Emma Swan is Hollywood's resident badass action babe, which was a great start for her, it got her foot in the door. Lately however, she wants something more substantial than car chases and buildings exploding behind her. What she really wants is a dramatic or romantic role. The problem with that is the media has painted her as an ice queen because of this casting directors aren't inclined to cast in softer roles. In her five years in the Hollywood spotlight she hasn't had a relationship that stuck (that's how she liked it) and she is less than kind to paparazzi. They aren't polite towards her so she finds no reason so show them any kindness. The combination of these things have led to her portrayal as someone who is prickly. David says her image needs revamping, whatever that means. That is why her and David are sitting in the reception area of the Red Apple Agency. They are waiting for Regina Mills to offer her a contract to pretend to date Regina's client, Killian Jones, the lead singer of Black Sails. Emma's still not sure this isn't the worst idea in the world.
Killian Jones really fucked up this time. Maybe he shouldn't have drank so much last night. He shouldn't have gotten himself kicked out of that club, he definitely shouldn't have punched the bouncer, who proceeded to give Killian a black eye (which he deserved). This wasn't out of the ordinary for him, but it was one too many times according to Regina. She was presently shouting at him in her office at nine o'clock in the morning (which he deserved). Really he thought she would send him to a private island or a cabin in the woods to dry out somewhere. No, she was just yelling about gods know what. He stopped paying attention a while ago.
"Look, I get it. I won't get piss poor drunk in public again I promise to do it from the comfort of my own home," Killian says cutting her off, hoping this will end soon.
"Jones, you are the lead singer of your band. I get the bad boy thing has gotten you this far, but if you and your boys want to win any awards for what you put out you need to clean up your act real quick. Now answer this question: Do you want a Grammy?" Regina snaps.
"Of course," he groans.
"Then in this next meeting you will nod, be polite, and for the love of god keep your damn mouth shut for that Grammy," she says placing her hands on her hips, just daring him to mouth off to her.
"What meeting?"
"I need to make you look better fast and there is one way to do that," she says as a smirk crosses her face.
"What's that?" Killian asks, knowing Regina has a flare for dramatics.
"Well we need to get you a high profile girlfriend," Killian's jaw drops as she moves towards her office door, "In fact she's waiting for you now and a little bird may have told me you already like her." Who is this mystery woman? Killian doesn't go with Regina into reception, but he stands up. What in the hell is he letting Regina get him into? This could be an awful idea whatever it was. Killian isn't entirely sure what is going on. He's pretty hungover, hell might still be drunk.
In walks in none other than Emma Swan and what he assumes is her agent, hell, the man could pass for her brother or some relative. Bloody hell, Emma fucking Swan, the lass that haunts his dreams every now and then. Usually happens when one of her new movies comes out. She looks just as thrilled as he does to be there, but gods is she beautiful. Her long flowing blonde hair and her jade green eyes glancing over him. She sticks her hand out.
"Emma Swan," she says curtly. He shakes her hand.
"Killian Jones, pleasure to meet you," he tries to dazzle her with his brightest smile, but she looks unfazed and unimpressed. This will certainly be interesting.
Why the hell does Killian Jones have a black eye? What bad boy stunt did he pull this time? Emma wonders if this is going to work. Will he actually pull his act together? They both need this to work. He still looks good, of course. He's probably the only man on the world who looks good with a black eye. Damn him and his tight black jeans and black v-neck that shows a little bit of his chest hair. Fuck, this is going to be harder than she thought.
"Lovely you've met. Now everyone sit please and we'll discuss the details of the contract," Regina says.
"David, when we last talked, the time frame we agreed upon was a year, is that still alright?" Regina continues on, choosing to dive right in. David looks at Emma, who nods.
"Yeah that will work."
"Look, David mentioned you would want us to live together at some point and... well I don't know about...what I mean to ask is how the hell is this supposed to work?" Emma asks, nervous. Emma Swan has had several roles, none of which she was nervous for. Killian has never seen her like this, hell, he's not sure many have.
"She brings up a good question because I just learned about the contract this morning and I have no clue how this works," Killian asks Regina. Emma isn't the only one who is nervous.
"You two should live together at one point it will generate press about you two. Every headline you two can make we want it. You two are in need of good press, you both have a stake in this. For the next year part of your job will be to date each other. David and I will set up things for you, events and dates. The press will document these things," Regina explains.
"You two need to be comfortable with each other. You two will be expected to kiss, but nothing more. PDA will help you out. Those gossip rags will eat that up," David comments, giving a pointed look to Emma, who looks awfully tense. Bloody hell, Killian is going to kiss Emma Swan.
"This is your lives we are talking about. That being said there are things you will have to do, but if anything goes too far you just have to say the word and we'll stop," Regina reassures them. Emma visibly eases at this comment and Killian feels better about this himself.
