Just thought with the summer of conventions kicking off this weekend it'd be fun to write a con panel into the story. To all you lucky con-goers who are going to meet your idols, have an awesome time!
"Dad! Dad! Wake up! Let's play Lego!" Liam was jumping up and down on his father's bed. Killian opened one eye to look at his son bouncing around, where did he get his energy from?!
He let out a sleepy groan, "let's play sleeping lions" Killian rolled over.
"Noooo Dad, that's borrrring! Wake up! Wake up!" Liam pleaded.
Killian pretended to be asleep, mock snoring. Liam crawled up to his face and just when their noses were about to touch, Killian let out a mighty roar and grabbed his son pulling him in for a tight hug, Liam squealed with delight. His phone buzzed on the side table, he glanced at it then said "right, Robin, Regina, and Roland will be here at 12, if we go get breakfast now that should leave us with a couple hours of Lego construction, what do you say to some pancakes?"
"Yey, pancakes!" Liam rushed out the room; Killian combed his fingers through his bed head hair, and let out a yawn as he followed his son to the kitchen.
"We're here!" Mary Margarert exclaimed as they walked through the front door of the vacation home.
"Uncle David!" Henry ran into his uncle's arms laughing as he was thrown into the air and spun around.
"How was your flight?" Emma asked as she reached out to give her brother-in-law a hug
"It was good thanks, sorry I couldn't come with you guys yesterday but I was booked a year ago for that event. But I'm here now and reporting for babysitting duty! When do you girls leave?" he asked.
Emma glanced at her watch, "we have about an hour before we have to go."
"Well you guys get ready for your geekfest, I have a fun filled day planned for my nephew and niece".
Mary Margaret rolled her eyes. "Whatever, you're just jealous we'll be rubbing shoulders with famous actors, Emma really hit it off with one particularly dashing pirate last night" she winked at her friend. Emma blushed.
"Oh really?" David teased "I leave you guys for a day and you already get yourself a new man, when do I get to meet him and ask what his intentions are?!"
This time it's Emma rolling her eyes, "You guys are ridiculous, it wasn't like that, he was just being nice"
She decided to ignore the goofy smiles on Mary Margaret and David's faces and headed upstairs to get ready. She threw open her suitcase and stared at the contents, she eventually decided on some jeans, boots, sweater and a leather jacket. Now to tackle her hair, her fingers got to work braiding her long blonde locks into a fishtail; that was better. It was silly, she knew, but she wanted to look good in case she saw Killian Jones again, last night she was exhausted and hadn't had time to freshen up since their long haul flight and she must have looked awful. She didn't know why she cared so much but today she would look better!
"You're unusually quiet" Robin observed. His best friend had barely spoken a word on the car ride to the convention,
"Missing my witty banter, mate?" Killian flashed a toothy smile
"That's more like it! Seriously though, is something on your mind?" Robin asked. Killian knew this was something his friend wouldn't understand.
"I just had a sleepless night, I'll be fine, don't worry. I'm saving my energy for the convention."
Robin knew his friend wasn't giving him the whole story but he dropped it, he would talk when he was ready.
"How about you and I grab some beers tonight?" He asked instead. Killian raised an eyebrow and grinned at his friend, he knew Robin wasn't done prying but he went along with it, "aye mate, 'sounds good!"
They drove up to the conference centre and saw hundreds of fans lined up, phones out ready to catch a glimpse of the stars. Robin turned to Killian, with a huge grin, "ready stud?"
Killian rolled his eyes, "I don't think I'll ever get used to this, besides you're the dreamy one!"
Robin fluttered his eyelashes "aw that's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me"
"Come on idiot, let's say hello" Killian laughed as he opened the car door to the sound of cheering. He waved, stopped to sign autographs and made his way inside. Robin played the crowd, goofing off and loved every second of the attention. Once they got inside they were greeted by an event organiser and quickly briefed on where they needed to be.
Robin, Killian, and Ruby were all sitting on stools, microphones in hand answering fan questions. The panel had been light hearted and fun so far and even Killian, who always found these situations intimidating, was feeling relaxed and enjoying himself. A young female fan was next in line and asked, "This is a question for Killian and Ruby, how does it feel to be voted TV's hottest couple this year?" Killian blushed and nervously scratched behind his ear, there were constant rumours that the co-stars were also a couple off-screen which was never the case.
Ruby jumped in to save her friend, "I for one just feel really blessed to have a co-star that I trust and work well with, it's great to get recognition for our work and I'm proud that our character's relationship is one people connect with so well" she smiled encouragingly at Killian.
He cleared his throat "eh, yeah. I mean it's great to get the recognition, like Ruby said, and we know that the fans are a huge part of that, and that's something we don't take for granted. Ruby is a joy to work with, she's such a professional it makes me act better" he exhaled the breath he had been holding in. Ruby was so much better at answering these questions, he was glad she was there!
The next fan stepped forward and asked "Do you guys think that Captain Hook and Red Riding Hood will live happily ever after?"
Killian started this time, "well I mean we don't write the story, so we don't actually know, what do you guys think? Will they live happily ever after?" The room filled with cheers, whoops, and whistles,
Robin added "I ship it!" Prompting laughter from everyone including Ruby and Killian. Then Ruby said, "I feel like true love will always prevail" this met another resounding cheer.
The next fan stepped forward and Killian recognised her as one of the women he met after filming.
Mary Margaret asked, "This is a question for all of you, do you believe in Soulmates?"
