Taking Back Neverland—pt. 9
CS Genre: AU (Actors who "hate" each other)
Killian settled into his favorite chair in the lounge with a long, satisfied sigh. Hard to believe they were only a few short days away from the end of filming. He felt a distinct—and very unpleasant—pang at the thought. He had but a few days to win Swan's heart—or at least make significant strides towards doing so—or he might miss his chance entirely.
When they parted at the end of filming, if he hadn't at least secured her friendship once again who was to say if he'd ever have a chance to see her again?
Killian had taken Dave's advice. He'd bared his heart to Emma, letting her know of his interest, of his intention to be whatever she needed him to be, and then he'd backed off, given her space. Unfortunately for him, she'd taken that space and run with it.
Now, a good several days later, they still barely spoke to one another.
Killian growled, hating the helpless feeling in his chest. He was not about to push the lass beyond what she wished to give him, but the thought of losing her forever made him almost physically ache.
Suddenly feeling restless, he got to his feet, headed toward the recreation area in the far corner of the room. Grabbing a handful of darts, he stepped back, eyed the target and took aim.
There had been something bothering Emma today. It had been clear enough as they were filming. She seemed…tense or nervous or something of the kind. He wished he still had the freedom to ask her what troubled her.
Perhaps it was naught but the emotional scene they'd shot this morning. Regina had insisted they begin filming at the crack of dawn, insisting they needed the brilliance of the sunrise to add the perfect backdrop to the scene where Anna and Henry bid goodbye to their family and friends for what they think is forever.
(When Leroy had pointed out that there was no way Regina could know if the sunrise this particular morning would be anything spectacular, she'd glared at him in what Killian privately termed her "Evil Queen" look. "If I say there'll be a brilliant sunrise, there'll be a brilliant sunrise. End of story." Perhaps even Mother Nature was hesitant to cross Regina Mills when she got into nearing-the-end-of-filming stress mode. They'd experienced one of the most beautiful, colorful sunrises Killian had ever seen. Privately he gloried in the way the sun's rays highlighted the gold of Swan's hair, but that was neither here nor there.)
The entire band of heroes ("Nevengers", as Regina's lad had termed them, to the amusement of all on set) had succeeded in their rescue mission and returned home to Storybrooke. All seemed well…until the demon Peter Pan was revealed to be in town as well.
The little bugger had managed to cast a terrible curse; a curse that would wipe all of their memories and effectively make them his slaves. Having found the scroll Pan used to cast the curse, they had realized it could be stopped…but it would require no little amount of sacrifice.
All but Henry would be pulled back to their homeland deep within the Enchanted Forest. Not wishing to leave her son alone in the world, Anna offered to remain with him.
Focused as he was on the ever looming separation they would soon experience in real life when filming came to an end, Killian found it depressingly easy to get into character for this one.
She'd hugged her parents, and then, dropping her head, she walked slowly toward her vehicle. This wasn't how it would end. This couldn't be how it ended. If Hook was to lose Anna forever, he must have at least another moment with her.
He wished he could be frank with her, wished he could tell her how truly, how passionately, how desperately he loved her. Wished he could break down and beg her not to leave him. Wished he could take her in his arms and kiss her until neither of them could breathe.
But to leave things in such a way would be agonizing. As always in this frustrating town he'd found himself in when he'd followed her back to Storybrooke, there was no time to explore such sentiment.
Instead he merely stepped up to her and smiled fondly, his heart turning over at the sad smile she returned.
"That's quite the vessel you captain there, Swan."
Her lips ticked up the slightest bit more at his silly quip, but he could see the tears she barely held at bay.
This was it, the last moment he'd ever have with her. What did one say to the woman he loved at such a time?
"Not a day will go by that I don't think of you," he finally settled on, holding her gaze, letting every bit of his love shine through as he intently held her gaze.
She looked at him for one heartbeat. Two. "Good," she finally answered.
He smiled as they continued to look into each other's eyes, memorizing each other, drinking each other in. It was somehow both the best and the worst thing she could have said to him. It gave him hope. Hope that she returned his feelings, hope that if they were to ever meet again she would welcome his advances.
But hope when there's no way to realize it is naught but sweet agony.
After one last hug to her parents, Anna got into her automobile and slowly drove away as a billowing cloud of magic billowed all around him.
