"Smee, I do not have time for this. I really need to talk to Emma."

"I am sorry you weren't able to talk to her before. I had no idea who leaked the time when you'll come back. I only gave Emma your flight dates." Smee furrowed his eyebrows and hurried after him.

Killian sighed. "I think I know who, but it doesn't matter. Let me just call Emma quickly to make sure she is okay."

"Captain, I think there is not enough time for that", Smee said and pointed at another group of fans, reporters and paparazzi.

Killian sighed and put his phone back in his pocket. He put on a fake smile and went towards the crowd.


"Finally", he said and plopped down on his couch. It was eleven pm and Killian was exhausted. Fans who wanted to get autographs or selfies with him; paparazzi who shot thousands of pictures; the annoying reporter which still wanted to know why he made a secret out of Emma and him. It was nearly too much. And he was angry. Why couldn't people accept, that he and Emma were only friends? And also this was a new friendship. He didn't even know how Emma thought about this whole relationship. How much she wanted to get involved with him. He closed his eyes and inhaled sharply.

The studio called earlier, asking him if he was willing to come in and do a quick promo shooting for the commercials between the castings and the actual show which started in eight weeks. At least he didn't had to face the fans/paparazzi/reporters anymore and the shoot didn't take that much time. Three hours later he was finally in his apartment.

He rubbed his face and drowned his rum. Slowly he raised and decided to surprise Emma instead of calling her, when her shift ends. He has plenty of time, so he headed to the bathroom for a shower first.


„Neal! What are you doing here?", Emma was surprised to see her ex boyfriend standing in the door, looking at her.

„I miss you Emma and I am sorry how everything ended. I want you to give us another try."

Emma shook her head. „No, Neal. I told you I don't want to. You betrayed me, you lied to me, you hurt me."

Neal stepped closer, his eyes reflecting honesty, sincerity. „Please, Emma. I love you. When I met you four weeks ago, I knew I made a mistake. Again. I should have fought for you. I am really sorry. Please, Emma."

Emma shook her head again, but she didn't move when Neal stepped closer. She didn't move backwards, when he cupped her face with his right hand. She didn't move when he leant closer and she did not move when his lips met hers.

Suddenly the doorbell chimed and Emma broke the kiss hastily. She peaked over Neal's shoulder but no one was there. She frowned and shook Neal's hand off, when he tried to pull her in another kiss.

„Neal stop it. I… I don't want that. It was a mistake. I… I need to check on Ruby", she turned and walked behind the counter. She put out her phone. Still no new messages. She dialed Ruby's number and waited impatiently.

Neal still stood in the middle of the diner, watching her and waiting for her.

„Hello?", Ruby's voice was full of sleep.

„Ruby where are you? Your shift started thirty minutes ago."

„Damnit. I… shit… Emma, can you remember Arthur, Killian's friend?"

Emma got annoyed. „Yeahh?!"

Well, I bumped into him in this afternoon and we kind of…"

„Ruby! Where are you now?"

„Portland!?"

„Whaaat?", Emma sighed, „you owe me big, girl. Stay and enjoy the rest of the night. Call me tomorrow. Next time check your phone from time to time."

Whose that, babe?", Emma heard on the other end and then Ruby's giggle. „I gotta go. Thank you,Emma. Bye."

Emma shook her head smiling. She looked up just to see Neal's annoyed look. „So you need to stay?"

Emma nodded and placed her phone on the counter. „Will you stay too?" She looked at him eagerly.

„Sorry, but I surely won't stay in that diner the whole night. I thought we could go out, dancing or do something like that."

Emma got annoyed. „I knew you didn't change. Why can't you be a nice guy and stay with me here? We could talk. Catch up."

Neal shook his head and turned. „When you have time, call me."

The door opened and closed behind him. „Surly not", she answered to no one and went back to the counter. She was angry and disappointed. She picked her phone up and wrote a new message.

So, still occupied or did you forget about me? Emma


The alarm woke Killian at seven o'clock. He slowly opened his eyes, the room was bathed in sunlight. He stretched and uncovered himself. It was too early for his taste. He rubbed his eyes and got up. Slowly he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and went into his kitchen.

He opened his cupboard however it was empty. He closed his eyes and banged his head against it. He forgot to shop yesterday. Everything has been so hasty, he did not think about it.

He looked at his watch and decided to stop by somewhere, to get a coffee the way to the studio. He dressed and checked his phone, when he saw Emma's message. He sighed and typed a message while walking to his car.

Good morning to you, love. I am sorry I did not check on you earlier, but you seemed very distracted with your ex (?!) boyfriend. K

He started the engine when a message arrived.

What? How do you know?

Wanted to pick you up from work, but left when I saw you kissing him. Can you just tell me why? He is an utter wanker and you know it.

He kissed me! and if you'd stay longer you would have seen he left shortly after. He didn't want to spend his precious night in the diner. And why do you care that much about?

You still at work?

Yes. Needed to take over Ruby's shift. She is with Arthur in Portland.

