One week before the wedding

Killian is beyond frustrated as he flits from shop to shop, trying to figure out what to get Leo and Audrey as a wedding gift. He was surprised when he got an invitation in the mail. But he has no idea what to get them and is two seconds away from buying them a gift card. He's also frustrated because he thought he and Emma had a moment on the Fourth, but when she called him to check up on him and his finger, the conversation was short and her words were clipped, like she was only calling out of obligation.

He's super confused because he thought they were making progress. And things went really well on the Fourth. Well, except for the part when he blew off his finger and had to go to the hospital. Actually things went terribly wrong on the Fourth. But for a moment, he thought what was happening between them was real. His heart was racing when he saw her in those short, red shorts that were cut off so high, he could almost see her lovely ass cheeks in them, and those long legs were tan and toned and so fucking sexy. He definitely wasn't picturing them wrapped around him—definitely not.

He wanted to punch Graham in the face for hitting on her at the hospital, but when she helped him home and to get comfortable on the couch, they had a moment when their hands touched. And it wasn't sexual; there were actual sparks between them. But things seemed to backtrack between them after that. He likes to think it's because she's just scared after what happened with Neal. But he wants to prove to her that he's nothing like Neal, that he would never cheat on her or break her heart. If only she'd give him that chance.

Killian pulls out his phone and FaceTimes Emma, knowing if there's anyone who will know what to get Leo and his soon-to-be bride, it's his sister. Plus, he deems it a good excuse to call her on a non-holiday.

When Emma answers, she furrows her brows in confusion, her face awash with concern. "It's not a holiday. Everything okay?"

"Not really. I'm in a bit of a pickle," Killian says as he walks through the mall. "Alright, if you don't help me, Leo and Audrey are gonna get a gift card as their wedding present." When he spots something in a shop window that catches his eye, he flips the camera around, focusing on a discounted mantelpiece of a mermaid holding a starfish. "What do you think of this?"

Her face sours. "Hideous and wrong." She looks down at the computer on her lap. "I think the Pottery Barn pillow shams are still available—"

"Uh, lads don't get other lads shams." He scrunches his nose.

"It's mostly for Audrey anyway," Emma informs him.

Killian thinks about that for a second and nods. "I suppose you're right."

"How's your finger?"

"It's…better, but still numb." He holds it up to show her. "How does it look?"

"It looks good," she says with a nod, but he wonders if she's just saying that to be nice.

He lowers his hand. "Anyway, I was thinking and…honestly, I was not expecting to be invited…and the wedding is on Labor Day, so I don't really know the protocol here…you know…it's a wedding but—"

"But also a holiday," she finishes for him. "I had the same thought."

Killian raises his brows, his heart racing. Did she have the same thought about them going together, too? "Oh…you did? That's great! I'm so relieved."

"Me too." Emma laughs.

"So, we'll just go—"

"We'll bring dates."

He blinks, his heart sinking in his chest, hoping it didn't show on his face. He definitely didn't see that coming. "Dates?"

"Well…yeah…dates, right? You know, since we were both invited and get a plus one."

"Aye…" Killian has to shake the hurt he feels at Emma's suggestion. "Dates!" He tries to sound ecstatic when he's actually dying inside. He is trying to wrap his head around that idea. "Other, uh, people…"

"Perfect!" Emma smiles before abruptly ending the call, leaving Killian more confused than ever.

~?~

The wedding day

The ceremony was beautiful, and it almost brought tears to Killian's eyes. It probably would've if he weren't so torn up over Emma, who not only suggested they bring dates but brought Graham—the man her mother has been trying to set her up with since Valentine's Day. He keeps trying to convince himself this is for the best, that Graham is the perfect man for her, but he still can't pretend he doesn't feel anything for Emma. And watching her with another man is breaking him.

It doesn't help matters that she looks bloody gorgeous in her long, pink gown and her hair braided like a crown on top of her head. She always looks beautiful but watching her from across the room makes him ache to touch her skin and feel those kissable lips against his.

