A/N: Final chapter of this little short fanfiction. Been fun doing something quite smaller than my two previous fic projects. And my mind did wander off a bit while I worked on this, perhaps inspired by a few more "racy" talks on CSMovieMarathon discord, some time ago. So there's some heavy (or at least havier than what I've previously written) smut comming today also. BUT that is NOT related to this story.
Thanks again to my lovely beta romanceapologist for being kind enough to offer to help me with this.
Enjoy.
Chapter 3"Mom." Henry tugged on her poofy white shirt sleeve. When she looked down at him, he continued, "Can I go try some of the fun fair stuff."
"Sure kid, I'll be inside if you need me." Emma ruffled his hair, chuckling when he dodged her hand and her little pirate scurried towards the fair that had been set up outside of the shelter. She'd rushed to pick up Henry as the meal had dwindled down. It had been hectic, and it seemed as if everyone enjoyed both lasagnas, but now the question remained as to which one was the best. Luckily, they would get the result shortly.
She adjusted the cleavage of her loose shirt, held in place by a low-cut leather corset, then smoothed her hands over the ruffled, and far too short skirt she wore. It had several layers of fabric in red and black. Henry had proclaimed she looked like a real pirate.
When she pushed the door open she could see that the meal had finally come to an end.
At one table stood a tall glass cylinder where red and blue flags had been placed. Mary Margaret and Regina were about to carry it into the office to make a count. When Mary Margaret saw Emma she waved with a bright smile and shouted, "You look fantastic in that!"
Emma rolled her eyes and watched her boss walk with Regina into the office; both women wore far more subdued pirate costumes. When her eyes landed on Ruby she realized that her own costume might be considered modest. The skirt Ruby wore was nothing but a strip of leather that did manage to cover all the essential parts, along with fishnet stockings and knee-high boots, but not much else.
"You do know there are kids here right?" Emma asked her friend and waved her hand over the clothes Ruby was wearing.
"Aye, and a few hot men." Ruby fanned herself with both hands. "Good lord, you just wait until you see that hot chef of yours."
"He's not my anything," Emma mumbled, yet she felt her face heat up when she remembered the passionate kiss she'd shared with Killian in the kitchen. Which, coincidentally, was one of the reasons why she'd slipped unnoticed out of the hall before the meal had finished.
The door to the kitchen opened and Zelena Green walked out. Her choice of costume consisted of a polka-dotted banana added to the clothing she already wore. Emma imagined she couldn't go all out due to being a professional in front of the camera. Graham and Robin followed her out of the kitchen while Zelena kept speaking to the viewers. When her eyes swept over Emma the reporter's smile widened and Emma knew that there would be some sort of interview going on and, unfortunately, she would need to take part.
She braced herself to face the camera. It had gotten a lot easier as the afternoon had progressed, at times she'd almost forgotten that she'd been filmed, but that didn't make it any easier seeing as a camera was being forced into her face every single time.
"Ah, our other chef. Good to see you're back," Zelena simpered to the camera, her eyes sweeping over Emma's attire, "and dressed to impress. So much so, that I believe you are perhaps aiming to even outdo our other chef." The doors to the kitchen opened again and Emma found herself gaping at the sight greeting her. Killian had mussed up his hair, but that was only the start of the picture greeting Emma. He was wearing a dark shirt with far too many buttons undone, a red vest, and tight leather pants that sat snuggly in all the right places. To top it all off he wore a long leather duster that swept across the floor behind him as he sauntered into the room. His eyes lit up when he spotted Emma and Emma found herself frozen because was he wearing eyeliner? Emma blinked a few times, and as he got closer she could see the dark kohl underlining his deep blue eyes. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly feeling a little dry, and, yup, that was a hot pirate.
Someone nearby cleared their throat and Emma pulled her eyes from the swaggering pirate and realized that Zelena was looking at her with raised eyebrows.
"Eh, sorry, what was the question again?" Emma stammered, doing all she could to try to hold her focus on the reporter. She ignored the knowing smirk on the woman's face and managed to find a passive expression to wear for the camera.
