Note: This was written for CS AU Week - Day 7 - Free for all. It was intended as a one-shot, but got too long (story of my life), so I separated it into 2 parts and just posted both parts. Hope you enjoy it! ~Steph
...Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust: Part 1/2…
Emma Swan moved along in the drop off lane in front of Storybrooke Elementary School. Suddenly, a black Ford Fusion cut the line and pulled in front of her. She slammed on the brakes so as not to hit it.
"What the hell?!" she screamed, pounding her fist on the horn.
She watched as the passenger door opened and a little girl about eight with brown hair jumped out.
Henry poked his head between the two seats and pointed. "Oh yeah, that's Liana Jones. She's in my class. She's new to the school. She and her dad just moved here from New York."
He then hopped out of the car. Emma put the car in park and got out. She walked up to the car in front of her and tapped on the glass.
The man driving the car turned to look at her, but Emma wasn't prepared for how gorgeous he was. He had eyes the color of the ocean and hair that looked like it was made to run your fingers through.
He rolled down the window and offered her a grin. "Hello, love. Killian Jones. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
And as if he wasn't already dripping sexiness, he had to have a damn British accent. Emma could feel the anger that had boiled up inside of her slowly waning.
His gaze roamed down her body appreciatively. Killian didn't know who this beautiful woman was at his window, but he wanted to find out.
Emma bit at her lip and averted her gaze. "I'm Emma Swan and I'm not your love. You cut the entire drop off line and almost caused me to hit you. Now I realize you're new here and may still be learning the procedures, but-..."
Killian hooked his thumb at the line of cars behind him. "Ah, that line. Aye, I'm running a bit late so I was in a hurry."
Emma nodded, her anger quickly returning. "Oh, so you did it on purpose."
He cocked his head to the side. "I suppose that would be accurate."
Her eyes flared at him. "How completely inconsiderate! Don't you think other people in this line are in a hurry?" she said, leaning down toward him and placing her hands on the windowsill.
The cars behind them began to blare their horns at Killian, who was now holding up the line. The principal, Regina Mills, came marching toward Killian's car and knocked on his other window.
"Appears you've gotten me in a bit of trouble," he said, as he rolled down the other window.
Regina leaned in. "Mr. Jones, I believe you were given detailed instructions on how to proceed in the drop off line."
Killian cocked an eyebrow and offered her his most charming smile. "Ah, Ms. Mills, a pleasure to see you again. I adore that scarf on you. The color really brings out your lovely eyes."
Emma rolled her eyes and muttered, "Seriously?"
Unfortunately for Killian, Regina was not easily charmed.
"Move on now or I will be forced to ban you from the drop off line," she said and then turned on her heel, not waiting for a reply.
He turned back to Emma. "She seems like a ray of sunshine," he said. "Well, love, I do believe the dressing down I just received is you're doing, so if you don't mind."
Killian pressed the button to roll the window up, forcing Emma to jerk backwards and pull back her hands.
He offered her a smirk and a wave, as he pulled out of the spot and left Emma standing there with clenched fists.
...
Two days later, Emma crept into the gym for Back to School night. She was nearly a half hour late and had missed all of Regina's speech. She had lost track of time while chasing down a lead on a bail jumper. She sighed as she looked at the mass of parents that had already descended on the tables with volunteer sign-up sheets. Every family is required to volunteer for at least one committee. There were some that required a lot of time and effort and Emma wanted to avoid those. They were always the last to fill up. Parents usually flocked to the easy, less time-consuming committees. Emma always tried for the bake sale one. It only required you to appear at lunch twice during the school year and sell 25 cent cupcakes and cookies.
She hurried toward the tables, head down, hoping Regina hadn't noticed her late entrance. She had nearly made it to the tables when she slammed right into someone's chest.
"Sorry, I-..." she began, as her head whipped up and her gaze landed on Killian's smirking face. "You again."
He leaned toward her, as he bent his head downwards and whispered, "We really must stop meeting like this, Emma. People are going to start talking."
Emma swallowed hard at his closeness and forced herself to take a step back.
She gestured to the tables. "I need to go sign up for a committee before all that's left are the horrible ones."
Killian cocked an eyebrow. "Do tell. I'm new here. I could certainly use your advice on what to avoid."
"Look, I've had a long day and I haven't seen my kid since breakfast. I really don't have time to hold your hand while you sign up for a committee."
He flashed her a grin, as he scratched at his ear. "I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you've never volunteered for the hospitality committee."
