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...
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.