"What' your problem, mate? Why can't you be happy for me?" Robin was furious, he spun around, facing his friend angrily.

"Of course I am happy for you, but why her, why?" Killian shook his head vigorously.

"Why not? What do you have against her?"

"Not enough, that's for sure", Killian growled annoyed.

"You know what, Killian? I give a shit about your opinion. I met this incredible woman and I want to learn more about her and I don't need a friend who is against this relationship without telling me a plausible reason."

"Relationship? You barely know her!"

"But you do know her?! What is it about Regina and you?", Robin turned again, facing Killian, his eyes blown wide. "Oh my god, have you and she..."

"Man, no! She ain't my type and besides", Killian shivered before he went on, "Robin, the only thing I say is, be careful. She can be evil. Why do you think that everyone calls her "your majesty" or "evil queen"? She thinks she is something better, she doesn't even care about anything or anyone."

"Oh come on, Killian. Now you're acting like a child. Mind your own business! You just don't like her because Regina stands in between Emma and you. I could also tell you to stay away from Emma. She will be your death one day, you know that right?! She is just trouble, your charity project or I don't know. She is good but you don't have any advantages taking her with you on tour. Why do you even go on tour with her if not to lay her?"

Killian's patience snapped, his fist collided with Robin's nose, a loud cracking sound echoed from the walls.

Robin held his bleeding nose, looking at Killian shocked. "Bugger off, Jones!"

Killian wanted to say something but he just closed his mouth again, turned around and left Robin's apartment.

"Well, in that case I would choose the purple background, the one with the mist and the clouds, it's dangerous, mystique but also just dreamy and interesting", Regina turned and nodded at Emma who entered Regina's small office slowly. "Well, Mr. Smee, if the Captain wants to sit together, it will be my pleasure, but I surly won't accept a decision above my head... No, he has no right and we have to figure out a tour name, because "Captain Hook and Emma Swan on tour" seems a bit... lame, don't you think? Well, you know what, send me the Captain's timetable so we can find a time to sit together soon. I have to go, bye."

She sighed and tossed her phone on the table.

"Well, Ms. Swan. Nice to see you here, what can I do for you?"

Emma frowned, pulling her bag closer to her stomach. "Ahm, you asked me to stop by before work?!"

"Oh yes, I am sorry, I totally forgot. You know planning a tour with Captain "always right" is quite a challenge."

"I thought you like challenges and besides, what is up with you two. It's a bit annoying and I really hate to hear nothing else from you two than harsh words against each other."

Regina shook her head, sitting down. "Well, Ms. Swan, I have three appointments for you. It's nothing too big, but it's a start and you can promote your tour as well. Insofar the Captain is willing to decide and cooperate."

Emma rolled her eyes. She was so sick of this war between Regina and Killian. "Okay, before we talk about the performances, what do you do tomorrow evening?"

"What, another night out?"

"Wasn't so bad for you last time, was it?" Emma smiled broadly tilting her head and waiting for a response.

"Well, no, but nevertheless, I'm not interested in another evening at a club." Regina's cheeks grew a shade pinker than usual.

"That's not what I would have suggested. What about dinner? You, Killian, Mr. Smee and I?! I know that Killian has nowhere to be tomorrow as it is our usual friends night and before you ask, yes, I am aware that I sacrifice this evening, but I am so sick of your constant feud. We can meet in public or in private at my place, or wherever you want us to be. I'll clear everything with Killian. So?!"

Regina breathed heavily, tapping with her pen on the desk pad. "Fine. Let's meet at "Marco's", I'll order a table at seven. I think it'll be the best to be seated in a private room."

"Great. I'll call Killian later. So, about the performances. Where, when and what kind of performances?" Emma was excited. Not only because of the fact that Regina finally got her three jobs, also because of the fact, that they'll meet the next evening to talk about the tour and hopefully compose the dispute between Regina and Killian. They talked for about an hour before Emma had to head for work.

The moment she left the office, Regina answered a call. The last words Emma heard before the door closed made her shiver. "You got to be kidding me - he did what? He'll suffer for this!"

It took Emma three hours to convince Killian to come and two more to convince Regina after she had stopped by the diner to cancel their plans but not telling why. It had been an exhausting shift for Emma. Thank god, there hadn't been many customers. Just the regular ones, who didn't mind a little alternation.

Now Emma and Regina were sitting at the table, waiting for Killian and Smee. It was ten past seven, Regina constantly murmured something about punctuality and respect and typical Captain while Emma just hoped that Killian won't stood them up.

