A/N: Been looking forward to share this chapter with you for like a month now. I believe that was the time I started writing it and yeah my mind started to procrastinate a bit and urged me to to make a new cover pic that showed what happens in the chapter here. I needed a younger version of David Nolan to depict the young teenager Leo Nolan, I could never had dont that without the help of Mothercat. She worked her magic on our Discord server and voila I had a young Leo Nolan. HUGE thank you for that Mothercat.

I have everything wrapped up and shipped to my beta reader so I'll update this as fast as she can get through the chapters. CSColifer is such a huge help with this, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your powering through despite all that is going on right now, I'm deeply thankful for that.

So now onto the chapter, this is where Killian will come face to face with the press like for real this time, the premier gala: Enjoy.

Chapter 10

Killian tugged at the bowtie tied so tight it was choking him and glanced at Emma who was sitting next to him in the limo. He gulped when his eyes landed on her long leg currently on full display because of the long slit in her silver dress. He scratched behind his ear shifting in his seat as he tore his eyes away from the goddess next to him. Her bloody parents were riding along with them in the limo, heading for the premier gala that took place in a downtown Boston theater.

Emma's family had traveled to Boston the day before and stayed in a hotel nearby.

Killian's brother had dropped him off so he could pick up his date. The moment Emma opened the door he'd become increasingly flustered, she was clad in a form-fitting silver dress that sparkled and shimmered whenever she moved around. One shoulder was left bare, and the fabric molded over her waist and flared over her hips then dropped to the floor. His mouth had dried up when she'd moved out in the hallway and he realized that the dress had a long slit that revealed her left leg.

"Relax." Emma smoothed her hand over his shirt-covered chest, her fingers playing with the lapels of his dress jacket, it wasn't any fancy high-tailored suit but Emma had assured him it was perfect. She'd found a silver bowtie that would match her dress.

"Aye." He tried to smile. "But it's bloody hard when this thing is trying to kill me." He tugged at the bowtie.

"You can always take it off," Emma tried to soothe, turning in her seat as she tried to help him adjust the bowtie. "Leo doesn't wear one."

He looked over at Leo who wore a light gray colored vest and matching dress pants. His white shirtsleeves were rolled to his elbows and there was no tie or bowtie in sight. The teenager looked far too relaxed in Killian's mind.

"I'll keep it, at least until after the official hubbub of the press line is over." Killian shifted nervously in his seat and placed his hand over Emma's. He glanced at her parents sitting at the other end of the long couch inside the limo. They seemed busy talking about something, but Killian saw her father giving them a few curious looks.

"It will be fine." Emma leaned closer, and it looked as though she was about to kiss him. However, the limo stopped, and the driver stepped out to open the side door. Emma picked up her winter coat, a long black wool coat with fur trimmings at the neckline and wrists.

Killian had found a nice simple but stylish peacoat to wear over his fancy suit. It was freezing outside this evening. He took a deep breath before getting out of the limo. Even if the event wasn't grand and spectacular on a Hollywood craziness level, he was still nervous, especially when he thought about Ella DeVille from the Nationals. Killian knew how the press could be like vultures sometimes, so he hoped the woman wasn't in the press lineup. He was about to ask but was urged out of the door by Emma. It was time to face the music.

They had covered the entrance stairs with a red carpet, and quite a few fans were waving at the Nolan family when they emerged from the limo.

Killian paused his steps and took it all in. The noise level was crazy when Emma's parents walked over to greet some fans. He felt Emma link her fingers with his, and when he looked at her she smiled.

"Relax." Emma encouraged.

Killian nodded and took a deep breath before he stepped forward. "Are we expected to go shake hands with the crowd?"

"No, we can just wave and smile," Emma said, knowing he would need easing in. She chuckled and pointed to where her brother stood chatting to some fans. "But my brother is at the age where he laps up all the attention he can get from the girls."

Killian watched as Leo sauntered over to speak with a gaggle of young girls that seemed to almost swoon when the teenager paid them attention.

"Bloody hell, I had no idea." He swiped a hand over his mouth, his throat suddenly feeling as dry as the desert.

"What?" Emma stopped and looked at him with concern in her eyes.

"This." He waved to the crowd that kept shouting at the family. "You guys are crazy famous."

Emma chuckled. "I'm sorry, but have you been living under a rock?"

"Ah…" He looked down and scratched behind his ear.

"I'm sorry that came out all wrong." Emma turned to him and placed her other hand on his chest, "Look at me." When he looked she gave him a weak smile, "I'm sorry about how that came out. I'm just surprised that you didn't know about how big 'The Nolans' really are." She smirked. "You do work at the show."

