Killian doesn't think he could get any more nervous than he already is...until the Uber pulls up in front of the house Emma gave him the address to. And he thinks the anxiety he feels might have to do with how decked out the house is, with the Christmas lights and tall candy canes in the front yard strung together around the Santa and reindeer and the large blow-up snowmen and gingerbread people, or the fact that seeing her parents' house just made this all too real.

Either way, his stomach is coiled in knots as he makes his way up the walkway. Emma doesn't live with her parents, but when she told them she had a date for New Year's Eve, they were insistent upon meeting him. He's fine with that—he truly is—but he hopes her parents will like him.

He had sort of downplayed how attracted to her he was at the mall. He couldn't exactly say, hey, I ran into you because your incredible beauty distracted me. He was on his way to the vitamin store when he spotted this beautiful stranger with her long golden curls, pouty red lips that were begging to be kissed and those sparkling pools of emerald beneath long, dark lashes...he doesn't even know how to describe her eyes exactly, all he knows is they momentarily made him forget his own name. And when she mentioned the holidate idea, he had hoped she'd offer to be his date, because he was too afraid to ask her himself. He, Killian Jones, was too afraid to ask a woman on a date.

He normally has no problem asking out women he's interested in—there haven't been a lot—but ever since Milah broke his heart, he's been trying to protect himself. And he didn't exactly tell Emma the truth about his brother. The reason he works on the holidays isn't that Liam makes him work; it's because Killian would rather work than face another holiday alone. He knows he shouldn't have lied, but he didn't want Emma to think he was just desperate to find a date for the holidays. He didn't want to bring his baggage into the equation.

Killian chuckles when he reads the welcome mat in front of the door.

If there's no answer, we're either under a sleeping curse or making tacos.

His nerves ease a bit, but the way Emma described her family, they seemed more intense than the welcome mat suggests.

Killian takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly and heavily before he rings the doorbell. He's looking down at his feet, reminding himself to relax and trying to convince himself everything will be fine.

The bells hanging from the top of the Christmas wreath chime when the door opens.

The first things he sees when he lifts his gaze are the black fuck-me heels on her feet—bloody hell, even her toes are sexy—and he moves his eyes up her body to take in the entire package.

Long legs that are tan and toned and go on for days, a black dress that hugs all her luscious curves. And then there's the sweetheart neckline with a deep v-cut which showcases the most fantastic breasts he's ever laid eyes on. She is so goddamn sexy, and he's hard as a rock just imagining how good she'd look out of that dress. Which is not a visual he should be having when he's about to meet her family.

"Wow…you look," he breathes, barely able to lift his jaw off the ground long enough to get the words out, "stunning."

When he lifts his eyes, her cheeks are painted a beautiful shade of pink as she flashes a pearly white smile. His face heats as she seems to be appreciating the view in front of her. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." She lets him inside and grabs her clutch purse and red jacket from the closet.

Once she returns, his eyes are again spanning up and down her form, but they keep gravitating toward her gorgeous breasts, and he keeps remembering what she looked like covered in his green juice. Her breasts looked fantastic even then, but it doesn't compare to the way they look in her dress.

"Killian?"

The sound of his name pulls his attention from Emma and toward the man coming up behind her. Who, oddly enough, Killian recognizes. His stomach drops when he sees David standing there in the foyer to meet him. "Mr. Nolan?"

"What are you doing here?" David's eyes flick to Emma as he puts the pieces together. "Wait, you're my daughter's date?"

Daughter?

Killian blinks in disbelief as he glances between Emma and David. The brother she had mentioned was Leo, the one who got engaged on Christmas? And David is her father? "Wait, you're um…" He swallows hard, still trying to process this. "You're Emma's father?" There is a keen resemblance between the two, and he's not sure why he didn't notice before when he met Emma at the mall. He knew there was something familiar about her, but he couldn't put his finger on why at the time.

"Yes, I am," David answers curtly, crossing his arms as he gives Killian a hard stare. "And you're the guy Emma met at the mall who's taking her on a date?"

"Aye." He nods and shifts his gaze to Emma, who seems to be just as baffled as he is. "I had no idea she was your daughter."

"Hey Killian, what's up?" Leo comes up to him, giving him a high five, and a young woman who looks to be about the same age is next to him, her arm wrapped around his back.

"Hi, lad. How are you?"

"I'm great! I finally proposed to my girlfriend," he says excitedly. And Killian knows Emma's cringing since Leo says finally, as though he's been seeing Audrey for years, when in reality, he and Audrey have only been together for five months. "This is my fiancé, Audrey."

"It's nice to meet you, Audrey," Killian says, shaking her hand. "Congratulations on the engagement."

"Thank you," they both say, exchanging blushing smiles.

"So, you're taking my big sis out?"

