A/N: After all the FT3 pics this weekend I started to miss the Emma/Elsa/Anna friendship so I started a new Mini –MC, I think this will be 3 parts. Emma's always being dragged to happy hours, office parties and music gigs by her friends, the Arendelle sisters. So far she's been a bit unlucky when it comes to meeting people at these events but the girls are more like sisters to her and if they didn't drag her out she might never go anywhere. On this particular night Elsa finally gets an invite from Liam, a man she talks to the train daily to come see his band play. Of course she enlists Emma to be her wingman and what happens after that is all up to fate.
She pressed the gas pedal and her car roared down the road as fast as she could without being noticed by the police. She was rushing yet again to meet the Arendelle sisters who seemed to continually rope her into these Happy Hours, Office Parties and band gigs for friends. She shouldn't complain because if it weren't for them she would probably never get out.
She was still feeling a bit angry about the last one though, not that it was Anna's fault but it was her office party. Anna introduced her to the guy who brought about her latest bought of what the hell was I thinking, which lead her to swearing off guys entirely for the last three months.
She could still feel the anger rising within after what Walsh did to her. She spent most of her days tracing skips and slumming it with the dregs of humanity to find such skips so when she met this clean cut guy she thought she'd give him a chance. He wasn't the usual type she'd be interested but she hadn't had any luck with those guys so when he'd asked her for her number she gave it to him rather than brush him off like she'd normally do.
In hindsight, she should have known something was up with him. He'd invited her to a formal cocktail party. She'd worn the most scandalously beautiful dress she could find, completely backless and showed her curves in the most flattering way. She felt gorgeous and knew she would be the envy of the room for sure because her confidence was in high gear after catching a high priced skip earlier that day.
When Walsh picked her up, not even so much as a whisper of how she looked. He just smiled and pushed his glasses up onto his nose. He looked nice enough in his high priced suit but she certainly thought she would get a reaction from him; after all he was a man. Even Elsa thought she looked hot enough to switch sides and that was not something you'd hear from her ever.
The party itself was dull; she spent the night walking around with him while he talked to executives about himself sipping on champagne. She certainly caught the attention of the other men in the room for sure but not her date. After the party he drove her home, walked her to her door and shook her hand goodnight. He'd said he would call and thanked her for attending the party.
He was nice enough but it certainly made her think about her choice to try something new. It wasn't until the following Friday when Anna had another Office Party that she found out why he'd been so standoffish. She got to the party late, as usual, and found a distressed Anna standing at the bar with another of her co-workers.
Anna begged her profusely to forgive her for introducing her to Walsh. She stood there dumbfounded as to why she was so upset; that was when her friend pointed to the back corner. Walsh was being pressed against the back wall in an intense game of tonsil hockey by his on again off again boyfriend, Neal. They were apparently back on again in a very intimate way. When the pair came up for air she remembered seeing Neal at the party too but he was with someone else.
She learned from Anna that Walsh had used her to make Neal jealous and also to try to get a promotion at the office. So not only had he used her as bait but also as a beard. All she could do was laugh it off and order shots, plenty of them, especially since Anna was buying after feeling so guilty for introducing them.
Here she was again pulling up to The Rabbit Hole, ready to put the past in the past and spend time with her friends. She was parking the car when she got a text from Elsa.
Elsa: Where are you?
Rather than reply she just quickly parked and rushed out of her car. Elsa was nervous because she was invited by this guy, Liam. Elsa had been talking to him on the train for the last few weeks and he invited her to see his band play. Liam's band was called The Jolly Pirates; he played in for fun to blow off steam from his usually high stress job as an investment banker.
Elsa worked her way up from gradually saying Hi to sitting next to him on her train rides into the office each morning. All she could talk about was his smooth accent, his professional demeanor and his beautiful blue eyes. Apparently Elsa was mesmerized daily before she got off the train and she was a stickler for professionalism herself so she couldn't wait to meet the guy that measured up to Elsa's standards.
