Chapter| 08
On her way back to her apartment, while she showered, dressed and got ready for her date… Emma couldn't stop thinking about her talk with Killian Jones.
She'd been nervous about their conversation, not knowing how he was going to take her news. He'd been rash and unpredictable before, so she was preparing herself for anything. And then he'd gone and left her speechless once again, opening the door and welcoming her with a brilliant smile. Emma had never seen him smile that way before tonight, and the fact that her mere presence had been the cause of it made her feel proud and giddy with excitement.
She felt something for him. Be that attraction, a connection or something deeper. She couldn't fight the gravitational pull she felt towards him. Killian was like kryptonite to her, lowering her defenses as soon as he was close. So much so, that she had almost revealed that she was falling for him. She hoped he hadn't caught her meaning at all, because she was not ready for the implications of it herself. How could being around a man she hardly knew feel so comfortable, so right?
It has been so long since she's felt that way about a man that she wasn't ready to dwell on the meaning of it, so she had tried to push Killian Jones away from her mind as she parked across the street from the restaurant.
Walking into the Sushi place, Emma starts feeling weary of what she'll find. She knows who Jefferson Grace is, seen him around town, at school PTA meetings and kids birthday parties. Always quiet and alone, just like her. But she was not blind she knew he was good-looking, tall with a nice smile.
Nothing compared to Killian… There goes her effort to avoid thinking about Killian Jones!
After talking to the hostess she realizes that he's not there yet. So she goes ahead and takes a sit on their table.
11 minutes later, a very frazzled but good looking man makes his way in between the tables and almost crashes into her as she stands up to greet him.
"Sorry I'm late, first I couldn't get out of the office and then the babysitter was a no show, had to ask the neighbor to stay with Paige and when I thought I could finally be on my way I realized I had left my lucky hat so I had to go back to get it." He says showing her the very curious looking item.
Emma had to smile at his sheepish expression and pink blush. "It's okay. I understand how it is to have an almost teenage child and try to raise them on your own. It's a miracle Henry has turned out as good as he had."
"That's because he has a an amazing mother… Or so he has told me."
And now she was the one blushing at his words. He held out her chair again and she sat down, feeling herself relax. From then on out their conversation flows easily. One single parenting tale after another…
"I imagine having a girl, can't be easy."
"It's not, but Youtube is my savior! From how to braid her hair to making fairy wings for her Halloween costume. It's hard, but I wouldn't have it any other way." He answers in between bites.
And soon Emma doesn't have to worry about enjoying herself or thinking about the very intriguing Killian Jones, his name never crossing her mind again during the evening.
Regina Mills was all about family and friends. Growing up with a very demanding mother, losing her dear father and finding herself in the middle of a new household when her mother remarried Leo Blanchard, she'd learn to appreciate the people around her. She was lucky enough to meet her husband Robin Loxley when she was still in college. It was love at first sight. Much like it had happened to her half sister and her Prince Charming. Mary Margaret and David Nolan recognized each other as soul mates way before they even knew what it meant.
Having people over for dinner parties was one of Regina's obsessions. One would think that being the Mayor would put a damper on her social life, but that was far from the truth. Storybrooke was a small town and it was not strange to find her on a picnic at the park, camping near the woods or having lunch with her friends at the local diner.
Today was a night like many others. She was 'babysitting' Henry, because Emma was out in one of her dates and her sister and her husband were over for dinner. They had been enjoying the conversation going from one topic to the next. But soon, in between bites of her award winning apple pie, the young teenage boy spoke up.
"How do you think it's going with my mom and Jefferson?"
The adults looked around the table in concern. Emma had done a wonderful job raising a kid on her own while dealing with a life threatening illness. The circle of friends became even tighter as they all banded together to help the young mother with anything her and the boy needed. Soon they were the family the green-eyed survivor never had growing up.
With a caring ruffle of his hair, Regina smiled at the 13 years old boy and tried to appease his mind. "Everything will be fine, Henry. The fact that she even accepted to go out with him is a win in my book, don't you think?"
"Yeah. She wasn't too happy about Operation Marry off a Swan, I was very surprised when she agreed to go on her three dates. But ever since her date with the Dentist she's been acting kind of weird."
Regina turned to her sister and arched her eyebrow in question. Mary Margaret returned her look as if saying 'not now' and then addressed Henry with a sweet smile on her face. "It's normal to be scared, she's taking a huge step after a long time of being just the two you. Soon she'll meet her prince charming and live happily ever after… Be it Jefferson or someone else entirely."
Robin took a drink from his wine glass and nodded to the young boy as well. A secret exchange was going on between his wife and sister in law, but that was something he would get answers for later. "It's also not something you should be worrying yourself over. Your mother is a very intelligent woman and she knows what she needs or who she needs in her life."
