Title: The Santa Sub
Author: Steph
Rating: G
Pairing: Hook/Emma
Characters: Hook & Emma
Category: Romance/Humor/Drama
Disclaimer: I do this out of a love for this couple. No infringement is intended.
Spoilers: Nope!
Summary: Emma Swan is the new event coordinator for Macy's and it's her first year organizing the Thanksgiving Day Parade. When the man who usually plays Santa in the parade has a heart attack one week before the event, Emma is forced to replace him with the CEO's son, Killian Jones.
Note: Well, last night's episode did me in! Not sure I'll be able to handle next week's. At least I can escape to this world where CaptainSwan is not filled with darkness. Hope you enjoy this part! ~Steph
...The Santa Sub: Part 4/6...
The next few days flew by in a flurry of last minute preparations for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. What little free time Emma did have, she spent with Killian. She was falling hard and fast for him and she knew he felt the same.
Finally, Thanksgiving morning arrived. Emma felt like she was going to throw up. She had this terrible feeling that something awful was going to happen today.
"Everything will be fine," Belle said, handing her a cup of coffee.
"I keep telling myself that, but I keep thinking I forgot something. I've checked the weather a thousand times. I have the balloon guys hating me because I made them quadruple check all of the balloons."
"It's going to be great. Stop worrying," Belle said. She paused and then asked, "So where is St. Nick? I almost didn't recognize you without him glued to your side."
Emma shrugged. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Belle chuckled. "Come on, Emma. I see the way you look at each other."
Emma blushed. "Okay, so we have a little thing, but I don't really know what it is yet."
Belle patted her shoulder. "I'm happy for you. He seems like a great guy."
Emma smiled. "He is."
"I heard great guy, so I can only assume you're speaking of me," they heard come from behind them.
Emma and Belle spun around to find Killian in full Santa gear. He leaned forward and placed a kiss on Emma's cheek.
"Happy Thanksgiving, love," he whispered.
She barely stifled a giggle when his beard tickled her skin.
"Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Killian," she said.
"So are we all set?" he asked.
Emma nodded, as she took a deep breath. "Ready or not."
Killian took her hands in his and squeezed. "It's going to be wonderful. You've worked so hard on this, Emma. You should be proud of yourself. I know I am proud of you."
"Thank you," she said with a smile. She paused and then added. "Okay, it's time for you to get in position. "Remember: nice, slow waves and clear, hearty Ho, Ho, Ho's. Good luck."
She pressed a kiss to his lips before they parted ways.
…
Much to Emma's relief, the parade went off without a hitch and pretty soon it was Santa's turn to arrive at the end. Emma stood at the end of the route, anxiously awaiting Killian's arrival.
She smiled widely when his float came into sight. He looked amazing. He looked every bit the part. His Ho, Ho, Ho's were great and he had the wave down. She looked around at the smiling faces of the children around her. She knew all of her time and effort was worth it just to see their childlike wonder.
Killian looked out into the crowd in search of Emma. He finally spotted her and their gazes met and held. She offered him a heart stopping smile, which he eagerly returned.
The float finally stopped at the end of the route. Killian waved and gave Ho after Ho. Slowly, the crowd dissipated. Emma made her way through the few who remained and climbed aboard Killian's float.
"Hey, Big Guy," she said, adopting a sexy smile. "Do you think Mrs. Claus would mind if I gave her hubby a kiss?"
Killian grinned. "I think she would highly approve."
Emma took his hand and they ducked behind a giant candy cane just in case there were still little, innocent eyes around. She didn't want to scar any kids.
Emma grabbed Killian's collar and pulled him toward her, planting a kiss on his lips. After a few moments, she erupted into laughter at how the beard tickled her face.
She patted his cheek. "I think it's time we got you out of this, don't you?"
Killian nodded. "Aye, but I wanted to ask you something first."
"What?"
"Would you spend Thanksgiving with me and my father?" he asked softly.
Emma's face brightened. Without a family, her Thanksgivings usually consisted of eating a turkey sandwich while watching Lifetime movies. Belle always invited her over to her parents' house, but she refused every year. She didn't want to feel like an intruder.
"I don't want to impose," Emma said.
Killian laughed. "Impose? The kitchen staff at my father's penthouse prepares enough food to feed an army for just the two of us. We would welcome the company."
Emma smiled and shrugged. "Well, in that case, how could I refuse?"
"Good, because I wasn't about to take no for an answer," he said, before pressing another kiss to her lips.
…
An hour later, Emma and Killian arrived at Mr. Jones' penthouse. Emma had never seen anything so grand.
"Wow," she said, her eyes roaming over the marble floors and antiques scattered everywhere. "This place is amazing."
"It's never felt like home," Killian said. "As a kid, it felt like I was living in museum. I walked on eggshells trying not to break anything."
"Ah, Emma, Killian," Mr. Jones said, as he descended the spiral staircase. "Happy Thanksgiving."
