First I'd like to thank you for reading my story, I hope you enjoy!

Secondly, this story is not set in storybrooke it is based in the north east of England.

Thirdly, I do not own any characters or story lines all is owned by ouat. I simply write for the joy.

Thank you again you lovely humans and again, enjoy.

Chapter 1.

"Turn around and put your hands in the air!" Police shouted outside his window. Killian had only moved to the north of England a couple of weeks ago. At first it was amazing, a new city to adventure. He had been advised to travel the uk by friends who had visited, but he never imagined moving here. Not until the accident.

"You have the right to remain silent, anything you say could be used against you-" shot guns began to fire. It was not an unusual thing to hear around here. There was a lot of chaos on the streets, especially at night. He thought he had moved into the nicer estates in the area - which according to his neighbours is way less madness than the other side of town- but a full nights rest had been off the books for about a fortnight.

Defeated, Killian got out of bed and walked down into the kitchen. Once upon a time he wouldn't of even had to leave his bedroom to make a cup of tea, just lean over and flick the kettle on. He was grateful for the money he'd received but still intensely devastated over it. Not being able to captain his ship and drive people back and forth from Ireland to Britain had ruined him. Not only did he lose his job, but also his mind. Nothing could make him better now, he was in a state of 'depression' the doctors called it. He wasn't quite sure if he would class what he feels as depression though, just an above normal amount of sadness and an extreme amount of anger. He never once thought of hurting himself over it though; he thought of hurting the person that ruined him. Of getting revenge. To crush him as the vile creature did him.

A notification bleeping on his phone pulled Killian out of his scary thoughts. Picking up his phone he clicked on the pop up which led him to an event posted on Facebook. It was a closed group so only people invited was able to view it.

ONCE UPON A TIME BALL

• once a year here in sunderland we like to truly celebrate the beauty in our world. This all night event is for the people who we think truly appreciate how magic things really are.

Friday 8pm - Saturday 5am.

Free drinks and food.

Suit and tie / gowns event.

(Please show doormen your invite to this page to be allowed in)

Killian scoffed wondering who the hell had possibly invited him to such a ridiculous thing. Throwing his phone back in his dressing gown pocket he walked back up to his bedroom and climbed into bed, still wondering who thought he "truly appreciated magic" having only lived here 3 weeks and met a handful of people. Never the less, he finally fell asleep with the thought still going through his mind.

Killian woke up feeling well rested for the first time in a long time. Looking at his clock on his side table it read 11:45am. His eyes widened as he realised how long he had actually slept; a whole 9 and a half hours. Shocked, he thought he best get up and ready for the rest of his day.

After showering and sticking on some black skinny jeans and a plain black tee, he headed into the kitchen flicking on the coffee machine on the way past. Opening the back door he pulled a cigarette out of the box and lit it. He had only started the habit after his accident 9 months ago. As much as he always said he hated it, after the struggles he went through a few cigarettes a day kept him calmer. Back in Ireland he use to smoke at least 20 a day while being round his friends and family, constantly reminding him of what had happened.

"Killian you nearly died and now you're smoking, do you have a death wish?" They would say. It irritated the life out of him, knowing that if he was going to die it wouldn't be off a few packets of cigarettes. Killian always believed that when it's your time you'll know. He thought that people should please themselves however they see fit until death, as like they say: you only live once.

"Hey dude, got a light?" His neighbour, Andy, called over from the small fence dividing their gardens. He stood and walked over to him, passing him a light.

"Nice afternoon today. Makes up for the bloody nonsense outside at stupid o'clock this morning."

"Aye mate. Lovely day. I'm surprised I slept as much as I did after that!" Killian joked, receiving a chuckle from Andy as he passed his lighter back to him.

"So what brought you over here killian? Loads of people travel out of Sunderland but very few move in over here" Killian was always slightly scared to share his story, especially to strangers whome he'd only spoke a minimum of 10 sentences to in the whole amount of time he has lived next door to him.