Killian's mind went straight to Milah, he didn't know how to answer, he'd already lost the love of his life at age 35, and he couldn't imagine moving on from that and loving anyone as much. Ruby shot Robin a look and he quickly came to the rescue, "I'll tell you what I believe in" Robin said, "Bromates!" He wrapped his arm around Killian and kissed him on the cheek, the audience laughed and Killian, happy for the distraction played along giving Robin an exaggerated wink and squeezing his knee. Ruby spoke up, "Every love story is beautiful but Robin and Killian's is my favourite" more laughter filled the room. Emma followed Mary Margaret in the line, she began to speak and Killian looked up, "um...you film in such a beautiful location, my question is what is your favourite setting to shoot in?" She asked shyly. Killian looked at her, yes she was definitely the woman he spoke to last night; he sat up straighter, why did she make him feel nervous? She was biting her bottom lip in anticipation of their answers and she looked adorable. Killian couldn't help but smile.
Robin answered first, "I shoot a lot of scenes in the woods which are really cool, especially at night", Ruby then added, I really like the mountain scenes I shot during my back story earlier this season". Killian was still staring at Emma and then realised everyone was waiting for his answer "oh, um, well I always feel at home by or on water so I guess it's good I play a pirate. I love night-time scenes on the dock, especially when the smoke machines are on and it's all misty and eerie". He watched her as she said thanks and headed back to her seat.
"Ok guys that's all we have time for" one of the event hosts said, "in room 2b there will be an opportunity to get autographs and photos with the cast. Then Ruby and Killian's panel will start at 2:30pm".
The cast walked off stage and the room began to clear. Once they were behind closed doors Ruby gave Killian a hug, "you're doing great" she encouraged her friend. Killian exhaled, "thanks Ruby, I feel more at ease when you're up there too, you're such a natural at these things" she smiled and squeezed his hand, "I've got your back Killian, but you've nothing to worry about, your fans adore you. So next panel let's give them what they want" she put her hand in the air for a high five "team Werecaptain" , Killian smiled and high fives her repeating "team Werecaptain".
Emma was next in line, with poster in hand she watched Killian chat to the fan before her, he was wearing a navy shirt with the top few buttons undone revealing a necklace and some chest hair. The shirt made his blue eyes stand out even more, he combed his fingers through his hair and smiled at the fan, he looked every part movie star. Emma felt nervous, she wasn't sure he would remember her, he sees fans almost every day, she didn't want to make a fool of herself so when it was her turn she walked forward and got a picture with him. Once it was taken Killian turned to her and smiled, "no Henry today?"
Emma was amazed, not only did he remember her but he remembered her sons name too! "He's with his uncle but I was wondering if you could sign this for him", Emma handed Killian the poster, on it was a picture of Killian, as Captain Hook, at the wheel of the Jolly Roger.
"I'd love to" he said, as he was writing he added, "you know, there is a park, not too far away, called skull rock that is pirate themed, my son loves it...just if you're looking for things to do here with Henry". Emma repeated the name back, "skull rock?" Killian nodded. "I'll check it out, sounds like something Henry would enjoy! Thanks for the tip!" She moved on letting the next fan have their turn.
"Another round please!" Robin gave the bartender a wink, Killian rolled his eyes when the middle aged woman handed over the beers and said "on the house boys".
"You know, I guess there are some perks hanging out with you, mate! Killian slapped Robin on the back and they laughed as they walked back to their table. Then Robin grew serious and cleared his throat, "Look mate, I know you don't like talking about this kind of stuff but I wouldn't be your friend if I didn't ask how you're doing, I know some of those questions today must have made you think of Milah...maybe opened up some wounds?"
Killian smiled sadly at his friend. "You're a good friend Robin, and you're right but that's not what's on my mind...I met someone..."
Robin's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"whoa whoa whoa, not like that!" Killian insisted. "I met someone who is going through the exact same situation I am, her husband died, leaving her with 2 kids, I saw the same pain in her eyes that I've been living with and I just feel like if we talked we could help each other, Dr. Hopper said it would help me to talk about it..."
"Wait !'Her?' You mean a woman? Where did you meet her?" Robin interrupted.
"I met her last night; she was one of the fans watching filming..." He tried to explain.
"A fan?! Killian you've been talking to a fan you just met about this? Are you crazy? If you need someone to talk to you have me...or Ruby, or any of the rest of us"
Killian was getting frustrated, he knew Robin was just looking out for him but he needed to make him understand.
"I know I have you guys, and believe me I don't take it for granted, you've helped a lot, but it's different talking to someone who's been through it. I've barely spoken to her, I don't even know for sure if I'll see her again but I want to, I think we can help each other and I know it sounds corny but I can't help but feel like fate has something to do with it. I'm just looking to befriend her, I'm not ready for anything else, and honestly I don't think I ever will be". He sighed, he could hear himself and even he thought he might be crazy.
Robin looked around then leaned in to talk, "I know you've been through a lot, I've hated watching you in pain and feeling helpless, maybe I've helped you all I can, maybe you do need to talk to someone who's gone through the same thing...just please be careful Killian"
Killian smiled at his friend, "thanks mate and I will. I'm not gonna do anything stupid".
A mischievous grin appeared on Robin's face, "so is she hot?", he teased.
Killian blushed, "I can't say I've noticed" (he had).
"Alright alright, play it coy then, when are you going to see her again"
Killian sighed, "I hope tomorrow, but I can't be sure. I didn't want to just ask a stranger to meet me, so..." He smiled, "I'm leaving this part up to fate"