Twenty past seven, Emma checked her phone the third time and Regina was about to get up, when Killian and Smee entered the room quietly. Smee pulled down his cap and apologised for the late appearance, while Killian just sat down opposite Emma. He didn't even look at her, his sunglasses still on his nose, not willing to doff of his leather jacket. A waiter entered the room, putting a tumblr of rum in front of Killian, who drowned the amber liquid in one go, ordering another one.

Emma eyed him suspiciously when she saw his bruised knuckles. "Killian?!", she asked quietly, but was interrupted by Regina.

"So, Captain. How's your hand? Hope it hurts more than Robin's nose."

Emma's eyes widened. She looked from Regina to Killian and then to Smee. He looked at her sadly and shrugged. The waiter came back and placed their drinking order on the table.

"Do you need another minute or did you decide yet?"

Nobody answered until Smee looked at the man friendly and asked about another few minutes. When he left, they fell into an uncomfortable silence until Killian suddenly got up.

"Sorry, Swan, that was a mistake", he said and turned towards the entrance. Regina also got up, grabbing her coat.

"Stop!", Emma yelled. Killian and Regina looked up, seeing that she was standing at the table, both hands pressed on its surface. "Stop acting like children. We are all adults. Can we please sit and talk?"

Regina exhaled sharply, but sat down again and put her coat on the stool next to her. Killian didn't move. His eyes were fixated on his shoes. Emma looked at Regina, Smee and finally at Killian, walking towards him.

She placed her hand on his cheek, drawing his attention towards him. "Killian, please. The whole tour will only work when we sit together and talk. Please. Do it for me. You told me to get a manager, your manager found her. Please, come to the table. Let us talk about everything. Stop acting like a moron!"

He took off the sunglasses and took Emma's hand. "Okay, I'll do it for you." He squeezed her hand gently and went back to the table.

Three hours later they all sat in the bar which was attached to the restaurant. Robin has also joined the group, clinking glasses with Killian, laughing and patting him on the back. Emma sat there smiling. She was happy that most of the problems were history. She also was happy that Killian and Regina decided to push their past (about neither of them was willing to talk about) aside and focus on their jobs and the upcoming tour.

They did decide the colour scheme for the posters, the flyers and the other merchandising. They decided in which states and cities they wanted to perform and where they didn't want to perform. They tried to decide on how many performances they wanted to do at all. While Smee and Regina had discussed the budget, Killian had pulled Emma aside.

"Are you alright, love?", he asked careful because Emma looked a bit pale and also overwhelmed. She nodded slowly, looking over her shoulder towards Smee and Regina. Regina was very impulsive and heated but she had a tough time of it with Smee and his quiet, calm personality. Emma did understand why Killian stuck with him. "I'm sorry, Emma. I never wanted to make you feel uncomfortable. It's your first tour and I'm ruining it because of some selfish issues. I promise I won't let that happen again. What about I call Robin to apologise and smooth things over?"

Emma pursed her lips. "Okay, but to be honest, what about transferring this meeting to a place with more alcohol?"

Killian laughed and pulled her closer. "I love the way you think, love. There is a bar attached to this place. It's called Gepetto's. I'll call Robin to invite him over." He kissed her temple and put out his phone to send a text to Robin who responded immediately and promised to come.

"How about "Captain Hook and wench on tour"?", Robin teased Killian who clenched his teeth, shooting him a warning glance. Regina shook her head.

"Behave Robin, or I can't guarantee the Captain won't punch you again. Besides why did he in the first place?", she asked interested, exchanging expecting looks with Emma.

"Doesn't matter", both men answered simultaneous, sipping at their beers. Emma rolled her eyes, Regina shook her head annoyed.

"What about "Captain Swan and friends on tour"?, Smee suddenly asked quietly, looking around nervously. They decided earlier to have special appearances of some of their friends in different cities. Mostly Killian's friends but that didn't matter. Everyone went silent, looking at each other, thinking.

"I like it", Regina finally said, leaning closer to Robin. Emma looked at Killian who smiled at her.

"Perfect, so we have a tour name", Killian decided and raised his bottle, "well done, Mr. Smee."

"Thank you, Captain", his manager stuttered and sipped at his beer.

The next forty-five minutes they chatted and talked about the upcoming tour. Emma suddenly smiled and placed her hand on Killian's forearm. "I think I'll head home. I have to work tomorrow and I need some sleep."

"Alright, I'll give you a ride,love."

"You don't have to."