"I merely wanted to know how confident you are in regards to you winning this little contest between you and Mr. Jones?"
"Eh, yeah, well, I still think I make the best lasagna." She shifted on her feet and clasped her hands in front of her. "I just saw the votes being carried to the office; it did look quite close." She smiled at the camera just as Killian slipped up next to her.
"We'll see about that." Killian joked and nudged her arm with his elbow.
Emma looked up at him and nearly lost her breath. His eyes were really popping out due to the kohl he wore and, dammit, why did he have to look so hot? She vaguely noticed Zelena moving away from them as she wanted to catch a few more interviews with some of the people outside.
"You look…" Killian let his eyes sweep over her form, and she felt a shiver of heat rush down her spine. When her eyes landed on his lips he smirked knowingly, and she groaned inwardly when he licked his lower lip.
"I know…" She tried to quip back but she suddenly felt rather tongue-tied. She rubbed her sweaty palms over her thighs. Clearing her throat, she forced out, "So, this is your version of Hook?" She looked at his two hands, "You're missing the hook." She raised an eyebrow at him.
"I forgot it in my car. I was just about to go out and find it." He took a step closer, "But when I saw you dressed like this I had to stop by and say hello." He lifted his hand and traced a finger over her shoulder, the touch setting her skin alight due to the exposure offered by the low-cut shirt. When goosebumps erupted over her chest and down her arms he smirked, "God, I wish we were alone."
Emma gasped and turned her head to the room behind her. She saw her friends huddled together at a table nearby, their eyes seemingly glued to everything she did with the hot chef. Ruby waggled her eyebrows and mimicked a howling wolf, and Elsa just looked quite pleased with what she saw. Killian's scent of leather, spice, and something she couldn't place, wafted around her and she tore her gaze away from her friends. She wanted to be alone with him too.
Seconds ticked by as she contemplated what she could do. He was clearly interested in her, and he'd asked her out for coffee. That kiss had also been mind-meltingly hot.
Finally, she made a choice. She grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the kitchen. When she pushed open the doors she realized that it was far from private as several volunteers were busy washing the plates and scrubbing down the kitchen. Only a few heads lifted as she kept walking to the back rooms and the small staff room she hoped was unoccupied.
"Where's the fire?" Killian asked with a chuckle as she pushed him inside.
"You started the fire, buddy." She tapped his chest and realized her finger had slipped over the exposed skin revealed by his open collar. Her eyes zoned in on the chest hair peeking out from under the black shirt and she felt her body respond with a low hum of desire.
"I like it a little hot in the kitchen." Killian gave back and placed his hand over her fingers. She realized she'd begun weaving her fingers through the curly chest hair. She swallowed down and dared to look up at him.
"I do too." Emma breathed out and pressed herself closer to him, capturing his lips with hers. Their fingers tangled together as she let her other hand anchor herself to him by weaving her fingers into his thick and soft hair. Her mouth opened up when his tongue swept over her lips. She wanted this. For some inexplicable reason, she wanted this man.
He put the fire back in her life and she wanted more.
Killian wrapped his arm around her, pressing her lower body closer to his leather-clad groin. It was quite clear that the kiss was affecting him in more ways than one. Both moaned into the kiss, and Emma forgot the world around them.
Someone shouted from the kitchen and Emma realized that it had been her name that had been called. She pulled away and rested her head on his shoulder. Her senses were assaulted by all that was this man, his deep masculine scent sent pools of desire between her legs, she reluctantly breathed out, "I wish we had more time."
"We'll have all the time in the world, love." Killian tugged his finger under her chin and had her look up at him. "Now, let's go out and find out who won the title as best lasagna maker in this city."
Emma nodded as she reluctantly pulled away from him. She adjusted her shirt which had somehow slipped further down her arm. Then she smoothed her hands over her hair and asked, "How do I look?"
"Thoroughly ravished. In all the good ways, of course." He tugged her hair behind her ear and smiled.
Emma grinned. He looked a little disheveled himself, so, before going out, she tugged his shirt in place again. Then she sauntered out and knew he would follow her.