She shook her head and didn't respond as she made her way through the crowd, but she could feel him on her heels. By the time she finally made it to the tables, the crowd of parents had dispersed to go to the classrooms. Soon, she and Killian were the only ones standing there. Emma stared at the full sign-up sheets in horror.
"Damn it!" she muttered.
Regina appeared behind them. "Ah, Ms. Swan, so nice of you to join us. Tardy as always."
Emma turned around and planted her hands on her hips. Killian turned too, but kept his eyes on Emma, a grin twitching at his lips.
"I was working. I'm here, aren't I?"
"Ms. Swan, you know I am sympathetic to the single mother's plight. But it does not absolve you of your parental responsibilities."
Killian watched her jaw tighten as she replied, "I don't shirk my responsibilities."
Regina smiled and picked up a sign-up sheet. "Glad to hear it. Because only one committee is left unfilled. In fact, not a single parent signed up for it.
Killian watched as Emma squeezed her eyes closed. It was clear she knew what the committee was before Regina said anything.
Regina held up the blank sheet. "Play committee. And since you two are the only parents left, I guess that makes you co-directors. A committee of two."
Emma groaned and shook her head. "Regina, no, please. I don't have the time or skills to direct a play for a bunch of kids. And with only two people? It's impossible."
She turned and glared at Killian, nodding her head at Regina in the hopes that he would support her.
"Say something," she said through clenched teeth, as she elbowed him in the side.
Killian flashed them both a wide grin. "Well, seeing as I'm new here, I'd hate to get off on the wrong foot and appear difficult."
Emma's brow lifted. "Now you're concerned about appearing difficult? Where was that concern when you were cutting the drop off line the other day?"
He ignored her question. "I would like to be considered a team player." He paused and looked at Emma, his voice dropping an octave. "I do believe we could make quite the team, Emma."
Regina smiled. "I am so glad that someone believes in school spirit here," she said. "It's settled then."
She scribbled their names on the sheet and then walked off. Emma turned to Killian and, if looks could kill, he'd be a dead man.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Do you have any idea what you've done?"
He smiled. "You're a dramatic lass, aren't you? I think you're more qualified for this committee than you believe. I hardly think this is the end of the world."
"Really? Do you have any idea how much time and work is involved in an elementary school production? Especially when we're a committee of two. Why do you think none of the parents signed up for it?"
He shrugged. "I feel confident we can handle it."
She took a step closer to him. "Oh, you do? The play is in two months. Two months to get these kids to learn their lines, make costumes, make sets. Maybe you live a charmed life of doing absolutely nothing, but I have a job as a bail bondsman that keeps me very busy. This committee requires hours of work everyday for the next two months."
"Actually, I happen to own a pub. I just purchased it and we opened a short time ago. I am working very hard to make it a success." He leaned in close to her. "But there isn't anything I wouldn't do for my daughter...especially if it means getting to work very closely with a beautiful lass such as yourself."
Emma swallowed hard at the look in his eye and then stepped back. "This is going to be a disaster."
"Well, with that attitude I would imagine it will be. Let's just keep our wits about us. What play is it?"
"Peter Pan," she replied.
"Ah, my favorite."
"Why am I not surprised? It's about a boy who refuses to grow up. You seem to have modeled your life after him."
A grin pulled at his lips. "Is that so? And you think you know me from the mere - what? - ten minutes you've spent in my presence?"
"I know your type."
His eyebrows peaked and he waved a hand at her. "Please tell me how much you know about me and my life."
She crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine. Your charm and good looks have gotten you a lot in life. You were a player, until you met a woman who believed she could change you and you believed you could change for a while too. You got married and had a kid and things were good for a time. Until you realized you can't really change, that being a one woman family man isn't really your thing. Your wife realized it too and she left you. How did I do?"
He bobbed his head. "You got the charm and good looks part right. And I once had a rather healthy affection for the fairer sex. But then I met my late wife, Milah."
Emma's eyes widened. "Late wife?"
Killian's expression grew somber and he lowered his eyes. "Aye. She died of cancer almost 5 years ago. Liana was only 4 at the time."
Emma swallowed roughly. "I...I'm sorry, I didn't know. I didn't mean-..."
He held up a hand. "Perhaps it's best not to judge someone before getting to know them."
Emma nodded, as her cheeks filled with red. "You're right."
He tilted his head to the side and allowed himself a slight smile. "Now it seems we have no choice but to tolerate each other. I propose we make the best of it. Shall we?"
"Okay," Emma replied weakly.