"You are right. Its just that…I know I was the one to set her up with Jefferson and all but now I'm not so sure I want him to be my stepdad." The young teenage boy said as he kept his eyes on the apple pie crumbles on his plate.
"Why not?" David asks with a knowing smile.
"I though a lot about it. Paige and I have been friends all our lives and it'd be weird to all of the sudden be Page's brother, you know."
Robin can't hold back a small chuckle at the boy's earnest confession. "Let's leave your mother's love life in her hands. I think she's cable to make her own decisions."
Regina's voice is low, but still very clear. "That's debatable after the whole pirate thing."
"Pirate? What pirate?" Henry asks confused at the statement.
"It's nothing Henry. Why don't you take Roland upstairs and help him finish his homework?"
The young boy, that had been happily munching on his desert, groans in disapproval. "What about video games?"
"Both of you have had enough video games for the day. Finish homework, brush your teeth and your dad will read you a story before bed."
"Dad can you read Robin Hood?" He said in a high pitch, excited voice.
"Only if you listen to Henry."
"Promise! Come on Henry!" Roland stands up and is almost out of the dinning room when he remembers his manners and yells his goodbyes. "ByeAuntiEminemAndUncleDave!
All of the adults laugh and shake their heads as Henry follows behind the little munchkin.
Robin waits until the little footsteps disappear up the staircase to speak. "So now that the little ears our gone. Can you two explain what's going on with Emma?"
"And who is this Pirate you are so worried about?" Added David.
Both Regina and Mary Margaret look at each other again. Regina rolls her eyes at them and Mary Margaret takes the lead. "His name is Killian Jones, and he's obviously not a real Pirate."
"Jones? Isn't that the guy that you invited to our Men's night out?"
"Indeed, he's a fellow Irish bloke. Nice enough, quiet and working for you isn't he?" He asks his wife.
"I have a contract with his office. They sent him to start the research on the viability of the water park on the empty plot of land south of the docks."
"How did he and Emma meet? Did you set them up without us knowing?"
"I did no such thing." She answered David's questions indignantly.
"They met the night of the disastrous blind date with Dr. Ryan," Mary Margaret supplied.
"The dentist?" Robin asked.
"Please let's not bring up that mistake again." Regina says following up with a gulp of her wine glass.
"Well it was your pick for her. God only knows why… They have nothing in common. I mean he's a great dentist, but nothing like Emma's type." Mary Margaret argued.
"How could I know what her type is? We've never seen her go on dates before!"
"Well I guess we know now… I mean she's completely gone for Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome."
David was in the middle of a drink and spit out half of it at the description coming from his wife's mouth. "Excuse me!"
"It's okay, babe." The pixie cut brunette said as she ran her hand over his back soothingly.
David looked at her shocked. "No it's not. What does Tall, Dark and Handsome even mean? Do you find him attractive, is that it?"
"And define Emma being and I quote 'completely gone'." Asked Robin, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Don't get your underwear in a twist boys." Regina said with finality. "As soon as you're done with your overbearing big brothers routine we'll explain what we know."
He's tried very hard to push her blonde hair and brilliant green eyes from his mind, but it's been no use. After she left earlier in the evening all he could think about was her smile, the nervous energy making her rest her weight from one foot to the other. She was inside his room and Killian feels he's going crazy remembering the little details of their conversation.
After she left to get ready for her date tonight, he'd taken a long cold shower and had settle on his bed with his computer. Finishing a few notes from his work early in the day and getting ready for what he had to do tomorrow before a conference call with his boss. Later he had picked up a book from downstairs, but his mind kept on wondering towards her. Emma Swan had him hypnotized, almost cursed into thinking only about her.
Opening his eyes, he realized it was little over 9:30pm. If their date had taken place tonight, they would be arriving at the restaurant. He would have asked for a bottle of wine and then…
The loud ringing of his phone brought him out of his reverie.
"Hello? Killian?" Came the sweet voice on the other side, before he could even answer properly.
"Isn't the receiver of the phone call the one that should talk first?" He says holding back his smirk at the huffing sound she makes on the other side.
"Oh whatever… where you waiting to hear someone else?"
"Who else would be calling at this time in the evening?" He knew exactly what she was not asking him. But he couldn't let the opportunity to play with her for a bit.
"Don't play innocent. Have you seen Emma? Have you talk to her? Did you ask her out?"
Letting out a sigh he ran his free hand over his unkempt hair.
"Is that frustration I detect?" He can hear her hesitate for a moment and then she was speaking again. "Oh, Killian… What did you do?"