She ignored the blatant smirks from her friends and walked outside of the shelter. The announcement would be made from the small stage out there. Killian followed her closely and when they finally reached the stage he curled his pinky finger around hers. When she looked up at him with questions in her eyes, he only winked and mouthed, "All the time in the world, love."
The announcement of the winner was made by a joint force of Regina and Mary Margaret. Zelena had located herself in the front of the stage and Emma could see that she had the camera aimed at her and Killian.
"The winner, by a small margin, is our very own Emma Swan." Mary Magaret announced into the microphone and, as the audience clapped and cheered, Emma felt her blood rush in her ears. How did I manage to win this? She glanced up at Killian and, when he nodded for her to take the stage, she gulped down and let go of his finger.
Mary Magaret hugged her and whispered, "I knew you could beat him." Then they turned to the crowd and Emma waved with a sheepish smile plastered on her face. Well, this was kinda awkward, and when Regina gave her a small trophy she had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. She knew it had gained a lot of new sponsors and donations to the shelter. It would help them with their work in making life so much better for a lot more people.
Mary Magaret gave a few announcements about the costume party that would happen next and a few other important pieces of information, so Emma slipped down from the stage. As she took the last step she was almost tackled to the ground by her over-excited son.
"Mom, that was amazing." He looked up at her, "You won, and you beat a famous chef, how awesome is that? I can't wait to tell everyone at school on Monday."
Emma hugged her son and kissed the top of his head, "Thanks, kid." When she looked up she realized that Killian had walked toward her, but now he looked quite shocked or even puzzled. He scratched behind his ear as if trying to figure something out. Then it dawned on her that she'd never once told him that she had a son. She gave him a feeble smile and tugged Henry along so she could introduce them.
"Killian, this is my son, Henry." She placed her hand on Henry's shoulder, "Henry this is Killian Jones."
"I know who you are," Henry exclaimed and reached out to greet the world-famous chef as if he were any other person. Emma could see the surprise in Killian's eyes but he did smile when he took Henry's offered hand.
"I'm happy to meet you, Henry." Killian glanced at Emma and winked, "I see that your mother does make a bloody fantastic lasagna."
"Yup, she does." Henry tucked his hands in the small back pockets of his pirate pants, aka the jeans that he'd torn a hole in last month, now cut and frayed above the knee.
"Did you taste mine?" Killian asked.
"No, I was with a friend. Mom thought it best I came after she'd finished the cook-off with you." Henry shrugged then looked up at his mother, "I have tasted mom's quite a few times."
"I'll have to make you my version someday," Killian suggested with a smile, and when Emma saw the hopeful look he sent her she knew that he perhaps wanted more than just the coffee date they'd already agreed to go on.
"Awesome." Henry shuffled excitedly on his feet then looked up at his mother again, "Can I go get some candy floss?" When Emma lifted her eyebrow he mumbled, "I ate dinner at Brian's place, I even took seconds. Promise." He drew a cross over his heart with his finger.
"Alright then." Emma found her wallet and gave him some money to spend on a few more treats. "Don't lose it."
"I won't." Henry clutched the money in his hand and then stuffed the pile of bills into his pocket before he scurried off towards the fair activities. Emma watched him weave in and out of the throng of people milling about the large open area. A few waved and shouted his name. Emma recognized them as a few of the regulars that had seen Henry when he'd spent time with her at the shelter. He was always eager to help and she was so proud of her son.
"So, a son?" Killian cleared his throat and when Emma focused on him again he rubbed his neck as if he was nervous about something, "So, is there a Mr. Swan somewhere?" The panic in his eyes was evident that he thought this would go no further than a heat-of-the-moment kiss.
"I kissed you, twice," She proclaimed and stepped closer, "Do you honestly think I'd kiss you twice if I was involved with someone else?"
"Nah, you seem like a woman who knows what she's got and what she wants." Killian smiled and reached for her hand.
"Neal was not good for me. He was far too immature even if he was eight years older than me. I was the more mature one of the two of us even though I was only 18 when I had Henry." Emma sighed, not really in the mood to explain all the details of that horror show that was her life. The only good thing that came out of it was Henry.