Leo clinks his glass, pulling Killian from his reverie. "Attention, attention! Gather around, everyone! I've got something I need to say!" Once the music is paused and everyone has turned their attention to him and Audrey, he begins his speech. "First off, Audrey's parents...or should I say Mom and Dad—thank you for this freaking awesome wedding! You've really outdone yourselves!" The crowd cheers and claps. "Most importantly…" He smiles at Audrey. "To my beautiful bride." Audrey beams at him. "I love you, baby!" Leo exclaims, raising his champagne glass. "Cheers!

"Cheers!" the entire room parrots.

"That speech was cockamamie," Killian comments with a chuckle, shaking his head.

"Cocka-what?" Ruby asks in confusion.

"Uh, nothing." He sips his champagne, still not used to the idea of bringing someone other than Emma to a celebration or holiday. She would've understood what cockamamie meant and why he used the outdated term. But after she told him she wanted them to bring other dates, he asked Ruby if she would go with him as a friend. She was only on board since she thought it might make Emma jealous and hopefully stop trying to hide her true feelings for him.

But he's pretty sure he's the only one who's jealous, because every time he looks over at Emma and Graham, they're laughing together or touching each other, and it's making his blood boil.

Killian shakes his head slightly, leaning in to whisper to Ruby. "It's really weird. Emma gets queasy at the sight of blood, and now she's with a doctor."

Ruby shrugs and grins as she looks Graham over. "He sure cleans up nice."

"You think he's handsome?"

"Face, eight. Hands, ten." Killian furrows his brows, queuing Ruby to expand. "For a woman, it's all about the hands."

Well, if that's the case, then he's screwed. Ever since Graham botched up the surgery on his hand, his middle finger has been numb, and he still can't raise a full bird. If he could, he'd flip Graham one right now.

"Look, she only brought Graham to make you jealous," Ruby points out.

Killian lifts his brow at her. "You think so?"

"Yeah, definitely. She hates the sight of you here with me. She's been glaring at us ever since we showed up to the ceremony together."

He noticed that, but he thought it was because he brought her aunt. Well, technically, Ruby's not her aunt by blood, but she is family to Emma. And yes, it might seem weird to her family that he brought Ruby since everyone thinks he was dating her niece, but Emma's the one who wanted them to bring other people.

Killian chugs down his drink and stands up. "I'm gonna get us another drink." As he heads to the bar, he runs into Emma's mother and father and gulps. They especially haven't been very friendly toward him, for obvious reasons.

"Hello, David…Mary Margaret."

"First names are only for people we consider friends or family. You betrayed our daughter, so you're neither," David states with a glare.

Mary Margaret swats his shoulder. "It's fine, honey. Our daughter's with a doctor now. Their children will be both smart and beautiful," the woman says proudly with a grin before she and her husband walk away.

Killian grits his teeth and continues toward the bar, ordering something stronger than champagne. "A rum, please."

Once he receives his rum, he throws it back, enjoying the burn sliding down his throat as he hears someone approaching him, heels clicking against the floor.

"Champagne, please."

When he hears Emma's sweet, angelic voice, he looks over at her, clearing his throat. "Nice wedding."

"Beautiful," she agrees, grabbing peanuts from a bowl in front of her.

"You look stunning, by the way."

"Thanks, you don't look so bad yourself," she says without looking over at him.

He glances awkwardly between Emma and his drink before deciding to leave, not knowing what to say to her. "Have fun."

"Are you going to sleep with her?"

Killian turns around to face her with a raised eyebrow. "She's just a friend."

"Yeah, well so were we," she says sadly.

He furrows his brows, his heart sinking even lower than it already is. "What, so you're saying we're not friends anymore?"

She accepts her champagne from the bartender before stepping up to Killian. "Well, according to your brother, we're not allowed to be," she says bitterly. "Speaking of that self-righteous asshole, does he approve of you bringing Ruby as your holidate?"

Confusion washes over him as he closes the distance between them. "What on earth are you talking about? I don't need my brother's permission."

"Not according to him."

His face pales as he stares at Emma, scanning the hardness on her face. "What did he say to you?"