She rushed into the door to find Elsa waiting by the entrance tucked into the alcove. "Elsa what are you doing out here?" Her friend pulled her forward and into the pub. "Sorry I just didn't want to walk in alone and Anna isn't here yet either. She texted me to say she was picking up Kristoff after work but got stuck in traffic on the way back into the city."
She nodded."When is Kristoff going to move into the city? He really needs to do that so that Anna doesn't have to keep driving out to the country every weekend to pick him up. Leave it to her to fall in love with a farm boy."
Elsa laughed."They are great together and you know it. I think the idea is that Anna is going to move out there with him, rather than him moving to the city. I think they are going to get engaged soon." Her eyes went wide."Really? That's fast. I mean they've only been dating, what a year at most?"
Elsa huffed out a breath."Emma, this is Anna we're talking about. She believes in love at first sight and she has been smitten with Kristoff since day one. I'm surprised it's taken this long."
"You aren't worried about this?"
"Not at all, I've checked him out thoroughly, his finances are good, he is a decent guy, he loves Anna and I fully believe they fit together perfectly."
"Wow, if you're giving their relationship the seal of approval then I believe it. They do seem happy. So where's this Liam? I've got to see the eyes that you've been dreaming about each night."
Elsa smacked her on the arm and widened her eyes."Shh, Emma what if he hears you?" She looked around at the packed pub."Elsa, if he heard that they he must have super powers. Relax, come on you need a shot."
They moved over to the bar and ordered a couple of shots. The bartender informed her that Liam's band hadn't arrived yet, apparently everyone was stuck in traffic getting into the city that night. By the time Anna and Kristoff arrived they'd each knocked back 2 shots and were working on their first pint.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry we're late. Traffic was a nightmare. Is he here?" asked Anna as she looked around the pub.
Elsa hugged her sister."Not yet, he's stuck in traffic. Where's Kristoff?"
Anna flagged the bartender."He's parking the car. I had him drop me off since we were so late. Looks like there's going to be a good crowd tonight."
"Apparently Elsa's man must mesmerize a lot of ladies with those eyes of his. This place is packed."
Elsa glared at her. "Emma, stop."
She knew Elsa was blushing but she couldn't see it over the darkness in the room. As if on cue the band came forward through the back room. A tall handsome man with beautiful blue eyes came rushing forward, eyes set directly on her smiling friend. Elsa moved forward to meet him half way and that was when she saw it. The guy was head over heels for her too and she couldn't help smiling at her friend's luck.
"Emma, I'm going to check on Kristoff. I'll be right back." Said Anna.
She turned to respond but her friend was already gone. She raised her glass to her lips taking a long sip. She'd become the 5th wheel in a matter of minutes. She ordered another shot and waited patiently for one of her friends to return.
The bartender misunderstood and brought her two shots, it was then that she noticed she wasn't standing alone anymore. There was a very handsome man standing next to her, dark hair, light scruff, dusting of chest hair peeking through his button down shirt and leather pants.
She couldn't help but think he could be her next mistake as she eyed him up and down. He turned to face her and she was nearly taken aback by his beautiful piercing blue eyes and bright smile. "Seems the bartender is busy this evening."
His accent nearly knocked her off her feet. She smiled and passed him one of her shots. "Have one of mine." He picked up the glass and raised it to her daring her to clink it. She smiled back seductively and clinked her glass with his. "Cheers." She knocked back the shot never taking his eyes off of his. It was as if she was being mesmerized, just as Elsa described.
He held out his hand. "Killian Jones." She smiled and extended hers. "Emma Swan." He picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. A sudden jolt of electricity ran directly to her core when his lips touched her skin. "Thanks for the shot Love. Will you be staying for the show?" Her tongue was suddenly too big for her mouth so she nodded and smiled.
"Great, I'm sitting in with them tonight. It's my brother, Liam's band. He lets me jam with them occasionally when I can. "
She suddenly found her voice."Oh, my friend Elsa invited me tonight. She knows your brother." She pointed towards the pair intimately speaking near the stage. His eyes went wide and he grinned."Ah, so you know the siren that's captured his heart then."