"This Neal bloke is still in Henry's life, then?"
"Not as much as Henry wants him to be." Emma squeezed his hand, "I don't really want to talk about this right now."
"Perhaps some other day then?"
"Yeah, you did invite me out on a coffee date," Emma stepped closer, "but I'm not sure sharing the dark and horrible past is conversation material for a first date." She pursed her lips and then grinned, "Perhaps we best save that for the 10th date or something?"
"Wow, that is a long time commitment. Are you sure you can handle that?"
"Maybe it will be you who can't handle it." She smoothed her free hand over his red vest, the soft material smooth under her palm. When she reached the open V of his shirt she curled her fingers under the fabric.
Killian visibly swallowed at her words and this had her hum in appreciation. She had no idea what would happen after their first coffee date, but she wanted to let him into his life.
"Bloody hell." Killian groaned, "You do know we're out here in the open, right, love? There are eyes everywhere."
"Yeah?"
"You need to know that getting involved with me…" He rubbed his face, then looked down at her, "My life is a bit nuts with all the fame that followed my success as a chef." He grimaced as if this wasn't a good thing, and, to be honest, she hadn't thought too much about it.
"Ah, I understand." Her fingers slipped through the curly chest hair and she bit her lip as she lifted herself closer, "Does that mean a public kiss is out of the question?" She lifted her eyebrow in curiosity.
"You're playing with fire now, love." His fingers curled around hers, and Emma decided that she honestly didn't care.
"Why put out the flame when we can create more heat." Her eyes flickered to his lips, "I can understand the difficulties that it will bring living with all the fame, but I'm a pretty level-headed woman, so, I'm game. I can certainly manage it."
"You're too good to be true."
"You better believe it, sailor." Emma husked her lips moving closer to his mouth.
"Pirate, I'm a pirate."
Emma hummed and closed the distance between them and gave him a quick kiss, barely letting her lips linger on his warm skin. God, she wished they were alone. It was one thing to tease the man, but she wouldn't risk getting caught up in the fire and passion she already knew Killian could evoke inside her. That would have to wait until they were in a more private area.
When she stepped back she smirked at the pained expression on Killian's face, but before she could say anything she noticed that Zelena Green was zooming in on them. The reporter almost gilded towards them, her face excited and Emma knew she wanted a few final comments before the live television show would end. The rest of the evening would take place with the shelter staff and guests enjoying an evening of fun without a camera being shoved into their faces every few seconds.
Emma tried to pull back but Killian kept his hand curled around hers, and she had to bite the inside of her cheek to stop herself from blushing too much. To their luck it didn't seem as if Zelena had noticed, she went straight for questions about how the day had been for them. Killian began speaking about his experience and how much he'd enjoyed doing this to help raise money for the amazing work they did at the shelter. Emma smiled proudly and had to stop herself from ogling the man too much. That might still be caught on camera. She sent a small timid smile to Graham who held the camera aloft. She was amazed how the two men had worked tirelessly for hours now filming the television show; especially with the entire thing having been caught live.
"So, Miss Swan, how was it to win against such a prestigious chef?" Zelena moved her microphone to Emma.
"I can't take all the credit for the lasagna. Yes, I did cook it, but it's Granny's recipe," Emma said and shifted nervously on her feet. Killian's hand was still anchoring her to his side and that honestly helped.
"We've spoken with Granny, whose recipe is so famous among the guests here at the shelter," Zelena informed her viewers then turned her focus on Emma, "but it must feel good to win?"
"I can't deny it feels amazing. Quite a surprise but it's a nice feeling and it makes me believe that you don't need to be a world-famous chef to make food that people will enjoy eating," Emma said and nudged Killian's shoulder with her arm.
"It's amazing what you do here at the shelter." Killian said with a smile, "It's been so much fun."
"Thanks," Emma said silently, hoping that the reporter didn't need more from them. Zelena smiled and turned to the camera and gave a few parting words about the event and gave the viewers one more reminder as to where they could donate money. When she wrapped up the show, Emma sighed in relief. She was glad to finally be out of the spotlight. She watched Zelena speak a bit with the film crew and they walked inside to pack up their equipment.