Emma smiled. "Happy Thanksgiving, sir. Thank you so much for having me. Your home is beautiful."
"Thank you, dear. Why don't we adjourn to the dining room? I believe our meal is ready."
Emma slipped her hand into Killian's as they made their way into the large dining room. A long walnut table sat in the middle and was overflowing with food. A huge crystal chandelier hung above the table.
"This is incredible," Emma said, as Mr. Jones sat at the head of the table, while she and Killian sat across from each other on either side of him.
They began to eat in awkward silence until Mr. Jones broke it.
"How did the parade go? Did my son rise to the challenge as Santa?"
Emma looked at Killian. "The parade went very well. Killian was a great Santa."
Killian gestured at Emma. "Emma did such an amazing job organizing the entire event. You are lucky to have her, Father."
Emma smiled warmly at him.
Mr. Jones nodded. "So, Emma, how was it working with my son? I know you had your reservations, but it seems you two have grown very close over the last week."
"Father," Killian said.
"I'm simply inquiring about the nature of your relationship, as a father is wont to do, Killian."
"It's okay, Killian," Emma said. "I loved working with your son this past week. I enjoyed getting to know him. He's very impressive. I'm amazed at the charity work he has done."
Killian dropped his gaze, as his father looked at him. "Ah, yes, charity work. Well, I am glad to hear you two have grown close. Maybe you will give my son a reason to stay close by this time. Lord knows I never could."
Emma glanced at Killian, whose eyes were rooted to his plate. Neither said another word.
…
After dessert, Emma excused herself to use the ladies' room. When she returned, she heard Killian and his father speaking in the library.
"Killian, it's best she learns the truth now before you two grow any closer."
Emma felt her heart freeze in her chest, as she came to stand outside the open door.
"If I tell her the truth, then I could lose her, Father."
"And if she learns it on her own then you surely will," he said.
Emma sucked in a breath and stepped into the doorway.
"What truth?" she asked sharply.
Killian spun around to face her. Emma watched as the color drained from his face.
"Emma," Killian whispered. He swallowed hard. "What you overheard was out of context."
She crossed her arms over her chest, as she came to stand in front of him. "Then give me the context, Killian. What have you been lying to me about?"
Mr. Jones' bowed his head, as he made his way to the door. "It seems you two have much to discuss. I will give you your privacy."
Emma glared at him. "I'm waiting, Killian."
"It's complicated, Emma."
"Then simplify it for me."
Killian inhaled and exhaled deeply before beginning. "You were right about me, Emma. Right from the very start."
Her eyes narrowed at him. "What do you mean?"
"You said I was some spoiled rich guy who probably never worked a day in his life and lived off a trust fund or an allowance from my father. You were right about all of it."
Emma shook her head in disbelief. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "So it was all a lie? All of the charity work you said you did? You didn't dig any wells or build schools or houses or teach any kids to read?"
"No, I didn't," he replied softly, the shame evident in his eyes.
Emma felt tears fill her eyes. "How could I have been so stupid?" she whispered.
"Hey," he said, attempting to touch her cheek to wipe away a tear, but she moved away from his touch. "You weren't stupid."
"Obviously I was because I fell hook, line, and sinker for all of your lies. So tell me. Tell me everything."
Killian sighed heavily. "I graduated from university and refused to work for my father. That part was true. I had a trust fund that I blew through in five years. Since then, my father has been giving me a very large monthly allowance. I travel around. No responsibilities. No commitments."
Emma shook her head. "So what? Did you just get tired of doing absolutely nothing and living off of your rich father?"
"No, he got tired of me doing nothing with my life. He gave me an ultimatum. He said I had to either come work for him or I was cut off. I refused, so a month ago, he cut me off. When the little money I still had ran out, I came home. He knew I would. That's why he cut me off in the first place."
"Don't blame your father. He's trying to get you to grow up, Killian." Emma paused, her mouth dropping open. "He forced you to play Santa, didn't he?"
Killian nodded. "He said if I played Santa, then he would give me enough of a monthly allowance to survive on. But it was really meant to humiliate me into giving him what he wants. He figured I would eventually give in and come work for him."
"Would that be so awful?"
"I don't want to be like my father, Emma."
"Your father is highly successful. He works very hard. What have you ever done, Killian?"
Killian let out a breath. "I want to be my own man."
She threw up her hands. "Then be your own man, Killian. But be something."
Killian's voice softened. "Emma, this last week with you has been the best of my life. I know it's fast, but the way I feel about you, I've never felt about any other woman. You make me want to be better."
She crossed her arms over chest. "Don't put that on me. You need to want to be better for yourself, not me."
He shook his head. "That's not what I meant. I meant you made me realize I could be more, that I could do something with my life. You made me want to stay, Emma. No one's ever done that before."
Emma swallowed hard as her throat began to burn. "Whatever we had, Killian, was based on lies. None of it was real."