"Alright then let's continue," Emma moves the meeting along. Regina and David hagle over several details of the contract, but the big fight comes to who will move into the other's house.
"Regina, house size has nothing to do with press and you know it," David snaps. Regina just glares at him, she usually just does that until she gets what she wants.
"Look, I live in a small beach house. David, I don't mind moving into Killian's monstrosity of a house. It's just what a few months and I don't have to sell the beach house do I?" Emma asks. Both Regina and David shake their heads.
"Then stop making a big fuss, I'll move into his place," she huffs, annoyed with this whole meeting at this point.
"I have no complaints and my house isn't a monstrosity," Killian agrees hoping this over sooner rather than later.
"How many bedrooms do you have?" Emma asks pointedly.
"Six," he mumbles and she gives him a look that reads I-told-you-so.
"One final thing. Your official first meeting as far as the public knows. Killian will be throwing a party at his house on friday. Miss Swan, I believe you know Miss Lucas?" Regina asks. Emma nods. Ruby and her have been friends since her second movie. They played a pair of mercenaries that were hired by the film's star. Ruby took Emma under her wing and the rest is history.
"I didn't know you knew Ruby," Killian says interested.
"We met on set. How do you know Ruby?" Emma asks, with her arms crossed. Oh right in one of her first films Ruby and her were some sort of team.
"She starred in one of our music videos," Killian says. Emma must've missed that video. She loves Black Sails, so when David suggested this contract she wasn't opposed because it's Killian Jones. She couldn't deny he is the most attractive men she's ever seen. There could be worse people to pretend to date. At least that's what she keeps telling herself.
"Miss Lucas will bring Miss Swan to the party and you will meet. Miss Swan will stay the night and the press will catch her leaving in the morning," Regina states. Killian and Emma nod at this. Emma's not thrilled about this, but she doesn't want to keep doing action movies for the rest of her life. She's doing what she has to. It's not like she has to sleep with him.
"Good, now we have the details a contract will be drawn up momentarily. David, come with me to legal and you can make sure everything looks correct," Regina all but orders him. David gives Emma a small smile and follows Regina out of her office. The door shuts leaving Emma and Killian alone for the first time. Killian clears his throat, but Emma doesn't look at him.
"I know this isn't going to be easy, but I'd like for us to be friends. It might help things not be so awkward," Killian says trying to catch her gaze.
"Yeah sure," she says, not sure where this is going. She finally looks at him. Killian isn't thrown by her cold nature. He loves a challenge.
"I'm a big fan of your movies. I've seen them all," Killian tells her. A smile crosses her face.
"Thank you, but god I hope you didn't see the first one," she groans.
"Oh I did, love," he smirks.
"That one was so bad though. The lines were so cheesy," she shakes her head.
"Ah well yes, but I must say you definitely stood out in that movie. Everyone else was rubbish," he compliments.
"Thank you," she chuckles lightly. At that moment Regina and David return with contracts for them to sign. Emma holds the pen in her hand and looks over at the contract again. She looks at David and he gives her an encouraging nod. She initials and signs where needed. When she slides the contract over to David she can't help the feeling that she just changed her life forever.
"Here, sign this too. It's a simple NDA stating neither of you will discuss this arrangement with the public and if you do there will be significant legal ramifications," Regina states. Emma brings it closer and signs immediately. She sure as hell doesn't want anyone to know about this. Killian signs everything as well, but he doesn't look as distressed as she does.
"Well we must get going," David states standing. Emma follows suit.
"Alright, I'll send copies of the contracts to your office. I'll be in contact about Friday," Regina says curtly. Emma and David nod and walk out the door. Killian and Emma share one last glance and Killian can feel a smile on his face. Killian is completely fucked, he already likes her and none of this is real. He simply shakes his head. Once the door shuts Killian turns his glance to Regina.
"Your bloody husband needs to keep his mouth shut about my movie star preferences," Killian grumbles.
"Then don't tell Robin, who you have the hots for then," she smiles, "In all seriousness Killian, don't get attached. This is strictly business. I don't want to see you get hurt," she says sternly. Regina may yell and shout at him, hell, she may hate him at times, but she cares about him. It didn't hurt that his best friend and bandmate is her husband.
"I know, Regina. I'll keep my distance. Since when am I having a party at my house?" he asks with an eyebrow raised.
"Since this morning. Don't worry only friends and family are invited. You don't need to worry about anything, I have the whole thing planned," she reassures him.
"You have complete control. Are you and Robin blessing us with your presence?"
"Robin will be there, but I have things to do that night. Don't worry, this will work. Now, get out of my office. I have a lunch to get to." She kicks him out of her office.
He returns to his house to find none other than Robin waiting for him. Well, his car in is Killian's driveway. He's sure he'll find Robin in house, Killian should've never given him a key. Killian gets out of his car and heads inside. Sure enough Robin is waiting in his living room.