Emma rolls her eyes at the title. "It's older sis."

Killian refrains from laughing, because her correction reminds him of Liam calling him little brother, no matter how many times Killian corrects him.

"Aye, I hope that's okay with you." Killian scratches behind his ear, hoping Leo doesn't get all protective on him.

"No, not at all. That's awesome." He looks at Emma and grins. "He's a great guy. I don't know why I didn't think to set you two up before."

Emma rolls her eyes again.

Killian's relieved Leo's not opposed to the idea of him taking his sister out.

David, however, doesn't appear to feel the same way.

Emma's brows knit together as she looks between her dad and brother. "Wait, how do you guys know Killian?"

"He and his brother own the tackle and bait shop, where Leo and I get our fishing supplies."

Audrey furrows her brows at Leo. "Wait, you fish?"

"Yeah, Dad and I go all the time."

Killian scratches behind his ear, his cheeks heated. "Well, this is awkward."

"Who's at the door?" A woman with a pixie haircut enters the foyer. Her eyes widen when she sees Killian, a big smile overtaking her face. "Oh, you must be Killian!" she squeals.

He forces a polite smile. "And you must be Mrs. Nolan?"

"Oh, there's no need to be so formal. Please call me Mary Margaret!"

Killian extends his hand, but instead of shaking it, she throws her arms around him. He doesn't want to come off as rude, so he hugs her in return as he glances at Emma, who looks like she just wants to leave. "Now, you take care of my daughter, you hear me?" she says as they break the hug.

"No worries, your daughter couldn't be in better hands," he says with a smirk, trying to ignore the nerves in his stomach and how awkward this situation is.

"That's exactly what worries me." David's still glaring at him, and this is a side Killian's never seen of him before. Usually when he comes into the shop, he's friendly and always wants to shoot the breeze. But that was before he knew Killian was going on a date with his daughter.

"Ohhh-kkkay, I think it's time to go," Emma says, grabbing Killian's hand. His heart flutters in his chest, his skin tingling when he feels Emma's warm palm against his.

"Well, you two have fun," Mary Margaret calls after them as they head out the door.

"But not too much fun," David adds sternly.

He can feel Emma wince as they run out the door and down the porch steps.

"Well, those were my parents," Emma says with a sigh once they're both in the backseat of the Uber, buckling their seat belts.

"I can't believe I know your father and brother. When you described your family, I hadn't pictured David and Leo."

"Yeah, well, my dad treats me like I'm a porcelain doll or something, but he's your typical prince charming to everyone else," she says bitterly.

"Unless you're dating his daughter," Killian chuckles.

She shoots him a venomous glare, and he shudders, but he doesn't hate it. Not at all.

The club is packed and loud as Emma and Killian stand at the second-floor railing of the club, looking out over the raving crowd screaming and hollering below.

"White satin ruffles...tuxedo, just drenched in sweat." He nods toward the couple in question. "That bloke's definitely proposing at midnight."

Emma hums in agreement, turning to look at Killian. "You're good."

"It's a gift," Killian boasts with a proud grin and looks over at her, unable to help the way his eyes land on her breasts. He leans into Emma's space to say something in her ear. "I think you should know, your tits look exceptional in that dress, love. Even better than they do in a white t-shirt and green juice." As soon as the words come out of his mouth, Killian's expecting her to slap him across the face. During the Uber ride here, they agreed to be open and honest with each other because one downfall of relationships is all the dishonesty. And the whole point of holidating is to avoid all the typical relationship stuff.

He's relieved when Emma smiles and blushes, glancing down at herself before returning her eyes to his. "Thanks, that's why I bought it." She does a slow spin to give him the full effect.

"Mmm, I love the way it hugs your ass."

When Emma's facing him again, she tilts her head and seems to melt at his compliment as she places her hand on his shoulder, her cheeks pink. "Thank you."

"Of course, love." Killian chuckles. "This is brilliant. I can say whatever I want and not have to worry about you breaking up with me for not being cordial since this isn't meant to be an actual date." He's inwardly grimacing though, because he wishes he did have to worry about being cordial and appropriate around her. He wishes this were an actual date. But it's not. And he keeps having to remind himself of that.

"Exactly! And I can dress like a slut without worrying about being slut-shamed," Emma states, seemingly relieved by this.

"What a holidate bonus!" Killian high fives her, and his skin once again tingles at her touch.

Emma's eyes widen as she looks over his shoulder. "Aunt Ruby?!"

Killian turns around to see a tall brunette in a dress that matches the color of her crimson lips and the streaks in her hair.

"Emma?" She drags her date over, who looks much younger than her, and pulls Emma into a hug. "Hey, baby!" As they pull apart, a big grin crawls over her lips as she gives Emma a once over. "Your tits look great in that dress!"