There were tears in Emma's eyes as Regina finally yelled "Cut!"
She laughed, swiping at her damp cheeks. "That had to be one of the saddest scenes I've ever filmed."
Killian grinned. "Agreed. Lucky for us, we know there's quite the reunion scene coming up." He'd let the innuendo creep into his voice, his eyebrow quirking flirtatiously. He'd expected her to roll her eyes, make a biting comment.
But instead, she'd blushed, the look on her face becoming both determined and nervous.
"Killian…" she started.
"Aye?"
"There's something I wanted to talk to you about…" she went on slowly.
"Aye Swan? What would that be."
She was silent for several beats, and then suddenly she turned away, her shoulders dropping. "Never mind. Wasn't important. I'll see you back on set at the end of break."
And without another word, she nearly ran from him.
It was unaccountable, Killian thought as he let the dart fly, watching in satisfaction as it hit the bull's eye. What could be bothering the woman today? What made her nerves nearly swallow her whole?
"Killian?"
His breath hitched at the unexpected sound of her voice. He turned slowly around, pasting a welcoming smile on his face. "Have I lost track of time, love? Are we to return to set already? Have I missed my call?"
"No, no," she said, shifting slightly from one foot to the other. "That's not why I'm here."
"Very well," he answered, curiosity blossoming within. Nonchalantly, he turned back to the dartboard as she spoke her next words.
"I'm…I'm here to ask you out."
His dart buried itself in the wall of the breakroom, a good foot away from the target. Turning slowly, he quirked his brow in question.
"To dinner…or something," she clarified, her hands clasping and unclasping, the nerves evident on her face. Did the daft woman actually believe he would turn her down.
"I had rather believed I'd be the one asking you out."
"Yeah, well I beat you to it," she said, "but just so you know, Captain Hook, I don't, um, pillage and plunder on the first date."
A bit of swagger was most definitely in order now. He stepped closer to her, a teasing grin on his face. "That's because you haven't been out with me yet."
She rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Very well, Swan," he said, having a fair bit of difficulty keeping the overwhelming elation from showing in his voice. Wouldn't do to scare the lady away. "I happily accept on one condition. Allow me to plan the date."
"I know how to plan a date!" she said indignantly.
"Perhaps," he conceded, "but after all the time I've dreamed of this moment, I'd like to make tonight perfect."
She looked closely at him for a moment, and he wondered if he'd come on to strong. Eventually she nodded. "Fine. Pick me up at 7:00."
~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~
"Shall I order us some drinks, love?"
Emma looked across the red and white checkered table cloth at Killian and found herself strongly considering it, but finally she shook her head. "Not tonight."
He settled back in his chair, elbow settled on the chair's arm rest, tongue darting out to wet the corner of his lips, looking up at her through hooded eyelids. Talk about turning up the smolder to dangerous levels. "Afraid you'll find me even more irresistible after a few libations?"
She found herself in a strange quandary, not sure whether she wanted to laugh at his antics…or jump him then and there and be done with it. Is it suddenly getting really hot in here?
"No," she finally said, smoothing the tablecloth before her. "I just want to stay clear headed. We have an early call tomorrow, some important scenes to film."
Killian smiled, and this time it was his genuine, caring smile, rather than the teasing flirtation. He reached across the table with both hands, and Emma placed her own within his. He held her hands gently, letting his thumbs brush across the back of her fingers.
(If the sensation that produced shot from her hands straight up to her heart, no one needed to know that but her.)
"Swan, forget work for one night. I didn't bring you here to fret about upcoming scenes; I brought you here to show you a good time."
And a good time she was having—a far better, far more pleasant, far more comfortable time than she'd ever thought she would on a date with Killian Jones.
When she'd gotten home from work this evening, she'd headed directly to her closet, feeling a fluttering of butterflies in a way she hadn't before a date in years. This wasn't a big deal; it was just a first date. That's it.
But it wasn't. Somehow, whether she was ready to admit it or not, she know this wasn't just a first date. Her making the choice to ask him out…well, it was admitting what had been building between them for weeks. This wasn't just a date. This was the start of something.
Emma had torn through her closet, trying and discarding nearly every item of clothing she owned. Finally she'd settled on a soft pink knee-length dress. It was pretty and feminine, the off-the-shoulders straps and v-neckline enticing while remaining tasteful.
