, that they would be better off without her, but she can't bring herself to leave Killian behind. He seems just as broken as she is, so for now she'll stay.
When they all call it a night Killian helps Emma back to her room even though she insists she's sober. He's not sure how true that is because she's tripped three times. Every time he catches her though. The last time he catches her she can't help but to look into his sea blue eyes and releases a gasp she didn't know she was holding in. This is bad very bad. She keeps telling herself.
"What's so bad, love?" Killian asks her with a cocky smirk on his face.
"Did I say that out loud?" Emma asks and gathers herself.
"Aye, you did Swan. What's so bad about this?" Killian asks his voice husky. His eyes searching hers.
"Absolutely nothing, that's the problem," she says as she pulling away from him and slipping into her room. She shuts her door before he can say anything else. Killian stands there shocked by the events that just occurred. What did that mean? Was it possible Emma Swan had feelings for him? Or is he imagining what just happened? No, it definitely happened, but what did it mean? Now more than ever, he was in too deep with Emma.
Emma flops down onto her bed. What the fuck did she just admit to? That being in Killian Jones' arms wasn't so bad. Because it really wasn't. There she was safe. He doesn't see her that way, he never has and he never will. Will he read into what she said or will attribute it to drunk ramblings. Emma's hoping for the latter. Once he knows about her feelings they won't be friends anymore and that's the last thing she wants.
-CSCS-
The next day, Mary drags Emma out shopping with her. What they are looking for Emma has no clue, but it's a Saturday and she has nothing better to do.
"Have you heard back from any of the jobs yet?" Mary asks as she eyes another bright cardigan.
"No, but I only started sending out resumes two days ago. Something will turn up," Emma responds. Takes the cardigan out of Mary's hands and places back on the rack with a stern look. With a sigh from the school teacher they move on.
"So you and Killian seemed close last night," Mary tries to drop in the comment casually.
"Stop right there. We are not talking about this." Throughout the years Emma had confided her feelings about Killian to her friend and no one else. Mary always urged her to tell Killian. To make the first move, but Emma never seemed able to. The fear of losing him was too great.
"Emma, I know you still have feelings for him. Feelings as strong as you have for each other never die. Take a leap of faith," Mary urged her once more.
"What do you mean for each other? What do you know that I don't?" She asks her friend. Mary's face drains of all color.
"Nothing. Just a figure of speech," she tries to wave off her blunder. Emma fixes her with a glare and Mary caves.
"Fine. One drunken night may have revealed that he may have strong feelings for you. This wasn't in front of David. Only I know, but Emma please talk to him. If you two feel this way about each other what's stopping you?"
"I'm scared. What if I lose him? What if we break up and I lose my best friend? What then? I trust him just as much as you or David and you know I don't trust anyone easily. I don't want to ruin what we have," she bursts out.
"So fear is holding you back. That's not the Emma Swan I know. He won't let you down. If you asked him to, he would follow you until the end of time. Give him a chance," she gives Emma's shoulder a quick squeeze and they move on. The rest of the day Emma debates on what the hell she should do about Killian Jones.
The following Monday Killian can't bring himself to focus on anything work related. David and him are finishing up some paperwork they neglected earlier. All he can think about is Emma Swan. Could it be possible that she has feelings for him? No, he's being a bloody fool. She can't. Can she? He messes up the document he's been working for the past hour and groans in frustration.
"Alright are you going to tell me what's going on with you or do I have to drag it out of you?" David asks without his eyes even leaving his computer monitor.
"I'd rather not talk about it," Killian says avoiding all contact with David.
"Killian, I have Emma as a sister I'll wait as long as I have to," David says ignoring Killian's rejection.
"Mate, let's say you'd rather not know about it," Killian tries to rebut him nicely.
"So, it's about Emma," David says giving Killian his full attention. Killian is shocked by this statement but recovers quickly.
"Aye, how'd you know?"