"I film what you do, capture the landscape, I never…" He waved aimlessly to the crowd.

"This is my life, Killian. It will be crazy and events like this might be the single craziest one of them." She glanced over her shoulder and when he followed her line of sight, he could see that her parents were waiting for them.

"We better walk the gauntlet then." Killian tried to joke as he squared his shoulders, ready to smile at the crowd.

"Just so you know," Emma whispered as they moved closer to the waiting crowd. "I'll be introducing you as my boyfriend. That'll be all they really need to know."

"Thanks, love." He plastered on a smile and waved tentatively to the crowd and he saw quite a few curious looks before recognition flashed in people's eyes.

"Who's Mr. Tall-Dark-and-handsome?" A female voice shouted from the crowd. When Killian turned to look he felt his throat clench and realized it was none other than Ella Deville.

"Ignore her," Emma whispered frantically, pulling him quickly along to the door. "Dad made sure she wasn't in the press lineup, but I guess they couldn't stop her from showing up out here."

Killian nodded stiffly and followed her advice to ignore the crazy woman. But as they stepped inside, he could hear her still shouting questions. They entered the lobby of the theater where Killian could see another red carpet was down for them. One side of it there was more press that had been invited to the lineup. Here the family would answer questions from the reporters. Cameras had already begun flashing as Emma's parents led the way down the line, closely followed by Leo. The family had left their coats with a member of trusted theater staff, by the entrance, who carried them to the coatroom.

"Ready?" Emma interrupted his musings.

"Aye, let's do this." Killian gave her a smile he hoped was convincing.

Emma still had her hand entwined with his, so it didn't surprise Killian when the first question was, "Who is your date?"

Killian smiled and heard Emma loud and clearly told the reporters nearby that she had brought her boyfriend to the premier gala. They threw several more questions at them, Killian tried to keep up and let Emma answer them.

"Are you by any chance the same guy that everyone wanted to know about a few months ago?" One reporter asked and everyone seemed as eager to know this too.

Emma squeezed his hand silently reassuring him.

Killian took a deep breath. "Aye, it was my red cap Emma wore in that picture… it just didn't go well with my style tonight." This had the reporters chuckle while someone commented on how well they matched. Killian gave the reporter a friendly nod as thanks.

"Are you still working for uTV?" someone else shouted.

Killian pursed his lips before making a choice on how to answer this. "I'm still working as a cameraman for uTV."

"Will that continue?" the reporter asked.

"I've not been told otherwise." Killian hoped the questions about his employment would stop.

"Are you in love with Emma Nolan?" The question had both Killian and Emma stop and Killian could see that this question came a bit too close for comfort for Emma.

"That is a rather private matter. I don't think it's important for the world to know more details of my relationship with Emma." Killian looked at Emma who looked relieved that he dealt with the questions so easily. "As I'm sure you all know someone has recently pulled us through an online nightmare so we would like to enjoy our time together, alone."

The reporter nodded in understanding as did most of the others standing nearby. A few of the cameramen captured a few more shots of them.

Emma smiled and waved at the reporters. "Thank you." She pulled Killian to the end of the red carpet.

Killian took a big breath of relief when they walked into a smaller room at the end. The theater reserved this room for the VIP guests like the Nolan family and their crew. Killian waved to his fellow crewmen who all seemed to enjoy themselves.

"Let me go find us something to drink," Killian said, nodding toward the bar.

"Champagne will be fine." Emma smiled in thanks and watched as her boyfriend went to get the drinks.

"Oy, Jones," Will called out from his seat at the end of the bar. "How ya doin'?"

"Are you drunk already?" Killian laughed.

"Nah, man, not yet," Will mumbled and took another sip of his beer.

"Don't have Mrs. Mills catch you doing anything stupid." Killian shook his head and gave the bartender his order. A rum for him, and Emma's champagne.

Will had moved closer and turned his back to the bar and inspected the crowd. "This never gets old."

"What?"

"The glitz and glamor." Will swiped over his face as if trying to clear his mind. "I've been working this gig for years now, and each time we do this stuff." He shook his head. "I'll never get used to it."

"I know what you mean," Killian said, sighing. "I guess I'll have to get used to it." He watched his fellow crew member trying to gauge how Will felt about him dating Emma.

"You like her don't ya?"

"Aye, I do, and this is her life. So yes, I'll have to get used to it all," Killian mused and smiled when his drinks arrived.

"It's strange seeing the family all polished up like this," Will blurted out and looked at Killian, "I mean usually when we film them out at the ranch they wear work clothes, and riding gear." Will waved his hand in the air before he turned his focus back on the bottle of beer he'd left behind on the bar top.