She'd completed the look with a loose, high ponytail, and then had spent far more time than she'd ever admit experimenting with make-up until she'd found just the right look.
When she'd opened her apartment door to Killian an hour later, his reaction had made all her effort worth it. He'd been speechless for a moment, merely looking at her with appreciation. "You look stunning, Swan," he'd said finally.
He wasn't looking too bad himself with his tight dark jeans, deep blue button up that accented his gorgeous eyes, and black leather jacket. She'd taken a quick, deep breath when she'd seen him. "You look…" she'd begun, not even sure what adjective she intended to use.
"I know," he said with a cocky grin, putting her immediately at ease.
He'd swept his left hand from behind his back and presented her a single, long-stemmed red rose with a flourish. She'd taken the offering, bringing it immediately to her nose, touched and pleased at the romantic gesture.
He'd taken her to a tiny little Italian restaurant on the other side of town. He'd seated her, pulling out her chair and making sure she was settled before he'd taken his own seat.
It was all so romantic and beautiful, and Emma felt her heart turn over at the thought of how much effort and thought he'd put into this evening. He'd done this for her. She couldn't think of the last time someone had put her first to such a large extent, and it warmed her to her very toes.
"A good time," she said, coming back to the present and enjoying his warm hands surrounding hers. "Yeah, I could go for that."
~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~
Killian followed Emma up the staircase to her apartment door two hours later, amazed time had flown so quickly. It had been one of the best evenings of his life, and he desperately hoped it was just the beginning of several such dates to come.
They'd shared companionable conversation as they ate their dinner. Talking and laughing about happenings on set, sharing amusing stories from their past, just generally enjoying each other's company.
It was during desert—a sinfully rich helping of tiramisu they shared between them—that things turned serious.
"Can I ask you something?" he asked her carefully.
"You just did," she said with a smirk, popping another bite in her mouth.
Killian smiled and then sobered, reaching over to take her hand, lacing their fingers. "Something else, then?"
He saw the wariness enter her eyes at his serious tone. He squeezed her hand in reassurance. After a moment she nodded.
"Why?" he asked simply. "I'm nowhere near complaining, darling, but why did you decide to ask me out?"
She'd shrugged, glancing aside before turning to meet his gaze once more. "I just…I kind of missed you. I mean, we were still working together and everything, but, you know, we never spent any time together beyond that, and I'd gotten used to our friendship and…okay, truthfully, we both know there was a…spark during that scene where Anna and Hook had their first kiss, and you've been nothing but a gentlemen, and, I don't know. I guess I might have misjudged you at first. Thought we owed it to ourselves to see if there's really anything here."
His smile grew as she muddled through her explanation. There was no doubt, no doubt whatsoever in his mind that there was definitely something there between them. For him, it was something along the lines of white picket fences and a family and forever, but for her…well, he knew he had to be patient.
But then something she said registered, and he frowned. "But love, why did you judge me so harshly? What had I done to offend you before we'd even met?"
Emma blushed and glanced aside, picking at a napkin with her free hand. "You just…you know…had a reputation. You were supposed to be this big playboy who took a different woman home with you every night. I just kind of assumed you were the douchy type. You know, the kind of guy that likes to just use women and toss them away. Now I know you're not like that, but…well, I kind of wish I hadn't automatically jumped to conclusions."
Killian's heart dropped at her words, his mind going to the many meaningless encounters he'd had with women as he tried to numb his pain. He took a deep breath and pulled his hand back. She looked up at him, eyes wounded, fearing no doubt that she'd offended him.
"It's quite alright Emma," he hastened to reassure. "Truthfully…the reputation you speak of…it's exaggerated, but it was built on some degree of truth."
And then he'd proceeded to bare his heart to her once more, telling her about Milah and the terrible emptiness and pain that had descended on his life after her death, about the way he'd attempted to assuage it through meaningless nights with women, through far too much rum than could ever be considered good for him. How none of it, not one bit had ever truly made a difference.
He'd seen the light of understanding, of compassion come into her eyes then, and she'd reached over and taken his hand once more. This time it was her thumb caressing his hand. His Swan was not one for words, but that tiny gesture spoke more eloquently than an entire soliloquy could have done. It warmed his heart and made him topple even farther into love with her.