"That's the only subject that you wouldn't want to talk to me about. Seeing that she is my sister," David says with an all too knowing look.
"She just said something in passing I am sure it isn't anything important," Killian mumbled.
"If it isn't important why are you pouting like twelve year old who got rejected?" David teases, "Look we all know you had a thing for her most of college and from the look on your face maybe you still do. You're a good guy it doesn't bother me, I know you'd treat her right."
"What do you mean we all know?" Killian asks.
"Well Me, Mary, Robin, Ruby, and the rest of our friends. For some reason Emma doesn't. Tell her," David advises. Killian nods and they resume their work.
-CSCS-
Date night rolls around again, and David and Mary once more leave Emma and Killian alone in the house. Before they leave, David gives Killian an all too knowing look. He orders take out for them and finds her sitting on the couch waiting for him.
"No movie tonight, love?" Killian asks as he joins her on the couch.
"I just couldn't decide, why don't you pick the movie?" she suggests with a smile. He loves her smile, it just makes her look more beautiful. He picks out one of many action movies David owns. They watch it and enjoy the food. Killian keeps sneaking glances at Emma he wants to tell her, but doesn't know how.
Once the movie ends she turns to him with a smile.
"That's was good. Want to watch a late night show before bed?" She asks.
"Um actually could I- I mean could we," she lifts an eyebrow at his stammering, "I want to talk about the other night with you," he finally states.
"Oh um okay," she becomes rather uneasy at this prospect, but doesn't say no. He continues on.
"What did you mean by what you said? Because I'm rather confused. I've been thinking about it all the time, and I just need you to tell me what you meant," he rambles on.
"I was saying that there was nothing bad about being in your arms, Killian," she says slowly, while looking down at her hands. He tilts her chin up to properly look at her face.
"Why was there a problem with that?" he says in almost a whisper. It takes her a minute to gather her answer, but he doesn't mind he'd wait forever for her.
"Because I'm in love with you and I don't think- I don't know if you love me too," she whispers. His hand drops to his lap in shock. Emma Swan loves him. He never imagined in a million years that she would.
"See I knew this is how you would react. I never should have listened to Mary. Take a leap a faith. What a bunch of bullshit. Please forget that this happened," she rambles on and she moves away from him. Killian catches her by the arm and pulls her in for a kiss. His lips crash down on hers. At first she is surprised, but then melts into the kiss. His fingers weave in her hair and the other hand grasps her waist firmly keep her close to him. One of her hands grips his bicep. She turns her head and deepens the kiss. They kiss for who knows how long, but when they do break apart there is a smile on both their faces.
"She was right to say take a leap of faith, Swan. I love you," he says and she blushes at this confession.
"When you didn't say anything and I thought the worst," she mumbles.
"I was just in shock that the girl I am madly in love with actually loves me back," he admits. She just keeps on smiling and buries her face in his neck.
"How come you never said anything?" He asks her.
"I was too afraid of losing you. You're the one person in this world I can't read and I could never tell if you felt anything more for me, but you never said anything either," she sighs.
"Well you're my mate's sister and we spent all that time together in college I thought if you felt something more for me then I would know. I was afraid of losing my best friend," he shrugs.
"Damn we are both incredibly stupid," she chuckles and he bursts out in laughter. He wraps his arms around her and they fall back on the couch, laughing.
"We should move," she whispers.
"Now why would I want to do that I have the love of my life in my arms," he smiles.
"Well, David and Mary could come back at any minute. I can think of many things I want to do with you and none of them are appropriate for the couch," she whispers into his ear. His smile grows even bigger and stands up with her in his arms.
"Then I believe we need a change in scenery," he smirks as they walk out of the living room and down the hallway. He carries her into his room and lays her down gently on his bed.
"Your room? What's wrong with mine?" she asks with a teasing smile on her face.