Emma shakes her head. "Why don't you ask him?" As she walks past him, Killian gently grabs her arm to pull her back, his eyes pleading with her.

"Please, tell me."

"He only told me what I needed to hear. You deserve more than a holidate, Killian." As she slips from his grasp, his heart cracks. Is that why she wanted to bring other dates? Because of something his brother said to her? Killian had no idea he spoke to her. When Liam showed up right after Emma left on the Fourth, he only displayed his concern and gave him a fatherly lecture about playing with firecrackers. He never mentioned he even saw Emma that night. Part of him is beyond angry at his brother, but another part of him feels relieved to finally know what's been bothering Emma, because all this time he thought she was still pissed he ruined her Fourth of July, even though she assured him he didn't.

Soon after Killian and Emma return to their dates, the wedding couple has their first dance as husband and wife and then the father-daughter dance takes place before everyone else fills the dance floor. Killian spots Graham rising and extending his hand to Emma, and soon, they're joining the other guests. Killian's blood bubbles as he watches them dance. He downs another rum and gets up, offering his hand to Ruby, who accepts and follows him to the dance floor.

Killian makes his attempt at pretending to have fun, but his gaze keeps gravitating toward Emma, who's obviously pretending to enjoy her time with her date as well. When the DJ plays a slow song, Killian's eyes are on Emma every time he's facing her direction. Emma does the same, her eyes locked with his, and soon he forgets he's actually dancing with someone else. And he'd also forget they didn't come here together if they weren't so far away.

"Go over there," Ruby encourages him, obviously noticing how much he's been staring at Emma.

Killian looks at her in surprise, his eyes flashing with uncertainty. "But what about Graham?"

A big grin spreads over her red lips. "Don't you worry about him. I'll keep the doc occupied."

Relief swarms through him and he offers a gracious smile. "Thanks, Ruby."

"No problem."

They walk over to Emma and Graham, offering their hands.

"May we cut in?" Ruby asks them.

Graham looks over at her and then at Emma as if asking for her approval.

"Sure, go ahead," Emma answers with a small smile.

Graham releases her and goes off to dance with Ruby as Killian extends his hand to Emma.

When she slips her palm in his, he doesn't dance with her. Instead, he pulls her off the dance floor and away from the crowd.

"Where are we going?" she asks in confusion, looking back over her shoulder.

"To get some fresh air." He pulls her outside so they can have some privacy. Once they're outdoors, he faces her, taking both of her hands in his and inhaling a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Look, I'm sorry about my brother, okay?" He stares into her eyes, his heart pounding erratically. "But I had no idea he was going to say those things to you. In fact, had I known, I never would've allowed it."

"But it still doesn't change the fact that he's right. You deserve more than a holidate."

Killian sucks in a long breath, his thumb caressing her knuckles. "Emma, I've enjoyed our dates. Being with you has been more fun than any regular date I've ever been on."

She cocks a brow in surprise. "Really?"

He nods. "Aye. And no one's going to tell me who I can or cannot be friends with. Or holidates," he adds with a chuckle.

"So, you weren't just agreeing to this whole holidate thing because you were too much of a gentleman to say no? And be honest."

He shakes his head. "No, I like being with you, Emma, whether it be as your friend, your holidate, or anything in between," he confesses sincerely. "I'd never want to drunk-mock strangers with anyone but you."

The little laugh she offers is music to his ears. "Me neither."

"So, we're friends again?" he asks hopefully, even though he wants so much more than friendship with her. But he'd rather be her friend than not be in her life at all.

She nods and smiles. "Friends."

He scratches behind his ear, not really sure what to do now since they both came with other dates. "Well, we should probably get back to our dates."

"Yeah, probably," she agrees.

He reluctantly releases her hands, and they head inside, toward the dance floor.

Emma stops in her tracks and freezes as she stares at the scene before her. Killian follows her gaze and sees Graham and Ruby both grinding against each other inappropriately.

They seem very much into each other, rather than trying to find their dates, so Killian offers his hand to Emma. She looks over at him and happily accepts, slipping her palm in his and letting him lead her to the dance floor, neither of them paying any attention to their dates, their eyes only glued on each other.