"That key is for emergencies," he raises an eyebrow at Robin who shrugs, "Regina told you about my meeting this morning?" he asks his friend.
"Well you should've known better than to give me a key. She did. I mean she asked me what you thought of Emma Swan and I gladly told her. Later she told me the plan. She thought you would want someone to talk to about this. Don't worry I've been sworn to secrecy," Robin explains.
"Robin, am I the only one who thinks this is insane?" he asks, throwing himself into the couch.
"No, I think this is crazy, but come on people in Hollywood do this all the time. Regina said it's the best way to improve your image and she knows what she's doing. Didn't you ask Emma what she thought?" His friend asks him, concerned.
"We only got a few minutes alone and I was just trying to break the ice with her," he states. Robin laughs and Killian gives him a look.
"Interesting choice of words is all," his friend shrugs, "Come on you know the tabloids call her the Ice Queen."
"I'm aware, but she was perfectly nice. Calling her that is a little extreme," Killian says.
"Look you're a good boyfriend already. Defending her honor and all that," he smirks. Killian rolls his eyes.
"You're enjoying this way too much," Killian grumbles.
"Just count your lucky stars that Will doesn't know about this. He would never give you a break ever again."
"Aye, he never would. Should I tell him the truth?" Killian asks.
"Only if you need to. The less people who know the better, right?" he asks Killian.
"I suppose. I just don't like lying to him," Killian says.
"I know, neither do I mate," Robin sighs, "Is she as pretty as she is in her movies?"
"No, she's more beautiful than in the movies," he sighs. Robin takes one look at his friend and laughs.
"You're fucked," Robin states.
"Aye, I know it."
After leaving Regina's office David and Emma get into the back of a black town car.
"David," she sighs.
"Don't David me. You need this, he needs this, and he was the best choice. The other options I gave you, you proceeded to tear apart their pictures," he says sternly.
"That's because I've met them before and they were sleazy or arrogant," she snaps.
"I know you don't want to do this, but people need to see you another way besides the girl who blows up stuff. If you want a serious role you need to do this," David says, gently. David has been her best friend since high school. He has always been by her side and is the best manager she could ask for.
"I'm doing this. I just signed a contract to that effect didn't I? I'm doing this. I'm just not happy about this."
"I know that. He seems nice enough it could be worse," he shrugs.
"He is. He told me he's seen all my movies," she smiles.
"Oh dear god even that first one?" David asks and she nods, "That's unfortunate. He must really like you."
"Oh shut up," she laughs.
"Emma, be careful. This isn't personal. I know you're not one to get attached, but as your friend I have to warn you," David tells her.
"I won't, but thank you for looking out for me," she smiles, "now where are we going?"
"Meeting that director about the next Bond movie."
"Do you think I'll get the part? Because being a Bond girl would be pretty fantastic," Emma asks.
"I know it would be. Just be your charming self and we'll see," he encourages her.
"Charming? That's more of your area of expertise," she laughs.
"Yes it is, but I know you can kiss ass, so please kiss her ass. For your sake and mine," he all but pleads with her.
"I will, I will." Damn she really needs this part. Bond movies are in a whole other league of their own. Pair this with the Killian situation and she could get better roles in the future. David's phone rings and he picks up immediately.
"Hi, no we're on our way to the lunch," a pause, "Everything with Regina went fine," a pause, "No there's a thing on Friday with Ruby, a pause, "here Mary Margaret wants to talk to you." David hands her the phone. They both met Mary Margaret on Emma's first movie set, she was the makeup artist and as soon as David and her laid eyes on each other it was love at first sight. Now they are happily married.
"MM, what is it?" Emma asks concerned. They all decided that MM was easier to say then Mary Margaret (which is a lovely name, but it is quite the mouthful).
"I know about the contract and I just wanted you to know that I have seen this more often than you think. No one remembers that the make-up artist is in the room and say things they shouldn't say," Mary Margaret tells her.
"I always remembered you were in the room," Emma says.
"That's because you're a good person and no offense you had no friends," Mary Margaret tells her.
"That's true. Now, I'm sensing that is a speech coming up about hope or something. Please get it out," Emma sighs.
"This will help you in the long run. I know he's a bad boy, but I'm sure he's nice enough under that tough exterior. Just remember you're doing this for your career, for you," Mary Margaret says.
"Did you and David coordinate that because that was eerily similar, but thank you for the pep talk," Emma smiles.
"Anytime, now give me back to David," Mary Margaret demands. Emma hands off the phone to David and they say their goodbyes. The car stops in front of the restaurant.
"We're here. Are you ready?" David asks.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Emma says, hoping and praying she'll get this part.
I love reading fake dating fics so much I decided to write one. Hope you guys like it!