"Oh nothing I am sure it's quite nice, but mine is further away from your brother's room. As much as your brother likes me I am quite sure he doesn't want to hear us," he smirks. Emma just nods and kisses him again. She felt like she could kiss him until the end of their days. There's nowhere else she'd rather be. As the kiss deepens his hand moves up her shirt and under her bra. When he squeezes her nipple she stops kissing him in order to cry out. He looks rather pleased by her reaction. It doesn't take long for them to get their clothes off after that. Everything doesn't feel real to Emma. She's sure she is going to wake up tomorrow morning in her bed from the best dream of her life. She has remind herself that this is real. That the love of her life is making love to her. And it feels so good.
The next morning she wakes up and realizes it wasn't a dream. That she is in fact in Killian's arms and he said he loved her and had mind blowing sex. He slowly stirs and when his eyes open he immediately smiles.
"Morning, love," he says before he kisses her forehead.
"Morning," Emma says with a smile.
"We should get up," Killian says gazing into her dazzling green eyes.
"We really should," Emma agrees but neither of them move. There's three knocks at the door.
"Killian, get your ass up we have to leave in thirty minutes," David says through the door. The happy couple jumps apart and while her brother talks Emma hides under the blankets.
"Aye mate on my way," Killian calls back. Once he hears David's footsteps fade away Killian pulls the blankets away from Emma's face.
"Why on earth are you hiding?" Killian chuckles.
"My brother doesn't need to see me naked thank you very much," Emma fires back.
"If he did come in he would still know you're here. He'd probably assume," he points out as he gets up and starts to dress.
"Still," she says with her eyes narrowed. Emma gets up from bed as well and pulls on her clothes from last night.
"I'll see you in the kitchen," she says as she kisses his cheek.
"Aye." She slips out of his room and down the hallway to hers. She changes into clean clothes and runs a brush through her hair and washes her face. A few minutes later she leaves her room. She finds that she beat Killian to the kitchen. David just smiles at her, but Mary gives her a curious look.
"How was the movie last night?" Emma asks David.
"Oh don't ask him he fell asleep halfway through," Mary scolds him.
"It's not my fault I thought it was boring," David defends himself.
"Yeah well I still don't feel sorry for you. I had to wake him once the lights came up," Mary says with attitude even though she's smiling. Emma brings her hot chocolate and toast to the table.
"Ah mate did you get dragged to another sappy romantic movie?" Killian asks as he walks into the room.
"Yes I did. See Killian gets it," David says and continues to eat his breakfast. Mary is no longer paying attention to the conversation. She is fixing Killian with the look Emma got when she walked in. She looks at Emma then Killian again and gasps.
"What?" David asks worried.
"You two slept together!" She practically screams. Emma almost chokes on her hot chocolate. Killian whips around to face Mary.
"There's no way you can tell that by looking at someone," Emma says after she recovers.
"It's true?!" David asks surprised. Emma's worried about how he would react, but nods. David just sighs and pulls out his wallet. He takes out a twenty and hands it to Mary, who just smiles knowingly. Emma frowns at their interaction and looks at Killian confused.
"You bet on us?" Killian asks.
"Well of course it was a matter of time really. You two are clearly in love, always have been. The circumstances were just never in your favor until now. David thought it'd take longer," she smiles. David just grumbles and crosses his arms.
"I can't believe you two," Emma says shaking her head. David stands and walks over to Killian, who isn't quite sure what his mate is going to do.
"Don't hurt her and we won't have a problem, alright?" David clarifies.
"That's never going to happen, David," Killian says looking him straight in the eye.
"Good, now take your coffee to go, we've got to get going," David says and walks over to his wife. He kisses her and smiles.
"See you girls for dinner," David calls out as he walks out. Killian grabs his coffee, kisses Emma, and follows David out.
"What on earth just happened?" Emma asks surprised at the events of the morning.
"You're with the man you love and your brother didn't kill him," Mary says with a smile. Emma just nods in shock from what just happened.