"I was told the north east was a good place to live, and there was a lot to adventure around here," killian didn't lie, but that was not the main reason he came from all his friends and family back in Ireland. "I've seen some less than scenic things in the 3 weeks I've been here though."

"Aw tell me about it man, but don't worry dude that's actually quite rare around these areas. It's a shame things have been happening around here just as you move in. But trust me things will die down, you'll either love it or hate the north east. There's no in between." Andy patted him on the shoulder in a friendly manner, giving him a nod as he headed back into his own home. Killian suddenly thought about the event he was invited to, thinking maybe it was a joke, but if not maybe it was one of the handful of people he'd met who'd invited him.

"Hey Andy," killian shouted just before Andy walked back into his house. "Know anything about this once upon a time ball?"

"Aye man. Best one of the year, make sure you're there!" He turned around again to walk back through the door but turned his head again before entering, "this is what will decipher whether you love it or hate it here."

He walked back into the house thinking about Andys words. Was it really that good of a ball? He'd only been to one before this and that was his senior prom, which didn't really tell him whether he loved or hated Ireland as it was all he knew at the time. He decided as it was free entry free drinks and food what was the worst thing that could happen. It might be good for him! Meet new people, maybe make some friends. He still had the rest of the day to make his decision, but from what Andy said - and Andy looked like a pretty high class guy- it sounded like a good night out.

Pushing his thoughts aside, he grabbed his keys and left the house planning to get some shopping done in the town centre. It wasn't a far walk, killian hated busses with a passion. The mere thought of having to sit next to strangers as they pushed into you trying to make as much room for themselves was agonising for his brain. He has rode on a bus once, and never again. He was shouted at by old people and made to stand then told to sit down by the driver then shunned by the old lady on the seats behind him as he asked the man sitting next to him if he could move a long slightly. 'A bunch of pissy peasant wagon cunts' his father would call them. Clearly he wasn't to fond of them either. He smiled to himself as he remembered his fathers temper. He wasn't an angry man, but if you did get on his bad side you'd damn well know about it. He was a typical Irishman to the foreigners. Cursing all the time, drinking all the time, dancing all the time and of course, ginger.

Killian got most his genes from his mother; dark hair, slim features, fit, smart and kind. He did also inherit his fathers temper and humour, but most importantly his unforgettable sea blue eyes. Everyone use to tell him as a child how amazing his eyes were, that it was like looking into the ocean as the sun shined down on it. Unfortunately Killians father passed away 3 years ago in a drunk driving accident. But he hated reminding himself of it.

Shaking his head to rid the thought, he walked into the large shopping centre. He'd been twice since he'd moved here, but never fully looked around. He thought since he had the rest of the day to kill he may as well try get through it all. There was a mix of everything really; women's and men's clothing shops, shoe shops, charity shops, pharmacies, food shops, homeware shops, literally everything. He couldn't believe how much they had around. For a small town they had everything they could possibly need. He headed into a small shop with some antiques in the window, surprised at what he saw dotted around. His eyes widened as he noticed one of the most fantastic pieces of art he's found in a long long time. Walking over to the stand stood a large boat, almost identical to his back in Ireland.

"Amazing isn't it, hand made too." A voice came from beside him. Killian turned to see a young girl stood next to him. She had long dark hair pulled into a side braid and a friendly smile on her face. He turned back to the boat and assessed it some more, realising that it did in fact look completely hand made. The small pieces of wood had been curved just right and sanded just a little leaving a real rustic looking effect to it.

"It's unreal. It's identical to my own back in my home town." He told her, eyes still locked on every small detail of the masterpiece.

"You're from Ireland aren't you? Your accent is still pretty strong have you not lived here long?" She had such a friendly vibe about her, it felt like he'd known her for years and could tell her anything. Yet they hadn't even told each other their names yet. "I'm Belle Gold by the way, this is mine and my husbands store."