"It certainly is strange to see this side of their life," Killian said with a shrug knowing it wouldn't change how he looked at Emma. She was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen even wearing ripped jeans and a dirty old sweatshirt.

"I think your date is waiting for ya?" Will grinned and nodded toward Emma who was indeed looking impatient.

Killian said his farewell to Will and walked toward Emma and gave her the champagne flute.

"Thanks." She took a sip and nodded toward the bar. "Will, seemed rather chatty?"

"Aye he just asked how things are going and compared this setting with what we usually see your family in. Out at the ranch, there's no sign of glamor and fancy outfits." He smiled letting his eyes travel down her silver-clad form; the dress sparkled in the light from the chandeliers hanging high above their heads.

"See something you like?" Emma smirked, with a teasing note to her voice.

When his eyes caught hers, Killian saw the knowing smile twinkling in her green eyes. He suddenly felt utterly lost. Stepping up to her he leaned closer and whispered, "Have I told you how ravishing you look in that dress." He heard her surprised gasp, before he stepped back, smirking and took a sip of his rum.

"You look rather handsome too," Emma husked back, her eyes glued to him as she stepped closer. She smoothed her hand over the lapels of his suit jacket, her fingers brushed over the buttons of his shirt.

"Bloody hell, woman, you're playing with fire here," he growled, and closed his eyes, willing his body not to respond to her touch.

"What's wrong?" Her mouth was alarmingly close to his throat, her breath warmed over his skin.

"We're not exactly alone." Killian whispered as he looked at her.

"Well, luckily there are no reporters here." Emma smirked and cupped his cheek with one hand and kissed his jawline. "So I'd wager that no one really cares if I might kiss my boyfriend." Using her hand she turned his face and fused her lips to his, the kiss was brief but burned for so much longer on his skin.

Killian made a quick scan of the surrounding room, and to his horror he saw that Emma's father had seen their little public display of affection. "Well, your father is rather interested in us right now," Killian whispered back, chuckling when Emma rolled her eyes.

"Ugh." She took a step back but kept her eyes on him while she took a sip of her champagne. "After the show there will be dancing, and you know what? We haven't danced since Miami. So please dance with me then?"

"As you wish."

Killian looked around the group of people assembled in the theater room waiting to see the first two episodes. He felt a little apprehensive when the screen flickered to life.

"What's wrong?" Emma leaned towards him and looked at him with worry.

"Just remembering the last time I sat in a theater like this." He swiped his hand over his mouth.

"Oh?"

"When that video…"

"Oh yeah, that happened in the large viewing room right?" Emma said and placed a hand on his arm.

"Aye, it was horrible."

"I can imagine, I saw it on my phone." She shivered and rubbed her hand up and down his arm. "But that is all in the past now."

"I know." He gave her a weak smile. The room fell silent as the show began, he only breathed out in relief when the familiar logo of the show flashed over the screen and the theme music began playing.

Emma weaved her hand with his and she leaned her head on his shoulder as they watched the show. Killian wondered how it was for the Nolans seeing themselves like this on the big screen, but he imagined they were used to it by now.

It was just the first two episodes that were shown, and an hour later, the lights were switched back on. Everyone walked out of the theater and Killian rose along with Emma before walking with her and the rest of the Nolans out of the room.

The party was taking place in a large hall connected to the theater, and music was already playing when they entered.

"Do you want to dance now or have something to drink?" Killian asked, scanning the room. A bar was located to the right of the entrance and several guests were already milling around with a drink in their hands.

"Dance first." Emma said, rubbing her hand over his chest, grasping the lapels of his jacket. She surprised him by giving him a brief kiss on his cheek, before pulling him towards the dance floor.

Killian wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her close. The music was slow, and he felt Emma slip her hands around his neck. When his fingers smoothed over her back, he realized that her dress had a plunging back that showed off the curves of her back. He felt the soft warm skin of her back and he had to hold his breath for a few seconds calming his own body's reaction down.

"What's wrong?" Emma asked, looking up at him with a smirk. Her fingers running through the hairs at the back of his neck.

"You're a bloody siren, you know that?" Killian growled, twirling them around on the floor.

"Hmm." She nuzzled closer to his neck, her breath brushing over his skin making him shiver even more. "I love you."

"I love you too." Killian said and kissed her temple, forgetting that they were dancing in a very public place.

The music kept playing slow songs, and Killian continued to dance with Emma. Both enjoyed the time together, regardless of the scrutiny they had been under in the past few months.