She licked her lips and took a sip of her beer. "Yes, she's my best friend and I'm pretty sure she's in pretty deep herself." He was shoved forward by one of the slightly drunker patrons, suddenly close enough that their noses would brush if they moved that extra step. She smiled and her breath hitched in her throat as his eyes zeroed in on hers.
His hand went to her shoulder to steady himself after the push. She closed her eyes once again at the contact. "Promise me you'll be here when we're done lass?"
She stepped back just a bit so she could see into his eyes; she sensed only sincerity so she nodded. "Yes, I can't wait to hear you play." Suddenly over the microphone he was being called forward. "Duty calls. See you later Emma." He left her with a wink and a smile. She took another sip of her drink because she was certain that her body was on fire from the inside out.
"Emma, why didn't you come up and meet Liam?"
"Oh, I met his brother Killian. We were talking and it seems that Liam's got it bad for you."
Elsa's eyes lit up."Really?"
"Yep, the words he used were, she's the siren who captured his brother's heart."
Elsa did a little hop before composing herself and turning back up towards the band. She laughed; this was not typical Elsa behavior at all."They are about to start do you want to move up front?" She took the last sip of her beer and put down the mug. "Shouldn't we wait for Anna to get back?" Elsa looked to the door."No, she'll find us. Let's get a good spot."
She turned around and found the bartender had replenished her drink. Maybe Killian was right because the bartender was sure catering to the ladies tonight. She nodded, placed her money on the bar and followed her friend towards the stage.
They got to the front as the band began their warm up and mic checks. She watched Killian play his guitar; his fingers were quick and nimble. She imagined those fingers doing something else and nearly choked on her beer.
"Emma, are you alright?" Elsa pat her on the back.
She laughed and nodded."Just went down the wrong way."
"Oh ok. Liam looks so handsome up there and this is the first time I've ever seen him out of a three piece suit. He looks amazing in jeans and that Henley shows off his muscles."
She looked at Elsa in amazement."Hello, who are you? Where is Elsa?"
"What, just because I don't comment on every man who crosses my path doesn't mean I don't notice."
"Ok, it's just nice to hear you talk like this. You're right. He is handsome. I think you two look great together."
"You really think so? I'm hoping he asks me out."
"Elsa, if he doesn't you should ask him. We have confirmation from his brother that he likes you. He could be shy, though he did ask you here tonight."
"Oh Emma, he's anything but shy. He's very direct and strong. I love that about him."
She noted what she said. "Elsa, maybe he's just not sure if you feel more than friendship for him."
"Oh. Thanks Emma. If he doesn't ask, I'll ask him. It's settled."
"What's settled?"
"Oh Anna, you finally decide to come up."
"I'm sorry, Kristoff had to park really far away. I might need you to give us a ride to my car after. Is that Liam?"
"Anna, don't point at him, and yes, that's him."
"Oooh Elsa, he's handsome. I can't wait to meet him."
At that moment Liam faced them and smiled at her friend. She watched as Elsa waved at him, she looked like a giddy teenage girl. She couldn't help but laugh, maybe Elsa and Anna were more alike than she thought. She turned her attention back to the stage and noticed that Killian was staring in their direction. When she caught his glance he smiled running his fingers up and down his guitar as if he was showing off for her a bit.
She raised her glass and smiled back. He responded by playing another quick riff sending a thrill through her body. Maybe Elsa wasn't the only one acting like a giddy teenager. It actually felt good to be that way, free to just be happy.
They finally started their set and they sounded great. The crowd gathered around the stage. They were directly in front of the band. She and Killian seemed to have locked their gaze in the first song. It was as if he was playing just for her and she had to admit she loved it. She loved watching him play and listening to him sing. She couldn't help but dance along to their music.
When the set was over she felt as if she was rooted in her spot in front of the stage. Honestly she didn't want to move in fear that she'd lose it before the next set started. "Emma, are you coming? We're going to get drinks. I want you to meet Liam." She nodded and followed behind her friend in hopes of seeing Killian again.