Killian leaned closer and whispered into her ear, "So, I still haven't met this Granny you all speak of." Emma felt a shiver run down her spine when his hot breath caressed her skin. She tried to focus on the crowd around them and, when she spotted Granny alongside Ruby, she pointed.
"I'll introduce you to her," Emma tugged on his arm, urging him to follow, "perhaps she'll even give you a few pointers on how to make your lasagna even better."
"I make a delicious lasagna," Killian grumbled and surprised her when he lifted their clasped hands and managed to wrap his arm around her shoulder while holding her hand.
Emma laughed and tried to ignore the curious stares that were sent their way as they moved through the crowd. But it was clear that quite a few guests had seen them walk hand in hand, and, as the evening progressed, everyone around them would see Killian and Emma engage in friendly competitions at the fair booths as well. Emma gave out celebratory kisses and when Henry caught them at one booth she felt her stomach doing a small panicked flip. But her ever so observant kid just grinned and gave her a thumbs up before he scurried off to try another game. It was by far the best evening she'd ever had at a place like this. At sunset, they ate fried food along with her two friends, Elsa and Ruby, who both had a man by their sides too. Emma smiled when she watched her friends engage in these new steps of possible relationships. She hugged herself closer to Killian as the evening air was getting more chilly. Killian ended up discarding his heavy leather duster and draped it over her shoulders with a soft smile.
When she spotted her son slumped over a table half asleep, she stopped Killian from moving to the next stall, "I have to take my kid home." She chewed on her lower lip, worried that he would not like the idea of dating someone with a child, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry, I don't mind you having a kid." Killian cupped her face, resting his forehead against hers, "I'm not going to run for the hills because you have a child, I want to get to know you, even more, Swan. Perhaps we can do something together with all three of us at one point, aye?"
"Wow, you really want to do that?"
"Aye, Henry is part of your life, and I want to be a part of both your lives." He gulped down, "If you'll let me, that is?."
"I think that can be arranged," Emma smirked and placed her hand over his, brushing her thumb over the back of his hand.
"Brilliant." He gave her a quick kiss before he pulled away, "Now, let me help carry the little lad to your car."
"Thanks." Emma watched him stride over and gently nudged Henry partly awake so he could assist in getting his legs lifted over the bench. Then, Killian picked up Henry and walked to Emma who led the way to her waiting bug.
"Nice wheels you have there." Killian chuckled as he waited for her to open the backdoor. He gently eased Henry inside and buckled the seatbelt for him. As he closed the door, he turned to Emma, "Will you be alright from here?"
"Yeah, thanks." Emma rubbed her lips between her teeth, "This was an awesome night. I'll be looking forward to seeing you again."
"Likewise." Killian wrapped his arms around her and leaned in to give her a short kiss, but Emma quickly clutched him by the lapels of his shirt pulling him in for a much deeper kiss. They were standing in the dark parking lot, the noise from the fairground acting as their backdrop. But, to be fair, all she focused on was the warm lips doing all sorts of funny things to her body. God, she wished she could invite him home and continue this, but it would have to wait for another day.
When they finally pulled back, Emma looked up at him as he brushed his lips with his thumb, his eyes a blue deep ocean she wanted nothing more than to dive into and forget the world. "Don't be a stranger." Emma managed to mumble.
"Oh, you'll hear from me, quite soon if possible," Killian vowed with a small bow.
Emma smiled and with a final parting wave, she slipped into her car and drove home. When she parked the car she ran a hand through her hair trying to calm down the fire that was burning inside of her. It had certainly gotten quite hot today, both in the kitchen but also in her heart. The fire was a new welcomed part of her life, and, to be honest, she didn't mind how hot it all turned out to be. This was a new beginning for her, and she imagined it would be quite different dating a world-famous chef. But the hours spent with Killian that day also showed a side of the chef, Killian Jones, that she didn't imagine his fans ever saw. She couldn't wait to see where this would bring them, and she wanted the heat to continue to fuel the love that had begun blooming inside of her.
THE END