After a few dances, they opted to take a break to find something to drink.

Emma kept her arm linked with his.

The bartender came over and took their orders. Killian ordered a rum and Emma opted for another champagne. They found a place by the wall where they could share the drinks.

"How are you feeling?" Emma asked, sipping her champagne.

"Huh?"

"I mean did you survive all the glitz and glamor of tonight?" Emma clarified.

"Aye," he replied, rubbing his neck. "It was daunting for sure but it wasn't as bad as I feared." His mind remembered the vile woman Ella DeVille, who'd shouted at them outside. "That DeVille woman was relentless."

"Yeah, I imagine she will have posted something about tonight already." Emma pursed her lips shaking her head. She placed her champagne on a nearby table and found her phone in the small clutch she carried over her shoulder. Unlocking the device she swiped over the screen a few times. "Yup, look at this."

Killian leaned over her shoulder and looked at the screen, the gossip website ONE-oh-ONE's logo was at the top of the screen, and below was a blurry image of Emma and Killian entering the theater. The text following the image was: Tonight the two lovebirds we all know from a sordid video shared last month, are attending the premier of the beloved show 'The Nolans'. Sadly, we could not get a comment from the couple but they seemed quite taken with each other. So let us all assume the love birds are happy and very much in love. I wonder if we'll see Mr. Red-cap-wearing-Killian in the show's next season. Oh, that will be grand if we get to glimpse what life is like for the cameraman who now dates our very own darling Emma Nolan.

"Bloody hell." Killian felt rage at how the woman insinuated what their life would be like from now on.

"I'm so sorry, Killian. That woman is just crazy," Emma said with a frown. She turned off her phone and looked up at him. "Have you given any thought to how we deal with all this once we film again?"

"I spoke with my brother and my boss about it last week." Killian took a sip of his rum, he needed something to soothe his fraying nerves. "They both agree that it would be wise to keep me away from the spotlight of the cameras and perhaps not show me in the series." He looked down at the tumbler in his hand, his thumb flicked over the rim in a nervous jitter.

"How do you feel about that?" Emma asked, placing her hand on his twitching hand. The warmth of her skin seeped into his soul and calmed him down.

"I agree, I don't think it would be a great idea to throw myself in front of the camera. Not now at least." He glanced at her, hoping she would understand.

"I know, and we'll be able to work around that, and still be with each other." She gave him a smile leaning closer to kiss his cheek. "I love you, and even if my life is still in the spotlight, I do like the fact that I have something for myself that the world doesn't need to be part of."

"Aye." Killian turned towards her and stole a kiss, not caring if her family or anyone else spotted them. Emma hummed against his lips and to his surprise, she deepened the kiss.

When she pulled away, he saw her face flush in heat, and her eyes flickered to the room. Killian saw that her mother and father stood nearby, both watching them with interest. He turned his head away and took another fortifying gulp of his rum, gods he wished he and Emma were alone.

The party continued past midnight before Killian followed Emma and her family out to the waiting car that took them to their hotel. Killian would drive out with his brother and sleep at Liam and Elsa's house before driving home the following day, picking up Jewel on his way home.

He said the last farewell to Emma after they had donned their coats and walked outside. "I'll see you soon," Killian said, pulling her to the side to allow her family to enter the car first.

"Hmm, and in two weeks we will celebrate your birthday." Emma gave him a big smile and winked.

"Aye." He grinned knowing that she would sleep over at his place. That would be a day to look forward to. "See you in a few days." The Nolans had invited him to join them for a family dinner, thus making it a more official note to how he was now a permanent part of Emma's life.

"Hmm. Love you." She kissed him and held him close as her lips kept sweeping over his, begging for entrance. When he opened his mouth, they both moaned at the intensity of the sensations running through them.

"Love you," Killian mumbled against her lips.

Someone cleared their throats nearby and when they pulled apart, they saw David Nolan glaring at them with an impatient look.

"Sorry, Daddy," Emma chuckled, giving Killian's arm one last squeeze. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Killian nodded and watched Emma join her family, already looking forward to the next time he would be together with Emma.

Liam walked over to him and laughed. "Finally pulled away from her?"

"Fuck off, you prat," Killian grumbled as he watched Nolan's car drive into the late-night Boston traffic.

"Let's go home," Liam suggested, with a pat on Killian's shoulder.

Killian followed his brother to the car and as they drove off his mind buzzed with images of what had happened that evening. It had been such a huge experience for him, getting the feel of how life in the spotlight could be. For now, all he really cared about was the fact that Emma loved him and he would have her in his life for a long time. He couldn't wait until his birthday, that would be another new experience for them.