Based on a real life scenario (in which I decided to host an unofficial company holiday gathering at my home after the actual company holiday party was canceled by HR, due to not meeting the fancy pants restaurant minimum of 100 people wanting to attend), and several of the prompts/scenarios/lines from this post - post/669674956399017984/xmas-prompt-list-scenarios-decorating-the
When the staff holiday party is canceled due to not enough interest, Emma's sister-in-law decides to take matters into her own hands. One lovebird infested guest list, a really weird dream, and a quiet evening out later, will Emma have the courage to ask her long time, not to mention gorgeous friend and colleague, who she's had a crush on for ages, to attend the party with her so they are not the only two there without a date?
~~ CS ~~
"Well, Bah Humbug to you too," Emma grumbled as she scowled at her phone.
Her sister-in-law looked up at her with raised eyebrows and a cocked head. "We literally just finished decorating your apartment for Christmas. Who rained on your parade already?"
"She probably just found out that the holiday party was canceled," her brother guessed as he returned from the kitchen with his phone in one hand and a freshly uncorked bottle of wine in the other.
"What?" Mary Margaret asked, incredulity clear in her voice. "This is the first opportunity for a staff party since COVID hit, why the hell would they cancel it? And how did you already know?"
"I just got the email," David answered.
"It seems your buddy, Head Master Gold, determined there is not enough interest in attending. Says we didn't meet the 100 person minimum for the fancy pants restaurant they reserved," Emma complained. She held out her glass to David for a refill and continued, "I was so looking forward to seeing everyone outside of a PG rated environment."
"First, he's not my buddy, he's my boss and some of us like to maintain amicable work relationships with all fellow employees, even the douchebags," Mary Margaret scolded Emma, "and second, why are you two checking work email on a Friday night?"
David refilled both women's glasses and then sat back on the couch next to his wife and threw his arm around her. "I think Emma was looking forward to partying with people other than just us," he loudly whispered in his wife's ear.
She rolled her eyes at her brother, neither denying nor confirming his assumption.
"You know, you could still come home with us to Ruth's for Christmas," Mary Margaret asked with hope clear in her tone and wide eyes.
"It's too late now," she argued, "Ruth has already planned for just you two." She loved her foster mother and her foster brother David, more than anyone would probably ever know, they'd put her on the right track and helped her to not become another foster youth statistic. Emma just couldn't spend another Christmas as a third wheel.
"It's December 3rd, I'm sure she doesn't need more than three weeks to plan for you to come home," David interrupted her thoughts. "I wish you would give up this stubborn notion that you're a third wheel and just come with us. You're my sister, Emma, and mom's daughter, no one's third wheel."
Emma just shrugged her shoulders, being every bit as stubborn as David was insinuating. She knew that she was being a little ridiculous, not seeing her foster mother because she felt like she was the cling-on of her brother and his wife, but she couldn't help it. She didn't want to be alone for the holidays, but she wanted to find her own path too.
Mary Margaret clapped her hands together loudly, breaking Emma out of her pondering. "I've got an idea!"
"Oh boy," David muttered.
"Knock it off," Mary Margaret ordered before playfully punching him in the chest. "How about we throw a party at our place?"
"What?" David sputtered. "We don't have enough room for the entire staff!"
"We don't need to," his wife said. "We only need to see how many people signed up for the dinner party and we can invite them. I mean, it had to be less than a hundred people, right?"
"You don't have room for 99 people," Emma chuckled as she watched her brother work through this idea, knowing he was thinking the exact same thing.
"Do not encourage him," Mary Margaret told Emma. "Do you want to have this party or not?
Emma took a moment to actually consider the idea. It would be fun, right? And hopefully it wasn't just all the people she despised from work. She knew that her closest friends had intended to go to the company party. "You know what, I'm in. Let's do it, I'll help you plan, decorate, and cook."
"No!" David and Mary Margaret both blurted.
Emma narrowed her eyes into slits as she glared at them. "I am not that bad of a cook."
"Said the woman who lit her Ramen noodles on fire in the microwave because she didn't add water to them," David deadpanned.
"It was one time!" Emma yelled as she reached over to slug her brother's leg.
"You two need to stop abusing me," he protested. "What will people say when I start showing up with bruises?"
"Unless you're showing up to work in short-shorts and a muscle tank, I think we're good," Mary Margaret laughed.
"Yeah, we know how to hide the marks," Emma added as they all dissolved into laughter.
Several hours later, after copious party notes and plans, many glasses of wine for Emma and Mary Margaret, and coffee for David, the couple departed for home. While Emma lived in the city center, close to the school and the bustling nightlife, her brother and sister-in-law lived about a half hour away in the suburb of Wellesley, in a home that was way too big for them. Though, according to her brother, they did intend to have Ruth come live with them at some point and they would fill the rest with kids.
As she sat in the quiet of her festively decorated living room, admiring the Christmas tree they'd picked out and dressed today, she wondered if she would ever find her own person. Sure, she had her brother and Mary Margaret, who was like the sister she had always wanted, but when was she going to find her own family, her path?
She'd been told she was prickly her whole life, and if she was honest with herself, she had been very prickly when she'd first met the foster mother and foster brother that would become her last in a long line. But she liked to think she had changed over the last dozen years. Most of the ice had melted from her heart, the blatant and blind distrust had dwindled into healthy caution, her bad attitude had faded from her everyday demeanor, and her walls had slowly lowered so she didn't immediately shut someone out the moment they expressed an interest in coming in.