When another slow song fills the reception hall, Killian wraps his arms around her frame, and she winds hers around the back of his neck.

She looks at their dates once more before returning her gaze to his. "So, any ideas for Halloween?"

Killian grins mischievously, a costume idea coming to mind. "Already on it."

She narrows her eyes. "Oh no, should I be scared?"

He nods, his grin never fading. "You should be terrified."

"Oh great," she laughs, rolling her eyes. She rests her head on his shoulder, and his heart pounds.

It feels so good to be this close to her again, to smell her sweet perfume and feel her warmth against him. He wants to hold Emma tight and never let her go. But eventually, he has to.

After the reception comes to an end, Killian takes her home and kisses her cheek as he bids her goodnight, but he has to hide the anger boiling inside him until after she disappears into her building. He's going to have a good little chat with his brother about sticking his nose in his business.

As soon as he leaves, he heads over to the shop, knowing Liam's just closing up. Killian pulls into the parking lot and gets out of his car as Liam steps outside, locking the door.

Killian is seething as he stops behind his brother and glares at him. "What the bloody hell did you say to Emma?"

Liam freezes at first. After a few seconds, he slips his key from the lock and turns around, sighing. "I only told her she needed to set you free. That you deserve something better than a holidate who only wants to see you on the holidays."

Killian plants his hands on his hips and looks up at the sky, trying not to lose it. He lowers his eyes to his brother, drawing in a silent breath. "That was our arrangement, Liam. Besides, who gave you the right to say those things to Emma or to decide what's best for me? Because I sure as hell didn't."

"Well someone has to look out for you," he says sharply, trying to pass him.

Killian steps in front of Liam, stopping him from walking away. "I don't need anyone looking out for me. I'm not a kid anymore."

Liam's eyes widen in disbelief. "You blew off your bloody finger on the Fourth! You were being reckless and stupid!"

"Maybe so, but I can do whatever the hell I want with my life! Besides, you're not my father."

Liam's eyes grow wild with emotion. "You're right, I'm not. I didn't abandon you in the middle of the night." He jabs his finger into Killian's chest. "I actually care about you."

Killian brushes his brother's hand away. "Well, if you care about me, then you'll let me live my life how I see fit and stop making decisions for me. If you care about me then you'll apologize to Emma."

He's expecting Liam to argue with him some more, but instead he hangs his head and nods, genuine apology lacing his words. "You're right. I should. I just want the best for you, Killian, that's all."

"Well, believe it or not, but Emma is the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Liam snaps his head up, his eyes widening in surprise. "Really?"

Killian nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Really. And I don't want to lose her."

Shame clouds over Liam's face. "I'm sorry, Killian. I'll make things right with her, I promise."

"Thank you."

"Of course." They both head toward their cars as Liam pats him on the back. "So, I take it, you two have plans for Halloween?"

"Aye. We're going to a party hosted by her sister-in-law and brother. You should come," Killian suggests. "Emma has a single cousin," he adds, nudging his brother's elbow. Maybe if Liam found a girlfriend, he wouldn't be so interested in Killian's love life. Or lack thereof.

This seems to pique his interest. "Really?"

"Aye. She's pretty and nice and has an adorable ten-year-old daughter who looks just like her."

"Is that so? What happened to the father?"

Killian's face saddens as he recalls what Emma told him about Elsa's husband. "He passed away a few years back. Elsa hasn't been with anyone since."

"That's bloody awful."

They turn to face each other when they reach their cars in the parking lot.

"So you have to be nice to her...and charming." Killian claps a hand on his shoulder. "Basically, you can't be yourself," he teases before climbing into his vehicle.

Liam scowls at him. "Oi, I'm not that bad."

"Sure, whatever you say," he chuckles and shuts the door, starting the engine and driving away. "Bye, brother."

Liam waves at him and heads to his own car.

As Killian drives away, he can't help but smile when he thinks about the costume he picked out for Emma and how much he can't wait to see her in it. Halloween is his favorite holiday.

And he can't wait to spend it with Emma.