"I must be getting to the classroom now. I wouldn't want to make a poor first impression on Liana's teacher," he said and turned on his heel.
Emma watched him leave.
...
Killian sauntered into the school auditorium for the auditions. Emma rolled her eyes at him and glanced down at her watch.
"So nice of you to grace us with your presence," she said.
"I had to see to something at the pub. Afternoons are not the best time for someone who owns a pub you know."
"Newsflash, I'm busy too. But I dropped what I was doing because I knew I was expected here. Look, if you're not going to take this seriously then-..."
Killian stifled a groan. "I'm here now, aren't I? Let's get on with it." He gestured to the stage filled with less than a dozen students. "Where is everyone?"
Emma held up the audition sign-up sheet to him. "This is everyone. Only one kid signed up for each part. There's not really even a need for auditions. We don't even have enough kids for understudies."
Killian sighed. His earlier optimism had disappeared. "Perhaps word got out that we haven't a clue what we're doing and the parents thought it best not to subject their children to this inevitable debacle."
Emma shrugged. "Probably. Maybe it's a blessing. Our kids signed up for Peter Pan and Wendy. We can't be accused of favoritism if there aren't any other contenders."
Killian bobbed his head. "True. Well, let's at least see what we've got to work with."
Emma called to the kids. "Henry, Liana. Take center stage and do that scene we discussed earlier."
Henry and Liana took the stage. Both stared down at their shoes and spoke in robotic voices that could barely be heard.
"But where do you live mostly now?" Liana asked.
"With the lost boys," Henry said.
"Who are they?"
"They are the children who fall out of their perambulators when the nurse is looking the other way. If they are not claimed in seven days they are sent far away to Neverland to defray expenses. I'm captain."
"What fun it must be!" Liana said, conveying zero emotion.
"Yes, but we are rather lonely. You see we have no female companionship."
Killian turned to Emma and mumbled, "Bloody hell, they're dreadful."
Emma nodded in agreement. "I know. I realize they're our kids and we're supposed to be supportive of them, but they're really bad."
"Perhaps they will benefit from practice. A great deal of practice," Killian said.
Emma shrugged. "This is what we're stuck with. We're going to have to find a way to make it work."
She and Killian looked back at the stage and clapped when they finished the scene.
"That was great, guys," she said.
"Brilliant," Killian added.
Henry and Liana smiled brightly. They had the other children do some scenes. Regina's son, R.J., was also in Henry and Liana's class. As far as they could tell, he was the best actor they had, which basically meant he could remember all of his lines. The rest were just as awful as Henry and Liana.
Killian ran a hand down his face, while Emma squeezed at the bridge of her nose.
"This is going to be a complete and utter disaster," he said.
She nodded. "Looks like we finally agree on something."
Killian shook his head. "Well, I've had just about enough for today. As of now, my pub is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so I propose we hold rehearsals then."
Emma bobbed her head. "Fine. But what about making the set and costumes? Regina has given us a budget of only $50 so we're going to have to make everything from scratch."
"Liana and I live above the pub. Why don't you come over after work on Tuesdays and Thursdays and we can work together. Perhaps around 5:30? Liana has dance on those days. This way, I can still be available if I am needed at the pub."
Emma cocked a brow. "Is this your way of luring me to your place?"
"You make me sound like a predator," he replied with a slight grin.
Emma only offered him a smile. "Tuesdays and Thursdays work. Henry has scouts on those days."
…
Emma stood on the sidewalk outside Killian's pub, two huge bags of costume supplies in her hands. She glanced up at the sign. The Jolly Roger. He wasn't joking about Peter Pan being his favorite. She saw a door off to the side and figured it led up to his apartment. She stepped inside and climbed up one flight of stairs. Emma walked down the dimly lit hallway and stopped outside the only door. Her tongue darted out to lick at her lips nervously before she managed to lift her hand to knock. The door flew open a moment later, almost as if he'd been standing on the other side waiting for her.
"Hello, love."
"Hi," she said, not waiting for an invitation inside and walking right past him.
"Come on in," he muttered, as he closed the door.
Her eyes scanned the loft. It was sparsely decorated. There were cinderblock walls and metal support beams. The ceiling was exposed pipes. A small kitchen stood to the left. A tiny bedroom and bathroom were off of it. At the center of the room, sat a beaten up black leather couch, a glass coffee table with scratches all over it, and an old TV set on two wooden crates that alcohol was shipped in. In the corner by the windows, was a wine barrel with glass set atop it to form a makeshift table. Two mismatched wooden chairs sat beside it.