"I swear I didn't do anything." He started, but she stayed quiet. He knew she was waiting for him to go on. "Yes, Belle. I've seen Emma since we last spoke. She actually came looking for me after our ill fated encounter that prompted me, only God knows why, to call you earlier this week."
"You called me because I'm your best friend, slash, conscience and the only one besides Will that calls your bluff and can tell you off to your face. Oh, and because you love me."
He couldn't help but to chuckle at her most accurate description. "Touché."
"Tell me what happened and how did you managed to mess it up, because that is the only reason why you would be sulking into your rum on a Friday night."
"I already told you I didn't do anything. And for your information I'm not sulking into my rum, it's been a few days since I last consumed any alcohol." He heard a surprise intake of breath, but he went on when she didn't say anything. "But to your point I am as you quite so eloquently put it, sulking into an old battered copy of Peter Pan."
"I'm going to file that information away for another time, though I have to say I'm very happy that you are taking a step away from the bottle. What happened when Emma came to see you? Did she forgive your stupidity?"
"She did." He couldn't stop the smile that came to his lips as he remembered their conversation that night on the Jolly Roger. "We talked a lot that night. And we sort of admitted we liked each other and wanted to get to know more of the other. She asked me out on a date."
The squeal she gave at the information, made him flinch. "I'm so happy for you Killian! You don't know how long I've prayed for you to finish grieving and start living again."
He closed his eyes and nodded. "It hasn't been an easy task, I assure you. I've been battling my fair share of demons since I've meet Emma. But she's been like a beacon of light, shining brightly and I've been like a moth attracted to the flame of her aura even at the expense of getting burned."
Killian could hear Belle sighing at his words and he couldn't avoid the blush that burned his cheeks even if his friend couldn't see him.
"Oh my God Killian, I've never heard you wax such poetry for a woman before."
He laughs softly. "I guess she just brings out the best in me."
They go silent for a while both in their own heads. He was thinking about the last time he felt something remotely as real and scary as what Emma made him feel. After the accident he'd been sure that Milah had taken his heart with her to the next life. That after her, he would be cursed into living an empty existence until his own time came. But with Emma, even if he tried to fight it or if everything happened too soon, he had started to feel his heart beat again.
After dinner, Jefferson and Emma walk down the street towards her car.
"I had a great time today. I'm glad we finally met." He said smiling.
"Even if it wasn't a love match?" She asked.
"Especially because it wasn't." He said with small laugh, his hands playing with his hat as they walked. "I have to confess I'm not ready to be in a serious relationship yet. I want to dedicate myself entirely to Paige."
Emma nods with a smile. "I understand perfectly. I thought the same for the longest time. I think it takes the right person to open your self up to a world of opportunities."
"You sound inspired." Jefferson looks at her sideways, kind of wary of her answer.
She looks at him and giggles. "Not by you. I told you I'm perfectly fine being just friends." Emma moves her eyes from his and a blush tint her cheeks pink. "I've met someone. It's new and complicated… What am I even saying? It's nothing really."
They stop in front of her yellow car and she takes in a big gulp of air. Her hands covering her stomach, exactly where a colony of butterflies seem to have taken to do the cha cha every time she thinks about Killian Jones.
"By your reaction to just talking about it out loud with a stranger… It seems like something."
"I don't even know what It is. What I do know is that it's been over 10 years since I've felt anything like It."
Jefferson laughs and gets closer to her opening his arms and hugging her. "It's going to be okay, Emma. Take a chance, get to know him… you'll figure It out."
She places her arms around him and hugs him back. "I can't believe our date ended with you giving me advice to go after another guy."
Jefferson pulls back and smiles. "Believe me, most people will say I'm mad for not pursuing a gorgeous woman like you."
"You are not mad, you're sweet. Thank you for dinner, I had a great time tonight."
"Me too. How about we plan another date? Completely platonic, take the kids to the theater or the circus?"
"I'd love that."
He grabs her phone and punches in his number. "There you go. Now if things with the mystery man work out, you'll also have a babysitter."
"Or just someone to talk about being a parent to a pre teen." She says rolling her eyes.
"Please don't remind me that my little girl is going to be a teenager." He says feigning panic.
Killian has been avoiding looking out the window for the last two hours and maybe he should've kept away from it longer. But his curiosity got the better of him and that's how he found himself watching Emma walking down the street with her date. Soon they are standing by the car, talking and laughing together. She looks radiant, happy… Maybe he was right, maybe she had found someone who could give her everything she deserves. His eyes go wide and his heart almost beats out of his chest when Jefferson hugs her, he grabs her phone probably to give her his number and then Emma gives him a kiss on the cheek.
Turning around, away from the sight, Killian flings himself on the bed not wanting to ponder on the idea of Emma enjoying the company of another fellow. He's willing his heart to stop beating so fast and his mind to ponder what his feeling at the moment, when he hears the soft knock on the door.