"I know, but I want to." Killian grabbed her jacket and helped her in it, he grabbed his coat too, said good bye to the others and left with her.

"Come on, Ruby, we are going to be late!", Emma put on her earrings, looking into the mirror one last time.

"Can I go like that?" Ruby entered the room, she wore a tight black dress, with one strap over her shoulder. It ended mid thigh, showing off her long feet. Her hair were straightened, no red streaks in it, only her natural dark brown hair colour. She wore decent makeup, totally different to a normal Ruby outfit. She put on her high black heels, searching for Emma's eyes.

"Ruby, you look wonderful. I think I've never seen you in such a "modest" outfit and... Ruby, what's going on?", Emma's smile faded instantly, watching her friend still looking at her with a half-hearted smile.

"Maybe Granny is right and I have to grow up?!", she said smiling but it still didn't reach her eyes.

Emma shook her head. She knew her best friend and something wasn't right. "Ruby? I know you and either you won't tell or you cannot tell me right now. But I hope you'll tell me whenever you are ready." She pulled her into a hug, holding her tight.

"Thank you", Ruby said quietly, hugging Emma tighter. She breathed deeply and pushed Emma off herself. "Shall we? We won't let your Captain wait any longer, will we?"

Emma rolled her eyes but smiled. "He ain't my Captain!"

"Yeah, right", Ruby said chuckling and closed the door behind them.

Ten minutes later they arrived at the studio. It was the final episode of "world's next top dj". The grand final show with after show party. Killian had invited them to New York and this time Emma was happy to accept the offer.

She was going to meet some of the participants, she was able to see Killian live on stage as a juror and she was able to party with him afterwards. Some of the participants would perform with them on their tour and Emma was interested and excited meeting them.

She pulled out her phone to text Killian.

We just arrived. Will we see us before the show? Emma

She observed Ruby while they were waiting for an answer. Ruby seemed paler than usual. Emma tried to think about a time where Ruby didn't wear much makeup but she couldn't remember. Suddenly her phone buzzed.

Swan! I'm glad you could make it. I'm afraid we won't see us before the show. Where are you exactly. I'll send Smee, maybe he can bring you backstage. I'm not allowed to leave the backstage area before the show. Too many crazy fan(girl)s. Killian

Standing next to a huge coffee and sweet booth. The walls in this section are coloured yellow, but I also see a purple wall in front of us. Doesn't make much sense, does it? It's okay, we will look for our seats and we will see each other after the show.

No, it makes perfect sense. Smee is on his way and with you in a few minutes. Can't wait to see you again. This week was so crazy. I have to tell you about it later. Everyone here is a little bit tensed, I really could see a friendly, familiar face.

Before Emma was able to respond, Smee appeared in front of the two women. Emma hugged him briefly, took Ruby's hand and followed Killian's manager to a small door behind the booth.

"Captain awaits you. It's good to see you again, Emma. Ruby, you... you look very pretty", he said and blushed immediately. Emma thanked him smiling and looked at Ruby who also blushed. Two minutes later, Smee knocked at a door and opened Killian's dressing room.

Killian practically knocked Emma down, pulling her into a hug, lifting her up and spinning her around. Emma shrieked and wrapped her arms around Killian's neck. He pressed her against him, stroking her hair. "I missed you. So much. Two weeks had been much too long."

"You are talking nonsense. We spoke nearly daily" Emma lowered her voice, her lips mere inches from his, her eyes flicking between his eyes and lips. She smiled broadly, before his lips connected with hers. Suddenly they were interrupted by Ruby and a petite red head, who needed to talk to Killian.

While Killian and the woman were talking, Ruby nudged Emma's arm. "Not your Captain, I can see that." She winked at her while Emma rolled her eyes. But she blushed when she locked eyes with Killian who was still talking to the crew member.

A few minutes later Killian stood next to them. "Ruby, am I allowed to tell you how gorgeous you look!?", he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I am sorry, ladies, but I am afraid you have to leave now, but I'm looking forward seeing you after the show. Come back to the door, Smee is bringing you now, we will drive to the after show party together, aye?!" The women nodded. Killian again looked at Ruby. "Beautiful", he said smiling before he turned slightly facing Emma, leaning close and whispering in her ear in a seductive voice, "Of course nothing can compare with your beauty, love. Enjoy the show. I see you later."

He kissed her cheek and watched them leave.

The whole show was spectacular. There were not only the last three participants performing, also some special guests. Emma enjoyed every single minute. After the first decision of the evening and saying good bye to the third participant, Ruby leaned closer. "Killian is looking at you the whole time."