Emma laughs a bit as Killian grins and nods in agreement. "That's what I said."

Ruby gestures to her date. "This is Peter."

"Pete," he corrects, giving Killian and Emma a small wave.

"We met at the Art Institute." She hugs her date's arm. "I was a nude model for his figure sculpting class. He made me the most perfect clay clitoris…" she stares off dreamily into space with a blushing smile on her lips, "...like a butterfly taking flight."

Killian looks over at Emma to see the disgusted expression on her face while he simply raises an eyebrow.

Ruby flashes him a sultry smirk. "So, who's this?" she asks her niece.

Killian can't believe Ruby's her aunt. She looks too young. But he's guessing she's Mary Margaret's younger sister. He does remember David mentioning he had a sister and brother, though, but he said the three were triplets, and Ruby looks younger than David.

Emma wraps her arm around his back and grins happily, so Killian does the same, winding his arm around her. "Aunt Rubes, this is my date, Killian."

Ruby's eyes light up. "Your mom said you were bringing a date. I just thought she was hoping to set you up with someone."

"Nope. Snatched this one up all on my own," she giggles, looking up at Killian.

He flashes a grin at Ruby. "That's right. Apparently she's a sucker for blokes who spill their green juice down her shirt."

Emma nods and teases playfully as she wraps her other arm around his front, making his stomach do somersaults. "Yep, you know me. I swoon over guys who can't watch where they're going."

"I couldn't help it, love. This blonde beauty who was charging toward the customer service desk with her lumberjack pants distracted me."

Killian grunts when he feels Emma's elbow jabbing at his side.

Ruby narrows her eyes suspiciously at Emma. "You returned the pants your mom got you for Christmas, didn't you?"

Emma sighs. "I tried, but someone messed them up. And they're too big for me to fit into."

"Don't worry, I won't tell her," Ruby assures with a wink.

"Thank you," Emma says appreciatively.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Killian."

"You, too."

"Happy New Year, kids. Have fun!" She blows Emma a kiss and pulls her date away.

"Your aunt seems nice. Is she the one who got her cookie licked on Christmas?"

Emma groans, obviously revolted by the memory. "Yeah, but Peter wasn't the cookie licker. She has a different date for every holiday."

For some reason, Killian's heart drops as he wonders if Emma will do the same. He wonders if this date is only a one-time thing. "So, first it's the cookie licker, then the cookie...molder?" He chuckles. "Is she your dad's sister, or your mother's?"

"Neither. At least not biologically. She's my mom's best friend."

"Ah, I see." Killian turns toward her. "Would you like a drink, love?"

She nods. "Please."

When they reach the bar, Killian orders a glass of champagne for Emma and a glass of rum for himself. They find a cozy sofa to sit on and chat and drink, just enjoying the night.

"There's no way in hell her character would ever do that!" Emma exclaims, taking a sip of her champagne.

"Who cares? It was funny."

"Uh-uh." She lowers her glass. "It was cockamamie."

Killian chuckles. "No one uses that word anymore."

Emma scoffs. "Well, it's the only word I know that accurately describes every romantic comedy in history." She rolls her eyes. "There's always some fake reason the stars can't be together when you already know they're gonna be together from the movie poster."

Killian nods in agreement and chuckles, bringing the tumbler to his lips.

She balls her hand into a fist and brings it to her eye to imitate someone who's crying. "It's like 'boo-hoo, I'm so heartbroken. Even though you're perfect for me, I'm taking a break from dating.'"

Killian snorts out another laugh.

"No one is ever…" she sips her champagne again, lowering her glass before continuing, "taking a break from dating. Let me tell you, if Ryan Gosling waltzed in here, picked me up and floated me around to the theme of Dirty Dancing , I'm not gonna be like 'oh, hey, Ryan, buddy, bad timing. I'm taking a break from dating.' I am jumping on that train. The Ryan Gosling train."

"I'd jump on the Ryan Gosling train," Killian agrees, clinking his glass against Emma's, and they drink to that. "So, who was this dickhead who ruined romantic comedies for you."

Emma shakes her head, her face souring at the topic. "I'd rather not go there."

Killian tilts his head at her. "Oh, come on, we're already here."

She rolls her eyes and laughs as Killian leans forward.

"What was his name? Bill? Fred? Carlos? Bob? Tim? Come on, who was it?" he asks again after she still doesn't answer.

Emma gives in with a sigh. "His name was Neal."

"Neal?" Killian groans. "Ugh, sounds like a wanker."

"He wasn't at first." A look of nostalgia crosses her face. "He was sweet and nice and taught me how to unlock doors with tumblers. And I liked how his eyes crinkled when he laughed."

"What happened?" Killian immediately regrets asking her more about the bloke. He's not feeling one bit of jealousy in his stomach. Definitely not.