-CSCS-
Emma hears the front door open from her position on the couch later that night. Without turning around she calls out to whoever made it home first.
"Now I am sure Mary will make a lovely dinner as always, but I think we should all go out tonight to celebrate my call back from the Boston Globe today and I have an interview on Friday," she smiles.
"Well, I am glad to see how well you're adjusting to Boston, Emma," Walsh's voice rings throughout the room. Emma, whips her head around to see Walsh standing in the doorway of the living room. Emma stands and lunges for her purse at the end of the couch. As Walsh gets to her she has a her hand wraps around her pistol. He pulls her away from the purse and pushes her to the ground before he realizes what she grabbed. She points her gun at him. He puts his hands up.
"Why are you here?" she asks as she stands slowly.
"Now, you didn't think I'd let you leave me like that, did you? After you called your little puppy dog on the NYPD," he snarls, "I had to come take care of you."
"Just not your lucky day is it?" Emma snaps back at him.
"I guess not, I forgot you carried a gun," he smirks, "but you'll never shoot." Emma turns off the safety on her pistol.
"Maybe, but since you hit me I wouldn't bet on it. I don't think you're willing to test that theory," she snaps. Thank god just then Mary runs in.
"Emma, why is the front door open?" Mary comes to a dead stop in the living room.
"Call David," Emma says, never taking her eyes off Walsh. Mary pulls out her phone and has a very short conversation with her husband. Emma fixes a mean, hateful glare on Walsh, who just stands there smiling. Which is the most unnerving thing he could do. Mary just stands in the hallway looking at the front door.
David and Killian burst in about ten minutes later, both looking frantic. Emma turns the safety on again. David walks up and places Walsh in cuffs, while reading him his rights. Emma releases a sigh and tucks her gun in the back of her jeans. Killian rushes up to her.
"Love, are you alright?" he asks eyes scanning her for any injuries. He places a hand on her cheek and she places her hand on his arm. That spark running through her body once again. His eyes gaze into hers.
"Yeah, I'm okay," Killian raises an eyebrow, "Really, I am." David is waiting on a patrol car to come and pick Walsh up to take him to the station.
"Killian's just a friend nothing more," Walsh mimics Emma, "Emma you're full of shit," Walsh snarls at her. They break apart and Killian steps forward.
"That's no way to talk to a lady," he snaps at Walsh.
"I'd stay quiet if I were you," Mary says coldly. Something that Emma has never seen her do.
Emma goes to the coffee table and picks up her phone. Killian frowns at this, but allows her to continue. She dials Graham, who picks up on the second ring.
"Emma, are you alright? I haven't heard from you in weeks," he says worried.
"Graham, I'm fine. I have Walsh here and my brother just arrested him. Do you want him transferred?" she asks him. Killian still looks confused.
"There's a reason I didn't arrest him, Emma. There isn't enough evidence to arrest him," Graham sighs into the phone. Emma's eyes go wide and she walks away from Killian.
"What do mean there's not enough? I gave you everything I had! It was more than enough," she tries to says as quietly as she can. Walsh begins laughing and her head snaps toward him.
"What? You didn't think I knew what you were doing? What you were investigating? We changed everything as soon as you left," Walsh just laughs.
"Look, Emma," Graham says grabbing her attention, "Give me a couple days and I'll see what we can dig up."
"Fine," she says and then hangs up.
"Don't worry, Emma. He's not going anywhere. He broke into my house," David says as two uniforms arrive and whisk Walsh away. Killian walks to her side and wraps on arm around her.
"We're going to need to take his gun into evidence," Killian says, as the small group moves into the kitchen.
"It's not his gun it's mine," Emma says as they all sit down at the table. All eyes turn to her.
"Since when do you have a gun?" David asks, shocked.
"David in the past two years I've written five stories about the mafia. I was getting death threats. Don't worry Graham showed me how to use it," she says calmly. Killian holds out his hand.