"So, what do you think?" he asked, nearly beaming with pride.
"I think I've seen frat houses with more charm," she said.
Killian's lips slid into a frown. "Don't mince words on my account."
Emma's brow furrowed. "Oh, wow, I'm sorry. You're actually proud of this place."
Killian shrugged, his face reddening a bit. "Well, it's the first place I've done on my own. My wife always did the decorating and furnishing. I realize it's not much and it's a bit rough around the edges, but I felt it held a bit of rustic appeal."
"Where do you sleep?" she asked.
"Liana sleeps in the room at the back. I sleep on the couch."
Emma looked at the leather couch with its worn cushions and torn seams. "Comfy."
Killian stifled a sigh and gestured to the bags in her hands. "Why don't we set those down on the table?"
He and Emma moved to what passed as a dining table and set the bags down. They each took a chair. Emma began pulling out felt and yards of fabric.
"So I think we should start with Peter Pan. Have you ever sewn before?"
"A button or two," he said.
Emma sighed. "Well, my experience is pretty much limited to repairing rips in Henry's pants. I don't even own a sewing machine. So I guess we have our work cut out for us."
His eyes swept across her face. "Don't fret, love. I'm a rather quick learner and I've been told I'm very skilled with my hands."
Emma looked down at his large hands. His long fingers were calloused and she found herself briefly considering what they would feel like on her skin.
She swallowed roughly. "Great," she managed.
She showed Killian some patterns that she had found on the internet and managed to mock up. One was for Peter Pan's top and one was for his pants. Henry had already nixed any thought of tights. She handed Killian the dark green cotton, while she took the lighter green felt.
"I think the pants are easier," she said.
"Appears so," he replied.
Emma helped him cut the two pieces and then showed him how to sew them together. Or at least as much as she had gathered from watching YouTube videos on sewing.
She handed him the needle when she was confident that he could handle it on his own. She then set about cutting the fabric for the top. Ten minutes passed, as they worked in silence. Not an awkward silence, but not exactly a comfortable one either. It was finally broken by the sound of Killian's voice.
"Bloody hell!" he screamed, as he shook his hand and then brought his finger to his lips.
Emma chuckled. "First needle stick? You never forget your first."
She dropped the felt and lifted her hand, pulling his finger away from his mouth so she could examine it. She leaned in close to him and he was suddenly no longer aware of the throbbing pain in his finger. He was only aware of her fruity scent and the curve of her lips. She ran her hand gently across his finger.
"You'll live," she said, glancing up at him and meeting his eyes.
She realized he had been staring at her. She felt heat rise to her cheeks.
"I don't know, love," he said, his tongue darting out to moisten his lips. "Perhaps you can kiss it and make it better."
Emma's mouth dropped open for a moment, as her gaze moved to his lips. She shook her head and pushed her seat back, standing abruptly.
"I think that's enough for today," she said, averting her gaze and busying herself with straightening the materials on the table.
"But we've only just begun," he said.
"I...forgot I need to pick Henry up from scouts early today," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow at rehearsals."
She was out the door a moment later before he could say another word.
…
Emma turned to Killian as R.J.'s Captain Hook practiced a scene opposite Henry's Peter Pan.
"They're getting better, right?" she said.
Killian raised his brow. "Define better."
Emma sighed. "Well, you can actually hear them now and they're remembering some of their lines. Sometimes."
As Emma said that, R.J. pretended to hold a sword to Henry's throat. It was Henry's line, but he just stared as if a deer caught in headlights. R.J. rolled his eyes and threw his hands up in the air.
"Again? Man, you suck. Could you get any worse?" he said.
Emma and Killian watched as Henry's eyes filled with tears. R.J. was also known as the class bully. But having his mother as principal meant he never paid for his behavior.
"Now you're going to cry. What a baby!"
Emma's jaw tightened. She was about to run up onstage and give R.J. a good tongue lashing, but before she could move, she saw Killian stalking toward the stage. He jumped up and stood between R.J. and Henry. He focused his ire on R.J.
"Who the devil do you think you are, lad?"
"Who am I? My mother is the principal here. I rule this school. I can do whatever I want."
"Is that right? So I suppose if I tell your mother that you were the one who filled her office with balloons, put jello in her private toilet, and covered her car in shaving cream, she won't mind one bit."
R.J.'s eyes widened. "None of those things even happened."