Heavy conversation over, Killian had picked up the check, and they'd headed for the beach outside of the restaurant. Neither ready to say goodbye to the other, they'd walked hand in hand as the waves washed over their feet, talking about nothing and everything all at once.
She'd grown cold as they walked; he saw the goosebumps on her arms by the light of the full moon. Determined to give her nothing but pleasant memories of their first date, he'd shrugged out of his coat and draped it around her shoulders, and there it still sat as they reached the top of the flight of stairs and stood facing each other in front of her apartment door.
Emma smiled up at him. "Not bad," she said, taking his hands with both of hers, linking their fingers. "Looks like 'Captain Hook' really does know how to plan a date."
"I'm offended you ever doubted me, Swan," he said, mock pain covering his face.
She laughed, looking into his eyes…and then letting her gaze settle onto his lips. Would it be too forward to lean in and kiss her goodnight? Would she welcome his advances, or would they frighten her away?
She settled the matter for him, standing on her tiptoes, swaying forward and letting her lips meet his. It was a slow kiss, tender, gentle, but oh so thorough. When he felt his need for her begin to build to nearly fever pitch, he reluctantly pulled back, feeling an intense satisfaction when she chased his mouth with her own, finally pulling back herself with a tender smile.
"Well that was…" she began.
"If you say 'a onetime thing', I believe I will die of disappointment, Swan."
She laughed again, swatting playfully at his chest. "Idiot," she answered. "I think I can safely say that was something I'd be willing to repeat."
His eyes lit up at her words.
Emma turned around, shrugged out of his jacket and handed it back to him. "I'd invite you in for…coffee," she said, her cheeks going a delightful shade of pink, "but, you know, early call tomorrow and all of that."
Killian reached up and cupped her cheek, caressing it with his thumb. "No matter Swan," he said softly. "I'm not interested in a torrid affair. I should like for us to build something real together. Something that will last. No need to rush. We've all our lives ahead of us to tend this fire blazing between us."
Her smile widened, and she leaned forward, placing one more quick kiss against his lips before opening her apartment door. "Goodnight Killian. See you in the morning."
"Aye," he answered. "Goodnight love."
~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~c~s~
Emma felt like she was floating on air as she made her way to set the next morning. Last night had been one of the best dates of her life. It kind of surprised her how much she genuinely liked Killian.
It surprised her even more how that realization didn't scare her at all.
The fact was, she trusted Killian. She could afford to let herself fall; she knew he'd catch her.
"Morning, love," he said with a broad smile the moment she stepped onto set. "Ready to film our last scene together?"
She smiled back. "Yeah," she answered. "Turns out I've been looking forward to this scene all night."
He swaggered toward her. "Whatever for, darling? Could it be because you eagerly anticipate sharing another kiss with a dashing pirate."
She grinned, reaching up to pat his cheek. "Could be."
His eyes widened at that. She laughed, rather enjoying being able to surprise him for once.
"Alright, break it up!" Leroy shouted. "Let's get this show on the road. Places everyone."
Emma gave Killian one last smile, and then stepped through the door onto the set that was to function as Anna and Henry's apartment.
Anna placed a steaming plate of food before her son, enjoying the easy simplicity of a Saturday morning spent with her kid. Life was good. Granted, for months she'd been having this feeling that something just didn't compute. Something…she didn't even know what…but something was missing.
"Mom, you forgot something," Henry said, peering into his mug of hot cocoa.
Anna looked over at him and then snapped her fingers. "That's right! Cinnamon."
She had just gotten to her feet, turning toward the kitchen to grab the missing spice when someone began banging on their door. She looked up, surprised.
"Someone coming over?" Henry asked.
"No," she said. "Henry wait here."
She approached the door cautiously, wondering who could be banging on her door at freaking 9:00 on a Saturday morning.
Nothing could have prepared her for the drop dead gorgeous man standing in her doorway. The drop dead gorgeous man who was dressed like a…pirate?
At the sight of her, the man's entire face lit up. "Swan," he breathed, "at last."
He took a step forward, preparing to enter. She put up a hand, pushing him back. "Do I know you?"
"I need your help," he said urgently, "something's happened, something terrible. Your family is in trouble."