"That's not true. What I told you about my childhood, the things I shared with you were all true. The man I am when I am with you is real, Emma."
Emma brushed a tear off her cheek. "I knew this was happening too fast. I can't believe I let myself trust you. I never trust anyone and I swore I wouldn't open my heart to be broken again. I should have known better. I should've listened to my head, not my heart."
"Please don't say that," he said.
She laughed bitterly. "When I woke up this morning, I had this terrible feeling that something awful was going to happen today, but I thought it had to do with the parade. Then when that went off without a hitch, I figured I was just being silly. I couldn't have been more wrong."
Killian reached out to touch her arm. "Emma, please."
"Don't touch me," she snapped, snatching her arm out of his grasp. "I never want to see you again, Killian."
With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the library.
"Emma!" Killian called.
The only response he got was the sound of the door slamming.
Killian squeezed his eyes closed.
…
The following morning, Killian was waiting for Emma at the spot where they first met. He saw her emerge from the cab and begin to walk toward him. She was preoccupied with her phone again and didn't see him. She slammed into him just as she had done the day they first met.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," she said, before lifting her eyes and meeting his. "Killian," she whispered.
"Emma," Killian said.
Emma shook her head. "What about I never want to see you again was unclear? Please move out of my way."
"I just want to talk to you."
"I don't think there's anything left to say," she said coldly.
"Five minutes. That's all I'm requesting."
She looked down at her watch. "Fine. Your five minutes starts now."
Killian anxiously licked at his lips. "First of all, I never apologized. I am sorry for hurting you. It was never my intention."
Emma raised her eyebrows. "You lied to me from the moment we met. I'm assuming the whole I don't own a cell phone thing was a lie too."
He nodded. "It was. I overheard you on the phone and realized who you were. My phone was under my father's account. When he cut me off, he canceled my service. I thought if we were working together, then you might want me to be available by cell phone. So I decided to make you think I was opposed to having one."
"I see. And how exactly did you think lying to me right from the start wouldn't hurt me? Why did you do it, Killian?"
Killian sighed. "I never thought it would go this far. The day after we met when you said you knew who I really was, I was embarrassed because you were right. I didn't want to admit that you had my number so soon after meeting me. I didn't want to admit I was that man." He paused for a moment before going on. "I suppose I wanted you to like me, but I didn't think it would matter in the long run. I thought we would work together for a few days and then I would never see you again."
"Is that supposed to make it okay?"
"Of course not. I just want you to understand that it was never my intention to start a relationship with you based on lies. I never expected you to become so special to me in such a short time, Emma. I never expected for you to become such an important part of my life. I never imagined I would feel the way I do about you."
Emma met his eyes and her heart ached. There was a part of her that wanted to forgive him right then and there and start over. But she refused to let her heart guide her this time.
"Emma, we can start over right now."
She shook her head. "How can you expect me to ever trust you again?"
"I know if you give me a second chance I can prove to you that I deserve your trust."
Emma bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Killian, but I just don't think that's possible. You're just another person in a long line of people who I cared about and who hurt me."
"I know you got your heart broken as a teenager."
"You don't know anything about it," she replied coldly.
"Then tell me," he whispered.
Emma stared at him for a long moment, before licking at her lips. "I was sixteen and Neal was my first boyfriend. He was from a wealthy family and they disapproved of me. We were from two different worlds. But Neal said and did all of the right things. That is, until I got pregnant. He couldn't drop me fast enough. He said he had only been with me for the sex and to rebel from his parents. He said he never loved me and he didn't want to be a father. I was devastated. I was scared and all alone. I had run away from foster care a few months earlier and had gotten a job as a cashier at Macy's. I was barely scraping by. I could hardly take care of myself, never mind a baby. I knew I had to give my son up when he was born."
Killian stared at her in shock. "Emma, I had no idea. I am so sorry."
"It was a long time ago, but the heartbreak I experienced as a teenager was more than just normal teen angst. It changed my life, Killian."
"Emma, I'm not Neal."
"You're right, you're not. At least he had the excuse of being a stupid teenage boy. What's your excuse?"
"I have none," he replied, his eyes rooted to the ground.
Emma swallowed roughly. She felt her throat closing with emotion. "It's better that it happened now. We never would have worked out. We're from two different worlds, just like Neal and I were."
"None of that matters to me," he said, lifting his eyes to meet hers.
Emma blinked back tears. "It matters to me. I have worked hard for everything I've ever gotten in life, Killian. You've had everything handed to you. I thought you appreciated what you had and tried to give back. That meant a lot to me. It said a lot about who I thought you were. But it was all just a lie."
Killian opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off. "Your five minutes is up. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm late for work."
With that, she moved past him and went inside.
"Emma!" he called after her, but she never looked back.
...
End of Part 4
Sorry, I know after last night's episode you all could've used some more fluff! Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it! ~Steph