Arthur?

Yes, like in YOUR friend Arthur...ain't that his name?

He is Robin's mate. And I'm just irritated. Normally he doesn't hook with a lass twice. Question, do you have cafe-to-go?

Yeah why?

See you in ten minutes.

Killian left the garage of his building complex and rushed to Granny's diner. Luckily he lived nearby and it was on his way. Ten minutes later he entered the diner and was greeted with a large coffee with a tiny dash of milk to go.

He beamed at her and cocked a brow. Emma couldn't resist and walked around the counter to hug him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer, inhaling her unique scent, enjoying her warmth and her closeness.

„Hey Swan, I've missed you", he whispered in her ear, pulling her even closer.

Emma's eyes were closed too, she buried her face in the crook of his neck, savouring the moment. She was irritated how much she enjoyed herself. She wasn't aware that she had missed him so much. „I've missed you too. I'm glad you are back."

Killian broke the hug and looked at her happily, when someone behind him cleared its throat. He turned and looked in two stern, old eyes. „Good morning, Emma. Where is my granddaughter?"

„Ruby doesn't feel well and…"

„Stop lying, where is she this time?"

Emma blushed. „Portland."

„With Dorothy?"

Emma shook her head what made the old woman sigh. „When will she ever grow up? Thank you for covering her shift. Whose that?"

Emma blushed again, but Killian was quicker to respond. „Killian. Killian Jones, at your service, love", he introduced himself and held out his hand to her.

„Eh", Granny said, not paying attention to his offered hand, she turned to Emma again. „You wanted next week off, didn't you?"

Emma looked at Killian expectantly. „Well, that depends…" Killian beamed at her nodding slightly. Emma returned his smile. „I mean, yes."

„Well, than pack your things, take Mr. Handsome here and go. See you Monday in one week at eight. Be punctual."

Emma smiled and nodded, she took her stuff, grabbed Killian's hand and ushered him outside.

„It was nice to meet you, love. Have a nice day", he quickly said before the door closed. Granny rolled her eyes and waved her hand in the air before she went into the kitchen.


„Mr. Handsome?", Killian asked amused and looked back. Emma giggled and let go of his hand.

„That was Granny, my boss."

„Interesting woman."

„You have no idea", Emma answered and smiled broadly.

„Shall I bring you home, Swan?"

„That would be nice, but I do not want to cause you any troubles."

You don't, love", he guided her to his car and closed the door behind her. He got into the driver's seat and looked at her.

„I'm sorry for yesterday", he scratched behind his ear, „and for my behavior earlier."

Emma smiled at him and placed her hand on his. „It's okay, Killian." She shrugged and pulled her hand back. "We are just friends. So no harm done. Tell me, how are you?"

He started a light conversation, while she guided him to her home. A little bit disappointed he stopped in front of her apartment building a couple minuted later.

„I hoped the ride to be longer", he said honestly. Emma leant closer and kissed his cheek.

„Will you call me when you're finished today?"

„Sure, normally I end my day at five", he raised an eyebrow. „Swan, did anyone call you yesterday asking about a performance?"

Emma shook her head. Killian sighed and made a mental note, to never accept an offer to perform at the Misthaven nightclub. Suddenly Emma yawned. Killian looked at her caring.

„You should rest, Emma. I'll call you later. How about a cosy evening home with Netflix and pizza?"

„Sounds perfect to me", she assured him.

„Great. I'll call you when I'm done and pick you up on my way home?"

„Sure", Emma was tired and only wanted to sleep. She got out of the car and closed the door, when Killian exited the car too. „You really don't have to walk me to my door."

„But I'm a gentleman, Swan. Of course I'll walk you to your door."

Emma smiled, her cheeks flushed with a shade of pink. At her door she turned once more and hugged him tight. She kissed his cheek and opened the door to enter her apartment building.

Killian waved her goodbye and headed back to his car to drive to the studio.


The day was like chewing gum, like a never ending story. Killian was angry, exhausted, annoyed. He had texted Emma that his day won't end at five as the producers wanted to do some filming for the commercials and teaser and retrospects. In the end he exited the studio at half past seven.

Hey Swan. I'm on my way home. Would pick you up in 45minutes if you are still interested. We can order pizza or anything you want. I'm sorry it took me so long. Killian

How about you coming over to my apartment and we stay here? I order something, so it's delivered when you'll arrive?! Emma

He thought about it and decided that it was probably the best idea, so he didn't need to go grocery shopping and to hurry. He only wanted to stop by a specific shop for a little present for her.

Sure. In that case I will be at yours in about twenty five minutes. Order whatever you want. Shall I bring anything?

Great. No, I have everything we need (I hope). C ya soon.

He smiled and started the engine, five minutes later, he parked his car outside a jewelry store. He didn't notice the paparazzi who has followed him since he left the studio. Ten minutes later, he exited the shop with a small giftbox wrapped up in a nice tissue paper. The moment he entered the grocery, he received a message from his manager.