"Give it here, love. I am going to at least put it in the safe with ours," he says, defeated. She pulls it out and hands it over. David hands Killian his as well.
"You could've told us about the gun," David says.
"Then I would've had to tell you why and then it would be another reason for you to try and get me to move back to Boston," she says exasperated. Killian comes back into the room and sits down at the table. He takes Emma's hand in his and she smiles at the feel of his hand in hers. It feels right. More right than she ever could've imagined
"You're right I would've insisted you move back," David says crossing his arms.
"Graham is who told about Walsh before you left?" Mary asks changing the subject.
"Yes, he helped me with the mafia cases, thought he could do something about him," she sighs.
"Love, if he didn't have the evidence he can't just arrest him," Killian says.
"I know, but the thing is I had no clue Walsh changed everything, or that he knew what I was doing. I thought what I gave him was enough," she sighed.
"Well, he's broken in here, so he's going to be prosecuted for something," David says. The group falls silent for a moment. Killian releases Emma's hand and stands.
"I think we all deserve a drink and I doubt anyone wants to cook tonight we should call for take out," Killian says with a little smirk. David and Emma nod in agreement. David places their orders over the phone. Killian pulls out a bottle of rum and four glasses. When he goes to pour Mary a drink she stops him.
"None for me," she says, seeming to snap out of a trance.
"Really, lass? Are you sure you don't want some?" Killian asks and David gives her an odd look.
"Oh no I want some, but I can't," she says with an all too knowing smile. Emma's head snaps towards her.
"Are you….?" Emma asks and Mary nods. The two women hug. The men just look confused.
"Would you two like to clue us into what is going on?" David asks and Emma just laughs.
"David, I'm pregnant," Mary says with the biggest grin Emma has ever seen.
"Really?" he asks surprised and Mary nods. He scoops her up into his swing around in a circle laughing. Once David sets Mary down Killian congratulates the happy couple.
That night the group enjoys dinner and watches a couple late night shows. That night they all head to bed and without either of them saying anything Emma ends up in Killian's room.
"We're going to have to find a new place to live aren't we?" Emma asks as they climb into bed.
"I believe so, love," Killian says as he pulls her close to him.
"I don't even know where to start looking," she sighs.
"We'll find a place soon and besides they won't kick us out tomorrow I reckon we have some time," he says. Killian places a kiss on her neck and they fall asleep.
-CSCS-
After everyone leaves for work the next day Emma begins to update her portfolio for her interview at the Globe. She didn't really know how to bring it up at breakfast after everything that happened last night. Well she knew how, but didn't want to. The Globe is the paper in Boston and she doesn't want to jinx it or get anyone's hopes up, so for now she says nothing.
Graham calls her that afternoon. The ring of her phone breaking her out of her train of thought.
"Look I just wanted to call and give you an update. I think we might have enough to arrest Walsh."
"What changed between yesterday and today?" she asks as critically.
"A witness at the docks finally talked. The operation has a shipment coming in tonight and we're going to be there waiting. I talked with your brother about it and they can hold him until tomorrow and if it all works out he can transfer him here," Graham explains.
"Alright, I like the sound of that plan. Thanks for calling," she says trying to bring the phone call to a close.
"I was worried when you left without warning," Graham continues on.
"I know, but things with Walsh got ugly I had to get out of there. This was the best place for me to go," she says hastily, wanting this conversation to be over.
"You could've come to my place," Graham says softly.
"No, I couldn't and you know why," she says harshly. Ever since he kissed her all those months ago she had worked to keep their relationship professional. She never felt that way about Graham.
"I suppose you're right. I hope everything works out for you. David will keep you updated," Graham snaps and hangs up. It's better this way he needs to get over her. It stings a little, but she'll be fine.
When the men get home from work Killian sweeps Emma into his arms and presses a searing kiss onto her lips. When they pull apart she is completely out of breath. She regains her breath and raises her eyebrow at him.
