AN: Got my fingers crossed for tonight, so I figured I'd post while I watch...(commercials...le sigh...) If you've made it to this point, you know: italics are thoughts, bold words are lines from the show, and I own nothing. Enjoy!

Of Devils, Black Sheep, Villains, and Knaves

Chapter 53

Once again, Killian was late for his normal breakfast at Granny's. He had walked back from Robin's camp in the very early hours of the morning. It took more than a keg of beer and the combined efforts of Little John and Killian to get Robin to talk through all the things going on in his life. And I thought my relationship was complicated. Of course, Robin blamed himself for not being able to wake Marian, and not because of any cold barrier. All three men knew exactly why it hadn't worked: Robin was in love with Regina. He had mourned Marian and moved on. Killian then had a chilling thought: what if Milah suddenly came back? You'd still chose Emma. Yes, you may have used Milah as an excuse for anger and revenge for a few centuries, but getting over the actual pain of loosing her had taken much less time. No, if Milah somehow returned from the dead Killian would care for her, certainly, and would want to make sure she was happy, but he knew it was not going to be with him. Really, Milah and I brought out the worst in each other.

After finishing breakfast, and musing some more about Robin's unenviable predicament, Killian checked his phone, remembering Emma's promise to call him today. Don't run from this, Swan. The phone blinked once and then refused to work. He sighed and brought it upstairs to charge, deciding to play darts to pass the time until his talking phone was done re-charging. The diner had thinned considerably, and Killian was on a roll. This game amused him and allowed him to focus on something other than Emma, at least for a few moments.

That is, of course, until she came barging in to Granny's, a look rather like what Henry had dubbed her "Savior Mode" gracing her features.

Killian turned from his game, feeling his adrenaline start to kick in. "The Snow Queen turn up? Did I miss the search party?" Damn bloody talking phone, it chooses a poor time to die on me.

Emma seemed surprised and a little nervous at his response. "Oh, n-nothing to miss. There's no sign of that ice witch yet."

"That's all right, Swan. You'll find her."

"Yeah, I know. Uh, that's not why I'm here." She said.

Killian regarded her curiously. "Then why are you here?"

"Well, I thought about what you said last night about being a survivor, and you're right." She began.

Killian turned back to the dart board, partially to gather his thoughts, and partially because the adrenaline still coursing through his body really did need an outlet. Plus, if this was where she told him things were really not going to work out, he didn't want to look at her for that speech. "It's like I said, love, you don't have to worry about me."

"Good, 'cause I'm here to ask you out." Emma said in a bit of a rush. "To dinner or something."

I'm sorry...you're here to what? All keyed up for battle and thoughts going a different direction, her reply threw him off kilter. So much so that his dart missed the target completely. Turning, he felt his adrenaline shift from crisis mode to fueling his emotions and his (admittedly) devilish charm.

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you out?" Killian asked. I am familiar enough with the courtship rituals of this realm to know that.

Emma smiled. "Should have known you'd be old-fashioned, given your age... what are you, like 300?"

Oh, that's how you want to play it, Swan? Killian stepped closer. "Curses and Neverland may have given me experience. But as you can see, I've retained my youthful glow."

Emma scoffed at this, but it was an amused scoff, not one of true exasperation. Killian paused, knowing she was anxious about his answer, though he couldn't imagine why. "I happily accept on one condition... you let me plan the evening."

"I know how to plan a date." Emma argued.

"You know how to chase a monster." Killian corrected her. "I know how to plan an evening out."

The return of their usual banter had calmed his nerves - and he suspected hers as well, though a slight blush remained on her cheeks.

"Well, I don't pillage and plunder on the first date, just so you know." She warned.

Killian couldn't help himself. He gave her his most smoldering look and replied, "Well, that's because you haven't been out with me yet." Besides, in our counting system, this is actually our third date.

Soon after, Emma left. The thought of a real, true, modern date began to sink in slowly, along with the realization that his easy morning had just become significantly busier. As much as he loathed to do it, Killian thought back to the date he'd seen Emma go on in New York. Nicer than Granny's. Dressed up a bit - actually a perfect reveal for my new look. Perhaps flowers? Killian looked down at his hook. Maybe put my leverage to good use…