Emma rolled her eyes. "Ruby, please stop it. He and I are just friends. Accept it. Besides, when will you tell me the truth behind your outfit and change in appearance?!"

Ruby leaned back, crossing her arms in front of her chest. Her eyes were glued to the stage where an asian looking woman, Emma never had heard of before, performed.

"Ruby?", Emma asked carefully, not wanting to upset her friend any more.

"It's nothing. Can we drop it please? I just wanted a change and as I told you, Granny also thought that it was time to stop behaving like a stupid kid." Ruby got annoyed, shifting in her seat uncomfortably. Emma could tell, that she didn't want to say anything else about the topic.

"Sorry, Ruby. I think I'm just stressed. The whole tour coming up and that everyone still thinks that Killian and I are more than friends and me not knowing what I really feel and..."

Ruby turned with a surprised expression on her face. "So, you DO like him?"

Emma blushed. "Oh come on, Ruby, have you seen him? He is beyond attractive and he is smart and nice and a gentleman and of course I like him, but to be honest, I cannot tell if it is curiosity or kind of a celebrity crush or if it's just an intense friendship or more. I just know that he is totally different than any man I know. He is kind of old fashioned but also a modern man with a lot of money and a tight schedule..."

Ruby raised her eyebrows. "But he is a man who likes you and who was willing to change his schedule to go on tour with you. And that although he didn't want to go at all at first."

"How do you know?" Emma was surprised but she also felt happy being able to talk with her best friend about it.

"Arthur. He talks a lot and he mentioned a fight Killian and Robin had about a two weeks ago." Now Emma got curious. That was the time Killian broke Robin's nose. He never explained himself, he never talked about it after they had dinner and drinks with Regina, Smee and Robin. "Emma?"

Emma shook her head, searching for Killian on stage. She met his eyes, a big smile on his face. "What was the fight about?" She asked and turned her head to look at Ruby instead.

"Ahm, I don't know exactly. He just mentioned that Robin was mad because Killian was against his relationship with Regina and that Robin argued that Killian was just going on tour to be with you and..."

"Do you think that's true?", Emma was shocked. Was it possible that Killian just wanted to spend time with her, that he still didn't want to go on tour, that everything was just a cover up for laying her?

The applause yanked Emma back to reality. She clapped her hands, searching Killian's eyes again, who looked at her irritated and quizzical.

Killian could hardly concentrate. Every five seconds he was looking for her until he finally found her. She was mesmerizing. During the performances of the guests, he only watched her, how she enjoyed the music, how she whispered with Ruby, how she was looking for him.

The elimination of the third participant was easy. He had talked with Emma about the last three and they ended in a heated discussion. She had a different opinion and she defended her opinion until Killian ended the discussion.

Now he was listening to Tokimonsta, also known as Jennifer Lee. He knew her very well, was fond of her music. His eyes drifted back to Emma, who was staring blankly at a point in front of her. Ruby was talking to her. It was hard to tell for sure, but it seemed as if Emma was very pale.

He watched her concerned, when the Tokimonsta ended her performance and the audience started to cheer and applaud. What were they two women talking about? Her green eyes met his, he tried to smile, tried to cheer her up and earned a small smile before the bright spotlight blinded him, so he had to turn his head and attention back to the stage.

After another hour of performing and criticising, the big decision had to be made. Killian was the last who had to talk to the participants before the three of them had to made their decision. He listened to the judgment of the others before he searched Emma's eyes one last time.

"My choice is not Ysabelle. She developed over the last weeks but now, now you have to admit she stagnated. She made bad decisions with her music choice the last two shows. She only has a sympathy bonus but you have to make a objective decision" Emma looked at him, her arms crossed in front of her chest, her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed to a thin line.

"And you think that Fido is the better choice? Just because he chose better music?" He shook his head, annoyed.

"Oh come on, Captain. You said yourself, that Fido made more progress. Can you remember the first time you came to my apartment?! The first time we started to discuss your work? You said thathe is too fixated on one style, that he is too afraid in trying something new. Now he tries something new and you say that's a mistake?! He does great music. You cannot deny it."

Killian smiled at Ysabelle and Fido, he thanked them as his colleagues did just moments before. He started at their beginning, talking about their progresses and developments. He leaned back and took a deep breath. His eyes wandered to Emma again. She was staring at him and she smiled, but he still wasn't sure if he was able to see her clearly.

"Fido, when you won your casting I knew you were a good dj but I could see that you were afraid of trying something knew. You hardly chose music out of your comfort zone. What happened three weeks ago? Why did you change your mind and choose the love song?"