Did some grocery shopping for you, Captain. Also declined two offers from the Misthaven nightclub. They wanted you to perform tonight (!) and next weekend. Told them that you are not available the next four weeks. Enjoy your weekend. I'll call Monday to go through your schedule with you. Be careful, tabloids are still hooked on the Emma love story. Smee

He sighed and answered immediately, while he entered his car again.

Thanks to you, for the shopping Smee. II'll try to stay out of the tabloids. Why can't they accept that we are just friends or something like that (I hardly know her) – don't accept any offers from the Misthaven nightclub at all. The owner was the one who leaked my flight dates as I declined her offer even before you did. Anyhow, I'll take off the whole next week. Call me only if it is really important. Otherwise call me earliest Monday in one week. Take off the week as well! You earned it. Captain

Thank you, sir. We'll stay in touch. Enjoy your week off. Call me if you need anything. Smee

Killian smiled, he was stunned about the loyalty of his manager. He was glad he had him, even when he knew they could never be real friends.

He pulled out into the traffic and stopped at Emma's about fifteen minutes later. He checked if he had everything he needed and walked to the entrance. He looked for Emma's name and pressed her name.

"Yeah," Emma answered immediately.

"Delivery", he chirped and waited for her reaction.

It was quiet at the other end. "Uhm, I'm sorry, but the things I've ordered were delivered a few minute ago. Maybe you hit the wrong button."

"So you are not in interested in a devilishly handsome musician?"

"Killian! You are such a dork! Come on up. Second floor and don't use the elevator."

She buzzed him open and he Killian followed her instructions. It was an old building. One like many others in the city. After several minutes he reached the second floor. When he looked up, he saw Emma leaning against the doorframe. She was wearing a cosy white sweater and grey sweatpants. Her feet were covered with fuzzy socks and her hair were up in a messy bun. She looked beautiful, her cheeks flushed with a light shade of pink, a soft smile on her lips, her green eyes sparkling with joy.

"Hey!", she welcomed him and stepped aside. He entered the apartment and beamed at her.

"Good evening, Swan. How are you?"

"Much better than this morning. An unexpected double shift is always exhausting. But nothing a bubble bath and a long nap can't cure. How was your day?"

She went to her kitchen counter, Killian following her smiling.

"Exhausting but also liberating. I didn't expect the whole judging thing to be that exhausting. But it's worth it. I met a lot of great new artists. We have a mother of eleven children in our show", he started to talk, while he watched Emma working in her kitchen; accepting a bottle of beer and offering his help wordless.

"Ysabelle, I know. I followed your show on the internet." She gave him two plates and pointed at the couch. "I liked her a lot, but also the young Mexican guy, uhm, what's his name...Filo, Fino..."

"Fido? You liked his music? I think he is too fixated on one style. He is afraid in trying something new, as he knows that he is good in what he is doing. But he would be much better if he tried something new. Anyway. I don't want to bother you with my work stuff." He offered her one of his warmest and most honest smiles.

"Honestly? I really enjoy talking about it with you. But I do understand if you don't want to talk about work."

"No, no, my work is my passion. It's my life. I love talking about music, about talents about all of this stuff."

They started a heated discussion while rewatching some of the casting shows. Killian enjoyed her fresh inputs, her opinions and the reasons why she agreed or disagreed with him. They laughed and talked, ate and drank until Killian noticed Emma's heavy eyelids.

"Uhm, Swan, I think we should continue this discussion another time. It's kind of late and I don't want to be the reason you don't get your beauty sleep."

Emma yawned and stretched. After a quick glance at the clock of her microwave she nodded. "Well I guess, I'll show you my music another time."

"How about tomorrow? Or do you have any plans?", Killian asked enthusiastic.

"No, I'm free", Emma answered smiling and walked with him to her front door.

Killian put on his coat, when he suddenly felt something in his pocket. "Oh, right, I nearly forgot to give you this", he said and pulled out the small gift box.

"Killian! What's that?" She slowly unpacked it and lifted the top of the box. Inside was her swan pendant on a new necklace. "Oh, thank you. But you didn't have to replace the necklace. It wasn't your fault it broke."

"Right. But your pendant kept me safe, so I thought I thank you for lending it to me, by buying a new necklace. May I?", he took the necklace out of the box and asked her to turn around. Emma lifted her hair and he placed the pendant in the crook of her neck, before he closed it carefully.

Emma turned and beamed at him, touching her pendant softly. "Thank you, Killian. I have this pendant since I am a young girl. This was the second time I didn't wear it that long."

"I'm glad you have it back. Good night, Swan", Killian kissed her cheek and smiled one last time before he left her apartment.


The following days, they met each other daily. They talked about their music, showed each other their latest tracks; they watched (old) movies or binge watched Netflix; they laughed together and had a really great time. Even the following three weeks they met every now and then. Killian picked her up after work or they met in a café in the city; they watched a movie in the theatre together or went out with friends.

But everything changed at the end of the month.