Kristoff lead them through the crowd to the bar. When she got there the bartender already had a drink ready for her while Kristoff was still waiting for him to notice that he was waiting. She laughed, shaking her head before waving the bartender back down to order drinks for all of them. "Geez Emma, you should have told me you knew the bartender before I waited all this time." She turned to face Kristoff. "I don't, I guess he just likes taking orders from ladies."
She turned around when she felt a tap on her shoulder. "Emma, this is Liam." She looked up; he was rather tall, perfect height for Elsa. "Hi Liam. You guys are great." He had a firm handshake.
From her other side she heard a familiar voice and warm breath against her ear. "Thanks Lass. Glad to hear you liked the show." His voice was like a shot directly to her core. She turned to face him and smiled as she caught his gaze. "You were amazing up there." He was grinning from ear to ear.
"I see you've met my little brother."
"Younger brother and yes, she and I made acquaintance before the show."
"Elsa, this is my brother Killian."
She watched as Killian shook Elsa's hand."Pleased to meet you lass."
Liam gazed into her friend's eyes. "We need to get back up there."
Emma looked up to Killian and he whispered close to her ear. "See you after?"
She looked back over to Elsa who was gazing intently back at Liam. "Look at them, do you think I could drag her out of here. Oh, you better tell him to ask her out."
"Noted, mind if I take a sip?"
She handed him her beer."Thanks Lass."
He handed it back to her, half empty. She laughed. "I'll get you one later, promise."
"Killian, let's go. The crowd's getting restless."
He extended his hand. "Coming Lass?"
She smiled and took his hand."Yep, let's go."
Elsa was already walking ahead of her with Liam through the crowd. He walked her back up to the spot she'd had when the show started right in front of the stage with a perfect view of him. "Can't have my good luck charm in the back now." He winked and climbed back up on stage with his brother.
She was in trouble; she was in deep deep trouble with him. Sweet words like that were few and far between for her, this guy let them flow like water and she loved it. Elsa took her hand and squeezed it brining her back to reality. "Earth to Emma. You in there Emma?"
She smiled."Yeah, it's just."
Elsa laughed."You're mesmerized right? Isn't that what you say about me?"
She nodded. "Elsa, where did he come from?"
Of course in that moment Anna wrapped her arms around both of their necks and shoved in between them. "You never know when Love will come, it just finds you."
She leaned into Anna's shoulder hugging her."Seriously Anna, Love?"
"Mark my words Emma, you didn't see how he was looking at you and seriously you can't tell me that you're eyes left his during that whole set."
She huffed out a breath."He's a good musician, I like watching him play."
Elsa laughed."OK Emma, keep living in denial but I saw it too. I also saw how he was looking at you and I have never seen you share a beer with anyone. Not even me."
She felt her cheeks redden, luckily the lighting was low, she was thinking about sharing more than a beer with him. "Alright, I like him, now pay attention they're about to go on."
They watched the second set and Killian had more lead vocals. He had such an amazing and sensual voice. She could listen to him sing all night, apparently so could some of the other girls who were trying to push in front of her. They were messing with the wrong girl though , she might have thrown a few elbows towards them and pushed them back just a bit but she kept her spot right in front of him and next to her friend until their final set was over.
Anna and Kristoff left mid way through the set because he had an early day. The way they were pawing at each other on the dance floor led her to believe that maybe it was more than just work that was a factor. Elsa was right though, they were good together. It was like Kristoff knew every need Anna had before she even asked. She would say the same for Anna about Kristoff too. She was so mindful of him, making sure he was comfortable and happy. Frankly she thought Kristoff could be happy anywhere, he was a lot of fun.
He threatened to ask Liam if he could join him in the future for a set, he said he'd bring his ukulele. Elsa just gave him side eye, she hadn't even had a real date with the man yet, let alone ask him if her future brother in law could jam with him. He backed off as he usually did when he knew he was pushing Elsa's boundaries. That was nice about him too, he was also mindful of Elsa.