"Killian, and yes I am from Ireland I moved here 3 weeks ago." He shook her hand politely. Again, another wide happy smile spread on her face. "How much is this boat by the way?"

"You know what, take it. It's on the house. A welcome to Sunderland present from me!" She picked up the boat and took it to the till just next to them and began to carefully wrap it in bubble wrap.

"No I can't just take it, how much was it really?" Shocked by her offer he could not take it without giving her even a penny for it. It was clearly an expensive piece but he couldn't see a tag on it anywhere when he first saw the product.

"Well, we have a donation box? It goes to buying toys for children in the hospital. Poor souls need some joy while they're stuck in there." He smiled at her kindness, it was nice to know people in this city are so caring like that. With the ructions in the streets you would think this place was full of riot loving gangsters, but it turns out everyone he's met so far are actually incredibly friendly and loving.

"Tell you what then Belle, tell me how much it is and I'll stick it in the box." He grabbed his wallet from his back pocket and began counting his notes.

"185 including wrapping." He could see she didn't want to look him in the eye, but he was actually shocked at the price, expecting it to be more. He pulled out 200, stuck it on the desk and picked up his bag holding his very well wrapped new ornament. He was so pleased to have found it. It gave him a warm feeling, like he was watching his boat from afar at the docks back in Ireland. A smile spread across his face as he thanked Belle and began to leave.

"Hey killian," He turned back around as he heard her shout for him. "I'm personally inviting you to our once upon a time ball. I hope you're free tonight for it. I'll send you the link - add me on Facebook!"

He agreed and left the store, happy with his purchase. Thinking about the ball again he decided he might as well go. What else would he be doing? Sat alone at home watching some boring tv show or reading until he finally fell asleep. After walking around some of the men's clothing shops dotted around the shopping centre he finally found what he was looking for. It was a wedding shop, but sold tuxedos. He remembered the invitation specifically stated suit and tie, what better than a brand new crease free tux? He wandered the store until he landed upon an all black suit, surprisingly enough on sale as well. He found his size and headed to the changing rooms, carefully placing his ship on the floor as he entered.

Killian was shocked at what he saw in the mirror. Not to be vain but he had never looked more handsome! His mother would love to see him dressed so elegant. It had a silky soft feeling to it, and the shirt was fitted but not enough to make him feel uncomfortable. It was exactly what he was imagining in his head. While getting changed back into his normal clothes he noticed the time on his watch. 5:30pm. He had spent at least 3 hours walking around this shopping centre and all he had managed to buy was a tux and a hand crafted pirate ship.

"Everything fit alright sir?" The old man behind the counter asked. He was rather small, maybe about 5 foot 4, which was very small complained to Killians nearly 6 foot height. He still had a full head of hair, but it was all grey- nearly white, which is that indicated his age to him.

"Yes, perfect thank you. I'll take it." The man folded his suit in such an awkward way which killian guessed was to minimise the amount of creases it would get before getting it back out the bag. He had no idea how he done it, it completely blew his mind; He could barely put his clothes on a hanger. Killian left the store happy with his purchase and decided it was time to head back home. Walking back through the shopping centre and out onto the main streets he realised he was smiling widely. He hoped no one thought he was some crazy guy. Suddenly he noticed a man frantically run towards him nearly swiping one of his bags as he passed. Behind him was a woman wearing a short black dress reaching her mid thighs with a red leather jacket over the top. Surprisingly she was running pretty fast considering she was wearing rather high black heals. In the short time he analysed her he didn't actually notice how quick she had actually caught up to the man.

"Sorry dude, he got a bounty on him," she slightly laughed to killian as she passed him quickly. He watched in awe as she ran faster, capturing the man. He thought he best not just stand and watch incase he got himself into some sort of trouble; he wasn't sure what kind of trouble he's get into but as he was new to town he didn't want to doubt anything that could happen here.