He watched Fido shifting from one leg to another, staring at him, blushing. He took a deep breath before he answered honestly. He received many fan letters but there was one which inspired him to choose this song. It was from a boy from Ghana. A boy who told him that he lost a lot the last weeks, that he had to leave his country and that he now was looking for a better future and one of the few things he still was able to hold on to was this show, the music and the escape of reality when he listened to his music and that he wished he could express his feelings like Fido did through music.

"So you chose this song because of the boy?", Killian asked a bit irritated, but Fido shook his head. He suddenly started to smile broadly.

"No, I chose this song because the boy was right, I forgot that I wanted to lose myself in my music, I forgot why I started to create music. I just wanted to win and stopped focusing on what was important to me."

"And now you don't want to win anymore?" Killian again was irritated, his question triggered some laughters and some murmuring.

"Well, not with music I cannot represent." Fido answered honestly but when he saw Killian's reaction he didn't look as confident as moments before. Killian thanked him and turned to Ysabelle.

"Ysabelle, how are you feeling?", he asked, still leaning in his stool, eying her up and down.

"I feel great. It's an honour to perform in front of all these people and especially you and the two other judges."

Killian nodded, his eyes falling on Emma. She was saying something to Ruby, pointing at Ysabelle.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that. How are your kids? Are they happy you are coming home tomorrow?"

"Very, yes, but they are also proud that I came that far." She beamed at him, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

"Understandable", Killian cleared his throat, "I have the same question I asked Fido some moments ago, for you. Why did you choose the – in your case – rock song three weeks ago?"

Ysabelle's smile faded, she looked around nervously. "Well, I don't have a great story like Fido has, I think it just felt right choosing that song. I heard some people talking about the song and thought I could give it a shot."

Killian nodded and thanked her. He looked at his colleagues and back to the moderator, who thanked the jurors and the participants. There was a small commercial break for TV and a short performance from a local dj for the audience in the hall, during which the judges had to decide who the winner will be.

The judges went off stage and came back after the commercial break and the announcement of the moderator that the three of them made their decision. The jurors sat down behind their desk, the two participants stood in front of them with the moderator who held an envelope in his hand.

Emma held her breath, taking Ruby's hand. She was nervous, what would their decision be and how did Killian decide? Ruby looked at her smiling.

"And the winner is...", the moderator dramatically said, looking at Ysabelle and Fido. Emma looked at Killian, who looked at her directly. She couldn't make out his features. "Fido Pérez, congratulations!" the moderator said, when suddenly balloons and confetti fell from the ceiling. The applause was overwhelming. Emma sprang up, clapping and cheering. She was very happy for him. She tried to find Killian, but there were too many people on stage.

Fido cried and hugged everyone happily. Ysabelle also seemed to be happy but also a bit disappointed, she congratulated Fido and hugged the judges too. Emma smiled broadly. She thought about the last discussion with Killian about Ysabelle and Fido. Did he change his mind, did he really listen to what she said?

She was still smiling when they left the big hall and waited in front of the hidden door for Smee and Killian. They waited about twenty minutes until Smee finally showed up, apologising that it took him so long and that there was a bit of chaos backstage.

Another twenty minutes later Smee and Ruby left the car at the side entrance of the hotel where the after show party took place.

"And you are sure it is a good idea showing up with you at the main entrance? There will be many paparazzi, won't there?" Emma shifted in her seat, looking at him nervously.

"Emma if you feel uncomfortable, you don't have to come with me. Look, I think it doesn't matter if we show up somewhere together or not, there will always be gossip as long as we stick together and with our upcoming tour I would say it's impossible not to stick together." He put his hand on hers and looked into her eyes.

Emma nodded. "You are right. Let's do it. Together. I don't be ashamed of being your friend – it doesn't matter what the others think, does it?" Killian laughed about the cuteness of Emma. She started the last sentence so secure but at the end she just looked like a nervous young schoolgirl.

"Come here", Killian suddenly said and pulled her into a hug, "we don't have to do it."

"No, but I want to. Just, don't leave my side, okay? I've never been to a huge event like that."

Killian tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, caressing her cheek. "You'll get used to it. I promise I wont leave your side. We just get out of the car and walk inside. No interviews, eventually some pictures, no big deal. Promise." He kissed her cheek and took her hand. "Come on, love, let's go."

Emma took a deep breathe, squeezed Killian's hand and put on a smile. I can do this. She followed Killian out of the car.