Killian grinned. "Not yet they didn't. But if you don't apologize to the lad and begin treating everyone with some bloody respect, then they will. And I will frame you for said crimes so well that even your mother won't be able to pretend you're innocent this time."
Emma felt a smirk pull at her lips as she watched R.J.'s mouth turn into a frown and his body sag.
"Fine," he said. "Sorry," he muttered under his breath to Henry with a roll of his eyes.
He made a move to turn away, but Killian grabbed him by the collar before he could take a step.
"Now say it like you mean it," he whispered in his ear through gritted teeth.
R.J. sighed heavily and looked down at Henry. "I'm sorry, okay?"
Henry nodded his response as Killian released his hold on R.J., who practically took off running.
Henry smiled at Killian. "Thank you."
Killian ruffled his hair. "Anytime, my boy."
Henry disappeared backstage as Emma joined Killian onstage. She eyed him for a long moment, as she wore an expression he couldn't quite read.
"What?" he asked, growing self-conscious. "What have I done or said wrong now?"
Emma shook her head. "I was just thinking that Henry has never had anyone stand up for him and try to protect him except me."
She didn't tell him that he behaved like a father would, something Henry's never had before.
Killian shrugged. "Well, love, someone had to put the brat in his place."
Emma smiled. "Thank you." She paused and then added, "Although I'm not sure I would have chosen to threaten the kid with framing him for petty crimes as my method of protection."
Killian offered her a grin. "I'm quite familiar with boys like R.J. They don't respond to reason or gentle reprimands. You have to think on a grander scale."
Emma simply laughed.
...
Emma felt the perspiration on her palms and dragged them across her jeans before lifting her hand to knock. This time, she had to knock three times before he answered.
Killian opened the door, as he dried his hands on a towel. "Apologies for keeping you waiting."
"It's o-," Emma stopped mid-sentence as she stepped inside and noticed that the dining table was no longer littered with sewing materials. Instead, it had been covered with a red and white checked tablecloth. A candle sat in the center. Two wine glasses and plates were set before the chairs.
"What is this?" she asked, unable to keep the apprehension out of her voice.
This looked a lot like a date and she had sworn off dates a long time ago.
He arched an eyebrow and offered her a smile. "Well, you seemed to think the place lacked charm, so I thought I'd spruce it up a bit."
This time she looked him in the eye. "What is this?" she asked again, this time with a sharpness she couldn't conceal.
His smile faded. "We both have to eat, so I thought I'd fix us some dinner. Nothing too fancy, love. Just some spaghetti and meatballs."
She gestured to the table. "There are wine glasses and a candle, Killian. This looks like a date."
"A date?" he said, lowering his gaze. "What the devil gave you that idea?"
She gestured to the table again. "The things I just said." Emma shook her head. "I can't do this," she whispered.
She turned on her heel to leave, but his hand gently encircled her elbow and he turned her back toward him. "Apologies, love. I wasn't thinking."
"What exactly do you think is going on here between us, Killian?" she asked, her eyes meeting his.
He sucked in a breath. "Honestly, I've just been enjoying the company of a woman for the first time since my wife died."
"You haven't been with a woman in almost five years?" she asked.
Killian shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, I've dated," he said. He paused for a long moment, as his voice lowered. "I just haven't enjoyed their company."
Emma shook her head. "I...I'm sorry, but I don't date, Killian. I haven't for years."
"Why?" he asked, his eyes flitting across her face, as he took a step toward her.
"I don't really feel comfortable discussing this with you," she said.
Killian brought his hand up to cup her cheek and he heard her take in a sharp breath at his touch. "Emma."
She squeezed her eyes closed and shook her head, stepping away from him. His hand fell to his side. And then she was out the door.
…
Things were awkward to say the least at Monday's rehearsal. They didn't speak a word to each other the entire time. Once the last of the kids were picked up, Killian finally gained the courage to approach Emma.
"I wanted to apologize again for the other night," he said.
"Forget about it," she replied, not meeting his eyes.
"What happened to you, Emma?" he asked.
"I said I don't want to discuss it with you, Killian. I guess you can't take a hint."
"I just...I want to understand. Just as your friend."
"We're not friends," she said sharply, meeting his eyes now. "We just have to put up with each other until the play and then we can go back to only seeing each other in the drop off line and at school functions."
He felt his heart drop into his stomach. He had felt something the moment he met her and he had been hoping that it could lead to more.
"Henry, let's go," Emma called as she turned her back on him.
…
End of Part 1
Thanks for reading! I'd appreciate any feedback you'd like to give. ~Steph