Standing up, he walks to the door with a frown on his face. And there she is… Looking like a goddess in a green dress that makes her eyes shine like emeralds and gold.
"Hi." She says almost out of breath, a smile forming on her red lips.
"Swan." His voice is cold, distant. "No need to come and let me down easy."
"What?"
Emma moves two steps inside and he opens the door wider. Her smile turns into a frown, but she still moves forward into his room. Her step almost falters when she realizes that he's not wearing a shirt only his red flannel pants. He debates on grabbing the white t-shirt from the drawer, but then she's talking again a pretty flush running down her neck and disappearing under the high collar of her dress, her hands grabbing her hand back tightly.
"What happened? I thought everything was okay when we talked earlier?"
Killian looks up then, his face stoic trying to not betray his frustration. "I saw you with him. I have to say that was a very cozy hug."
"Jefferson walked me back to my car. He was a gentleman, I was just saying good night."
He crosses his arms and nods, trying to look nonchalant. "And the kiss at the end, just another way to say good night, right? I mean he was chivalrous and good-looking, quite the combination, very deserving of a kiss I guess. I'm happy for you."
"You are happy for me?" She deadpans and walks closer to him, mad and determined, closing the door to his room with a push from her elbow. "Do you honestly think I came here to kick you to the curb? What next? Do I tell you I've found someone better? It's not like I've been pining around after you ever since we first met."
And then his brain is scrambling to make sense of everything she's said. His arms fall from his chest, a hand immediately going to scratch the back of his ear as his head falls down in shame.
"You are an idiot, Killian Jones!" She says, using her handbag to hit his arm.
"We didn't exactly start on the right foot." He utters as he dares to look back at her between his long lashes. "Do you blame me for being uncertain?" He finishes with a tilt of his head and a sheepish smile.
"You've managed to sneak into my walls. Dare I say, you started to crack them." Now she's the one looking shy, her voice cracking. "I – I thought it was mutual. I thought that you felt the same."
"Oh Swan you have no idea…" He says in a sigh.
And then he is there, crowding her personal space. One of his hands snakes around her waist and the other cradles her face. All she feels next is his soft lips over hers, his nose bumping against her own. A moan coming from deep inside, lips dancing exploring, tasting… She drops her handbag to the floor so she can run her hands from his naked torso up his chest and into his hair, holding on trying not to fall… Far away her subconscious tells her that it's to late, she's been falling since the first time their hands twined together.
Emma doesn't know how, but soon she finds her back pushed against the door, his hands are sometimes fast in their exploration, sometimes slowing into a delicate caress. Their lips savor each other, an intoxicating taste, and she's sure she can get addicted to it if she lets herself. The kiss seems to go on forever and then she feels his hands run down her sides, exploring her legs under the hem of her dress, grabbing the back of her thighs. Soon she feels him there, pressed to her center…
Wanting, needing… Once she's lost herself in his smell, his touch, his kiss... their lips break apart. Their foreheads touching as both are panting, trying to get air back into their longs.
"What are you doing to me, love?" He says, a desperate whisper as he places a kiss into her hairline.
"The same thing you are doing to me, I hope." Is her breathless answer. Her head moves up her lips finding the pulse point on his neck.
"I – I th-think, as much as it pains me…" His words trail off as he turns his head and their lips find each other for a short chaste peck and then he pushes away again. His eyes closed. "I think that we should stop, before we cross the line of no return."
He's still nestled between her legs, pulsating, alert and his hand is holding her left leg up to his waist. She smiles seductively. "I wouldn't mind crossing that line."
He groans and kisses her again hard and fast, pushing into her showing her exactly what her words are doing to him. But soon he's stepping away from her and dropping her leg. He pulls down the hem of her dress, his fingers finding her heated skin for a short caress before he grabs her hand in his.
"I already told you Swan, I'm a gentleman. So now I'm going to walk you to your car and kiss you goodnight."
She pouts and pulls at their entwine fingers, but he doesn't let them go. She uses her other hand and rakes her fingers on the hairs at his nape. "Are you sure that's what you want?"
He groans again. "You are a bloody vixen!" He kisses her once more and then suddenly pushes away from her grabs her handbag from the floor and moves to open the door.
A loud giggle escapes her bruised lips. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
"Yeah and what's that?" He asks trying to keep from looking at her lips swollen from his kisses and her eyes dark with desire.
"Unless you want to give Granny, Ruby or anyone else in Storybrooke something to dream about tonight, you better put on a shirt."
Author's Note: Sorry it took me so long to update this story. Work and Life made it kind of impossible to dedicate time to this chapter... I hope it didn't turned out too bad... Please leave me a note and tell me what you think!
