Killian watched as Emma left the room. He was still trying to process the whole thing. When she had first looked at him, he had been sure that she appreciated his dashing good looks, but the way she answered stiffly and shortly had him second guessing that assumption. Most of David's past foster sisters had swooned when they saw him. He was never very interested in any of them, which was great considering David's strict rule about not dating any of the foster kids. David wanted the foster kids that stayed with them to feel comfortable and apparently Killian's advances may make them feel "unsettled", as David put it. This hadn't been a big problem when they were little, but after Killian hit puberty it defiantly was.

Even more curious was Emma's reaction when David invited her to hang out with them. Most of the foster kids in the past were skeptical, but usually agreed. David always went for something safe, something in one of the main rooms not David's room and always something that encouraged talking not a movie where you can sit in silence. Killian was always amazed at how good David had gotten at making the foster kids feel comfortable even after just arriving. However, Emma had turned them down flat. It wasn't as if it hadn't happened before, it just didn't usually happen.

Killian pondered this as they went into the living room. David was setting up one of the many games in the collection. The collection of video games was a combination of his and David's that had been building for years. Killian spent a majority of his time at David's place anyway so why not leave his games here. Killian's parents were in business. They had opened a successful sailing company back in Ireland. They had been content with the small business until Killian's older brother, Liam died of leukemia. After that his parents through themselves into work. Around the time Killian turned 10 his parents had decided to expand their business to the U.S., specifically the small Maine town of Storybrooke. However, business in Ireland hadn't ceased to exist so they took many business trips there leaving Killian on his own more often than not. Killian spent a lot of time at David's house preferring it to the empty house he lived in.

It had been silent since Emma had left the room. David had finished setting up the game and finally handed Killian his controller. "Don't even think about it, Killian."

"I'm sure I don't know what you mean, mate."

"I saw the way you looked at her. She's not a challenge for you to overcome, Killian. You know you're my best friend, but even I can admit you have a habit of dropping your dates pretty fast."

"I think your exaggerating."

"Really?! When was the last time you stuck with the same girl longer than two weeks?"

Killian knew the answer immediately. He hadn't stuck with one girl since Milah sophomore year. Killian just gave a noncommittal shrug instead, knowing Dave already knew the answer.

"See? Look I get why you only do short flings, but Emma needs to feel comfortable here if she is ever going to get used to the idea that this isn't just another stop on her way out of the system and she certainly won't be comfortable seeing you or being in this house with you after breaking it off with her after two weeks."

"I get it, Dave." And he did get it. He understood precisely where David was coming from. His argument was completely logical, but he couldn't stop thinking about how she had out right rejected him. "I promise no flings with Emma." David muttered his thanks before they turned all of their attention on the game.

Soon enough Ruth was calling them all to dinner. She had kept it simple, making chicken nuggets and French fries. There was also a bowl of green beans and a bowl of peaches place in the center of the table. Killian, David, and Ruth all took their normal seats. Killian noticed Emma slow her place, probably giving herself time to figure out where to sit. David and Killian had already started loading their plate when Emma sat down. "Feel free to just dig in, Emma" Ruth instructed. Emma started to get food onto her plate when Killian remembered drinks. "I'm going to grab a soda anyone want anything?" He saw Emma's eyebrows raise briefly as he realized this was the first time she had heard him speak and therefore the first time she had heard his accent that had never faded.

"Pepsi" was David's immediate response.

"Just ice water please, dear" answered Ruth.

After a minute of silence Killian decided to try and engage her in some sort of exchange of words even if it was just a simple drink order. "What about you, lass?"

Emma looked up startled that he hadn't just left when she didn't answer. Normally Emma would just go along with what someone else had said, but she didn't really care for Pespi and didn't want water either. "Umm what are my choices?"

Killian lifted his eyebrows in genuine shock that she had not only answered, but asked a question and therefore furthering the conversation even if it was just by a little. "There's Pepsi, Mt. Dew, milk…..apple juice, I think."

"Mt. Dew" she answered in barely visible excitement. If Killian had to guess it was probably her favorite soda.

He returned shortly with everyone's drinks, receiving thanks from everyone at the table. Killian continued to sneak peeks at Emma throughout the meal in what he hoped was a subtle manner. He couldn't stop looking at her. She had hair that looked to be the exact color of gold with a fit body that had curves in all the right places, but none of that compared to the emerald eyes he had seen earlier during their initial introductions. He was hoping for another glimpse at those beautiful green eyes, but Emma was staring at her plate refusing to look up. To everyone's shock it was Emma that broke the silence that had settled over them.

"So when do I start school?"

"You can start tomorrow if you feel up to it." Today was Sunday so Ruth's suggestion made sense.

"I can give you a ride to school in the morning." Killian offered.

She just lifted her eyebrows at that, making eye contact with him at last. The notion that he could look at those eyes all day and be perfectly content floated through his mind before he shook the idea away.

"I give Dave a ride in every morning so it wouldn't be any trouble." Killian explained.

"Okay I'll start tomorrow." She replied slowly. She continued to stare down at her plate while playing with a French fry. She was biting her lower lip and seemed to be considering asking her next question before Ruth spoke up.

"Excellent! I already got your school supplies ready before you came. There should be a purple backpack in your room filled with all of the things you need. If there is anything you need not in the bag just let me know."

Emma looked completely stunned. This was not an unusual reaction. Killian had been here before when the topic of school supplies was covered and every time the foster kid looked shocked. It made Killian's heart ache knowing that this may be the first time Emma was ever provided with the school supplies she needed.

Dinner rapped up quickly after that and Killian made his way to leave, promising to see them in the morning. That night Killian couldn't stop himself from dreaming of golden curls and bright green eyes.