He got home quicker than expected, just in a short 10 minute walk. Running straight up stairs He hung is new suit up ready for the night, inspecting it a little more really viewing its beauty. He was always a one to value everything, and when he saw a perfectly crafted suit it really was a sight for sore eyes to him. It was his father who taught him that. How to really know when clothing is worthy of his money. How to check the stitching and the sizing properly.

His mind suddenly went back to that woman. The one chasing the crazy guy. How she was dressed and how lovely she really looked. He didn't realise till then how much of her he'd actually took in. Her short dress and her heels that wrapped round her ankles. And her jacket, what another beautiful piece of clothing he'd saw today. He could tell just with the few seconds he'd looked that it was not cheap. Her blonde hair in loose curls draping down her back shining brighter as the sun hit it. The one thing he could not remember though was her face. He was too busy witnessing everything else about the runner and the woman to actually catch a glimpse of her face. He didn't worry too much, Sunderland seemed to be a small town so he imagined he'd see her again some day.

Realising the time was 6:30pm he ran upstairs starting a shower. His mind ran quickly through a check list for himself.

6:30 - shower

6:50 - style hair

7:00 - get dressed

7:15 - make sure he has his phone keys and wallet.

Quickly chucking his phone of charge, he jumped in the shower, washing his hair and body. It didn't take to long. He'd already showered the night before so I wasn't as if he was dirty. After turning the shower off he jumped out, wrapping a towel round his torso and grabbed the comb he kept on the side of the sink, running it through his thick hair. If anything, it would be his hair that took the longest. Some days it took him 2 minutes, others he'd get so stressed he'd actually rewash it. After trying himself and hair, he grabbed his gel, praying to all the gods above to let him get it done first time effortlessly. Somewhere up there at least one god had given him the luck to be ready within 5 minutes. Since he was running ahead of time he decided to go sort himself a drink. Pulling out a bottle of kraken out of his cupboard which only contained alcohol, and slung a couple of shots worth in a glass. Carrying it back to his bedroom he decided it was time to get himself ready.

Killian watched his reflection and couldn't believe what he saw. He couldn't remember the last time he'd dressed this way. He felt like a millionaire. Dressed so fine and fancy. He grabbed his belongings and ran down stairs after hearing his taxi honk their horn outside his house. Locking the door he thought to himself this better be a good night. The taxi drove a short while, not even 20 minute, but it felt like forever. After going through what felt like the 100 acre woods he finally arrived at a castle of a mansion. His eyes widened at the view. He passed the cash over to the driver and thanked him before quickly jumping out the car. Killian watched all the people walking around the grounds. It was such a beautiful venue. He wondered who owned it. His mind suddenly came back to reality when he noticed someone. That girl. The one from town that was chasing the guy.

He hadn't realised but he was holding his breath. Quickly releasing it he took in her beauty. Again, her golden hair ran down her back in curled locks. The fairy lights wrapped around trees and bushes in the garden gave it an amazing shimmering glow. She wore of long curve hugging gown, but he could only see the back of her. But even the back of her was beautiful. He noticed her dress was backless and had a lace frill round it's edged that looked stuck to her skin some how. It was so elegant. That's when she turned around. Killians breath stuck in his chest again. He tried to divert his eyes but once he'd seen her face he couldn't look away. Her hazel eyes locked onto his, he felt as if she had saw into his soul. She smirked mischievously and took a few steps towards him. Once again, he realised he was holding his breath.

"Howdy stranger, I haven't seen you before-" she stopped mid sentence and analysed him for a moment. "Wait, I've seen you before. Except you weren't dressed like you're going to prom."

Killian laughed at her comment, realising this did actually seem like a teenage prom night. He had butterflies in his stomach just off of talking to a pretty girl. He looked down blushing before realising he hadn't actually replied.

"I'm Killian, Killian Jones."

"Emma Swan, nice to meet you Jones."