Yeah…so, drop dead gorgeous this guy might be but he was also certifiable.
"My family's right here. Who are you?"
"An old friend," he answered.
There was something about this man…something about the voice…that she remembered, something that was eluding her, just out of reach. A moment ago, she'd have sworn she'd never seen this guy before in her life, but now? Now…crazy as it was, she was starting to wonder, wonder if…
"I know you can't remember me," he continued, glancing down at her lips, "but I can make you."
With no more ado, the man surged forward, locking his lips with hers.
Anna's first instinct was to shove him back, knee him in a place that would raise his voice a full octave, but something stopped her. Something urged her on, urged her to lean into him, curling her hand around the nape of his neck.
And the moment she did there was a pulse, like a shockwave, that crashed over her. Sudden images flashed through her mind. Henry being kidnapped. Going to Neverland to search for him. Her brother and sister-in-law at her side. The battle with Peter Pan. Saying goodbye at the town line and driving away. And…and…
"Hook!" she breathed, stepping back to look at him.
"You remember?" he asked, smiling.
"Yeah, everything…what…what just happened."
"Duh!" Henry said, coming up beside them and grinning. "Had to be True Love's Kiss!"
Her heart pounded. "You…you think so kid?"
"Of course!" he said. "And you know I'm right. I'm the truest believer after all."
She…didn't know how to respond to that other than to turn back to Hook, drag him to her bodily and kiss the daylights out of him until her son loudly protested their "grossness".
"Ew!" Henry said. "Hook, don't tell me you came all the way to New York just to kiss my mom! That's disgusting."
Hook smiled. "I'd go to the ends of the earth for a chance to kiss your mum, but as it happens, that's not the only reason I'm here."
"Yeah?" Emma asked. "What else brought you? Wait…did you say something about my family being in trouble?! What happened?!"
"Nothing the Savior can't fix," he said confidently. "Swan, are you and your son up for another adventure?"
"And…cut!" Regina yelled.
Emma turned toward the director and was shocked to see the broad smile on her face.
"What?" she asked, noting a similar smile on Henry's face…and the camera man's face…and the sound guy's face…and on Mary Margaret and David's faces as they watched filming from off stage. "
"You've been holding out on me, Miss Swan," Regina said. "Both of you, actually. I knew you two had chemistry, but…that…well, that had enough bang behind it to blow up an entire chemistry lab."
"Yeah," Mary Margaret said, "that really was amazing Emma. Not that you're not always a good actress, but something's changed. What is it?"
Emma took a deep breath and looked up at Killian. He watched her cautiously, clearly waiting for her to take the lead on this conversation; unsure how much she was ready to reveal.
And suddenly, just like that, the last vestiges of fear evaporated to be replaced with incredible joy. Reaching down, she grabbed Killian's hand, deftly lacing their fingers.
"Well, can't take as much credit for today as you guys are giving me," she grinned. "It's not exactly hard to act when the feelings behind it are one hundred percent real."
Mary Margaret gasped. "Wait…are you saying…? Do you mean…?"
"Yeah," Emma nodded. "Killian and I had a date last night, and…well…I hope that was just the first of many."
Killian swooped down and kissed her cheek. "For my part, if I get my way, we'll have a myriad of such evenings spanning the rest of our lives."
Henry cheered while Mary Margaret swooped in to hug her. "Just wait until Ruby finds out. She's going to totally flip out!"
Emma groaned, leaning her head on Killian's shoulder. "Can't say I'm looking forward to that 'I told you so', but if it means I get to be this happy, I think it's a price I'm willing to pay."
Notes:
-Okay, so I lied. I couldn't get the whole thing finished in this one chapter. There's still an epilogue to go. It works out well, though, right? This story can end up with an even ten chapters.
-Obviously both scenes they shot were heavily inspired by actual canon scenes, but I wanted to change the ending of 3x11 a bit. This was, after all, the last scene of their movie, so they needed a little more closure and happy ending. That being said, though, Regina made sure to leave the ending a bit open…and that was for a very definite reason that she'll be letting the cast know in the epilogue.
-Up next: the real last chapter! The cast attends the premiere of their new movie—with a red carpet and everything—and then they head to The Big Bad Wolf for an after party—where a few interesting revelations will be made.