The crowd died down after the show. She and Elsa hung back at the bar nursing their drinks as they waited for them to pack up after the gig. There were definitely a few people who should not be driving that were hanging on their kind friends as they left the pub. The bartender placed a couple of pints in front of them and winked. She wasn't sure what he expected but for the first time all night she may have realized the bartender was flirting with her.
"Elsa, did you see that?"
"Yeah, Do you know him?"
"No, never seen him before in my life."
Elsa laughed."When it rains it pours."
She shook her head. "No, just no."
Elsa laughed. "He has been pretty attentive to you all night Emma."
"Hey, I've paid for every drink I'll have you know."
Elsa smiled."Sure you did, in what smiles and hair flips?"
"Elsa! Seriously I'm not interested in the bartender."
"I know, I'm just messing with you. I can see who you're really interested in."
She looked back towards the stage to make sure that the inferred party was nowhere near her. "Elsa, I told you. I like him, I'm not denying it."
"I know, its just fun to see you actually hot and bothered over a guy. You have been teasing me about Liam for weeks, turnabout is fair play."
She picked up her glass and took a sip. "Alright, I'm sorry. I didn't know it bothered you so much."
"It doesn't, still it is nice to see that Emma Swan can actually be rattled."
She huffed out a breath and shook her head. "So what's the plan?"
"He asked if I'd be here after the gig was over. That's as far as we've gotten."
"Did you drive?"
"No, I took a cab over."
Emma raised her brow." Let me know if you'd like a ride home, unless you have other plans."
She felt the slap on her shoulder and she laughed."Emma, we haven't even had a date yet."
She nodded."Doesn't mean you can't have a little fun." She could have a little fun with Elsa too. She knew that her cheeks were probably three shades redder.
Elsa took a sip of her drink."You're incredible."
"You aren't the only one who can rattle a cage."
Elsa nodded. "Thanks for coming tonight. "
She smiled."I wouldn't let you go in without a wingman, especially knowing how much you like him."
"Well I appreciate it."
"Of course but you Arendelle girls are going to owe me. Some day I'm going to have one of these things and you better be there."
"Emma, of course. You know Anna and I think of you as a sister."
She'd said that before but it was very nice to hear. She didn't have any real family of her own and they really were the closest thing to family she ever had.
She felt his presence before he spoke. She composed herself and turned to face him, immediately locking in on his amazing blue eyes. He licked his lips."I thought I was to buy you a drink?"
"Emma seems to have an admirer over there. He's been keeping her in drinks all night."
She gave Elsa a wide eyed look. "I don't even know him and I've paid for every one!"
"Hmm, perhaps that's why he hasn't given me the time of day all evening."
She turned back to Killian; his face appeared to have fallen slightly. She reached forward without thinking, possibly the liquid courage working overtime and placed her hand on his chest over his heart."I'm sure he does that for all the women." She could feel it beating rapidly under her touch. He smiled instantly. She noticed his breath hitch slightly. "Well we have a tradition after our gigs to go out for breakfast, since I can't buy you a drink how'd you like to go with us?"
She turned to look for Elsa but she was already talking with Liam. She smiled realizing his hand was now covering the hand she'd placed on his chest, his long fingers grasping over hers. Her eyes flickered down to their now joined hands and back up to his face. "Sounds good, I love breakfast." He smiled."Good, then it's a date." She raised her brow and licked her lips as she placed her mug on the bar along with a generous tip for the bartender.
"Shall we go?" He helped her down from her stool and they walked over to see Elsa and Liam holding hands. "Brother did you ask Elsa about joining us for our ritual?" Liam smiled at them. "Aye, and she's going to ride with me."
Killian grumbled. "So it's the back seat for me then with all the gear."
She looked up into his eyes and smiled."Ride with me."
Killian squeezed her hand."Sure if you don't mind the company."
She squeezed his hand back lightly, trying to remember if she discarded her bags from lunch earlier."No, sounds good."
Liam smiled. "Do you know Granny's?"
She nodded."Of course. We'll meet you there."