"What was that for?" she asks him blushing.
"Because I can," he says with a smirk. Both David and Mary pretend like they aren't listening.
That night they have a nice dinner, but Emma's nerves set in when they get ready for bed.
"Love, what's bothering you?" Killian asks as they climb into bed.
"Nothing," Emma attempts to lie, not wanting to bother him.
"Oh come on I know you better than that. You can't lie to me, love," he says skeptically.
"I have an interview tomorrow. I am just a little nervous," she shrugs and he pulls into his arms.
"That's great. Why haven't you said anything yet?" he questions as he pulls away slightly, so he can see her face better.
"It's at the Globe and this would be huge for my career. I just didn't want to get my or anyone else's hopes up," she explains.
"I understand, but they'll love your work. We all do. David never shuts up about how proud of you he is. I won't tell the others, but I think it will go well," he reassures her. It eases her nerves just enough so she can fall asleep.
-CSCS-
Her interview is after lunch the next day, not that it matters Emma is too nervous to eat lunch anyways. She gets there on time and sits in the lobby. She nervously taps her foot while they keep her waiting. The secretary assures her that the editor is just running late. Emma patiently waits until the editor comes down and takes Emma to her office. The editor is a women in her late thirties, shoulder length dark brown hair, and sharply dressed in a pant suit.
"Miss Swan, it's nice to meet you. Please take a seat," she gestures to the chairs in front of her desk. Emma sits down just as the editor does.
"Thank you, Miss Mills. It's an honor to meet you. I've followed your work for years," Emma says.
"Thank you. Now, I presume you've brought samples of your work," Miss Mills says coldly, getting straight to business. Emma immediately hands over her portfolio and silently waits for the editor to read through it. Several very long minutes later Miss Mills looks up.
"I won't lie you have talent and I want you to continue your work here at the Globe. You start on monday at nine am. Don't be late," she says with confidence and finality.
"I won't be late. Thank you for your time Miss Mills," Emma says extending her hand.
"Please call me Regina," she says as she shakes Emma's hand. Emma nods and promptly leaves. The fact that she got the job doesn't hit her until she's back in her car. She can't believe she got the job on site. They must be short on personnel, that's the only reason why Emma would be hired so quickly.
Unfortunately for Emma the Globe's office are clear across town from David and Mary's place. She gets stuck in rush hour traffic and it takes her forever to get home; she doesn't get there until six o'clock. Emma knows everyone beat her home. She walks in quietly and hears Killian's voice coming from the kitchen.
"Mary, for the last time Emma had some errands to run. She'll be home soon," Killian lies with ease.
"Killian Jones, I know you're lying. I don't know why, but I will find out eventually," Mary says as though she is scolding one of her students. Emma strides into the room and all eyes turn to her.
"Mary, ease up I asked him to not tell you guys," she says smiling.
"Where on earth have you been? And why are you dressed like that?" Mary asks at a rapid speed.
"I had an interview at the Globe and got stuck in traffic," Emma says effectively answering her sister in law's questions.
"How did it go?" David asks arms crossed.
"I start on Monday," she says with a smile. Killian scoops her in his arms and spins her in a circle before setting her down.
"Love, that's amazing. I told you that you'd get it," Killian says with a broad grin.
"Oh Emma we're so proud of you," Mary says with tears in her eyes. Killian presses a kiss into her forehead.
"We truly are. Oh I talked to your friend, Graham, today and they have what they need. Walsh is being transferred tonight," David says effectively changing the subject. Emma lets out a sigh of relief.
"That's great news," Emma nods.
"I feel better knowing he'll be far away from here," Killian says, wrapping an arm around Emma's shoulders.
"Oh enough about work. Dinner's ready," Mary smiles. They all sit around the table and enjoy their meal. Emma smiles at all of them and grasps Killian's hand. Killian smiles back at her while David and Mary argue about baby names. There's truly no place like home.