"We wanted different things. I wanted someone to take home for the holidays...he wanted to text photos of his tiny dick to the girl who made his double macchiatos." She forces out a laugh.

Killian's face sours, and the jealousy he felt a second ago morphs into anger. He doesn't understand why anyone would cheat on a bombshell like Emma. Or anyone, for that matter. "That's rough, love."

"It was my own fault for listening to my cousin, Anna. She said to always date down so I didn't get my heart broken by someone who's too hot to be trusted. I should've known better." She sighs. "I have to pee."

Killian watches her walk away as he downs his rum, thinking the advice her cousin gave her was terrible, but on the other hand, if Emma tried to date someone above her, she'd die alone, because he doesn't think there's any guy too good for her.

They spend the next few hours drinking, dancing, hijacking giant bubble wands, playing with sparklers, and definitely not setting a table on fire and having to put it out with a glass of water. As midnight approaches, they return to the railing on the second floor, both of them a bit tipsy from all the alcohol they imbibed.

It's not long before the DJ makes the announcement over the speakers. "Are y'all ready for a new year, Storybrooke?!" The crowd cheers. "Grab your sweethearts and let's do this thing!"

The countdown begins as the numbers are displayed on the giant screen at the front of the club.

"Ten...nine...eight…"

Killian's heart thunders in his chest as he looks at Emma, not sure if she wants him to kiss her or not, but the way she's biting her bottom lip as she eyes his lips tells him she does. So he turns toward her, relieved when she follows suit.

"Three...two...one! Happy New Year!"

The crowd roars as Frank Sinatra pours from the speakers and horns and party poppers go off in all directions.

Killian frames her face in his hands, crushing his lips with hers. He sighs in relief when she wraps her arms around the back of his neck, pulling him close. Everything around them—all the noises and cheering and music—fades into the background, and it's just him and Emma kissing like their life depends on it. But she's a bloody good kisser, and he doesn't know if he'll ever get this chance again, so he soaks in every fucking second of it, sweeping his tongue along the seam of her lips. When she parts her mouth invitingly, he immediately swipes his tongue against hers, tasting the champagne in her sweet mouth. Her smell, her taste, the way her skin feels under his palms are so intoxicating. He angles his head to deepen the kiss, breathe her in and let himself get lost in her mouth for however small amount of time he has with her.

The kiss is over far too soon for his liking, and they both stand there, catching their breaths, foreheads pressed together, holding on to each other for dear life.

He pushes the butterflies in his stomach down, reminding himself this isn't real. But if it's not, then why can't he get the fucking kiss they shared out of his head and why is his heart still beating when they both climb inside the Uber?

They sit quietly in the back of the car, sharing awkward glances now that their so-called date is coming to an end and they had shared an explosive kiss that still has him trying to recover. "Tonight was..." Killian finally breaks the silence, his voice still completely wrecked from that kiss. And maybe his heart, too.

"A one-time thing." She doesn't even look at him when she says it.

His heart sinks into his stomach. "But what about Valentine's Day? That's the worst holiday to be alone on."

"But it's over a month away. A lot could happen before then. And if not, I have a standing date at a candy store, so I'm good."

"Alright." Killian offers a frail smile as the car comes to a stop in front of Emma's place. He's disappointed this was their first and only date, but then he remembers she still has his flannel shirt, and he's filled with hope, knowing she'll have an excuse to see him again.

"Let me get your shirt. Be right back."

Well, fuck.

"You don't have to worry about that right now, love," he insists.

"No, it's fine. It will just take a second." Emma flees from the Uber before he can argue with her any further. He drops his head against the back of the seat and sighs. Tonight was the most fun he's had in a long time, and he's sad it has to come to an end.

Emma returns two minutes later and opens the door, handing him his shirt. "Thanks for letting me borrow it."

"Of course, love."

She bends down into the car and plants her lips on his cheek. "I had fun."

"Me, too. Goodnight!" He calls out. "Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year."

When Emma shuts the door, the car pulls away, and Killian shifts around in his seat and sees her standing outside, watching the Uber drive off. Killian's heart sinks as the distance between them widens, but he doesn't know why. Tonight was meant to be a one date only situation. Just one night of relaxing and having fun. One night of spending time with someone without all the romantic stuff getting in the way.

If only he could get her scent out of his nostrils or remove the taste and feel of her lips from his. If only he could stop replaying that kiss in his head.

If only he didn't already have feelings for her.

Facing forward again, he brings the shirt to his nose and breathes in slowly, taking in her cinnamon, citrus and floral scent that still lingers in the fabric. The same fabric that touched her soft, creamy skin. Her perfect breasts.

That thought will haunt him everytime he sees it or puts it on.

Fuck.

He's never washing this shirt again.