The holidays would probably always hold some semblance of bittersweetness for Emma, that was just the way excess baggage worked. She picked up her snow globe from the coffee table, she'd unpacked it today while decorating. It had been a gift from Ruth on the very first Christmas she'd spent with the Nolan family, when she'd still been skeptical of her future in their home. When she'd first opened the present, she'd had but one thought, I'll never have this life. The intricately designed snow globe depicted a village surrounded by shiny, happy families and couples during the holiday season; it was the most beautiful thing Emma had ever held in her own two hands. She'd thanked Ruth politely but the sadness had been apparent in her eyes even as the kindly lady pulled Emma into an embrace and told her that she had a family now and everything was going to be okay.
For an orphan who'd seen countless homes, Emma had heard those words many, many times over. For some reason though, as she'd laid awake in bed that night, twelve years ago, her own bed, in her own room, with the beautiful snow globe clutched protectively to her chest, she'd wished that maybe this time, those words were real, and they would be a real family, and everything would be okay.
Emma shook her head and chuckled at herself as a nostalgia filled tear fell down her cheek. That wish had come true. Within the next year, Ruth had adopted her and they had been a shiny, happy family ever since. Maybe she should go home and see Ruth for the holidays. It's not like she didn't have a solid three weeks off for winter break. Wiping away the tears from her eyes, she got up from the couch and headed toward her bedroom, taking her snow globe with her. She was tired, that must be what was causing the emotions, well that and a bottle of wine. After she laid down and got comfortable, she picked up the snow globe and shook it so the snow was falling around the village.
I wish to not be alone for the holidays, Emma wished as the snow finished settling. Clutching the snow globe to her chest, just as she had that night so long ago, she fell asleep immediately.
~~ CS ~~
"Hey sister, you're the one who called on me," a very gruff voice startled her awake.
"What the- Who the hell are you?" Emma demanded, pulling her blankets up to her chest. "What do you want from me?"
"What do I want?" the stranger asked incredulously. "What do I want," he repeated as he rose to his full stature, which was not very full at all.
Emma cocked her head as she took in the small, bearded fellow that stood before her. He was dressed like a bona fide North Pole elf from head to toe, including the little curling booties with the bells. "Why are you dressed like that?"
The elf man looked down at himself and then back at Emma. "These are my clothes, you got a problem with that?"
"Oh… umm no, sorry," Emma apologized. How much did I drink last night? For some reason she had the cognizance to question that, but not the wherewithal to be panicking that there was a stranger in her home. And at the same time, the thought that her hangover was non-existent floated through her consciousness. Nice, she mused.
"Now, back to the matter at hand. You wished for something tonight and I'm here to help you get off your ass and get it."
Emma reared her head back and scoffed indignantly. "I beg your pardon?"
"If you don't want to be alone for the holidays," he said, closing into Emma's space, "then do something about it."
"Oh, sure, like it is just that easy."
"It is, girlie, and you better quit wasting time with your head up your-"
"Oooh, you're an angry fucking elf," Emma growled.
Looking properly chastised, he changed his tune. "I'm not angry, I'm just a little grumpy."
"I'll say," she huffed.
"Look, it is just that easy," he reasoned. "You know what you want, you have known for quite awhile now, and for some reason you haven't taken that leap of faith. Do you remember when you were 14 and you wished on that snow globe?"
Emma looked down at her hands. Where was it? She'd had it when she fell asleep. Then she looked at the elf to see he was pointing at her nightstand. There it sat, as if she'd carefully placed it there herself before falling asleep. "Uh, yeah, I remember," she rasped, her throat suddenly dry. How does a stranger, an elf, know this when I've told no one.
"Well, you wished on it again tonight, and I am here to tell you that to get what you want, you have to make it happen. It's as simple as that."
"Simple," Emma chuckled. "So just go in guns blazing, tell him what I want and the world is my oyster?"
"Hey, come on now. I'm being serious. You don't want to end up like me. I waited too long, let my chance at true love slip through my fingers, because I was too afraid to take that leap of faith, and now… now we're cursed to be apart."
"Cursed? All right, what the hell, buddy?"
"Hear me out," he pleaded as Emma crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm cursed to help others get what they want until I have successfully taught someone else the importance of having faith, before it is too late for them. Don't wait too long."
"And when you're successful?"
"The curse will be broken and I can go to my True Love and wake her from her cursed state where she thinks she is happy as a nun."
"Okay, I've lost it," Emma said out loud. "Finally lost all my marbles."
"You haven't lost your marbles-"
"Wait, you said I wished again tonight, does that mean you helped me get my wish 12 years ago?"
"That is not at all what I said. I just know that you made a wish 12 years ago, let's say I have insider knowledge," he smirked. "Now, let's review."
Emma yawned as tiredness started to sneak back in. How could her mind be willing to let her sleep at a time like this. An elf intruder in her home. Hell, she hadn't even tried to snap a picture yet. "Okay," she said sleepily.
"You are going to help yourself. You are strong, confident, and you know what you want. Knowing what you want is half the damn battle."
"Mm hmm, battle," she murmured, laying back down.
"Take the leap of faith, Emma. It doesn't have to be guns blazing, you'll figure it out. Now-"
"You know my name? What's your name, or should I call you Wish Elf?" she asked as she pulled the blankets up high and snuggled into them.
"Do not call me Wish Elf," he said with a roll of his eyes. "My name is Dreamy. Now sleep."
~~ CS ~~
"Owwww," Emma whined as she rolled over onto the hardest pillow in the world. It was actually digging into her shoulder blade. She sat up impatiently to adjust her pillows and ended up grabbing her forehead instead as it began to insistently throb in protest to sitting up too fast.
Moving slowly now, she lifted the pillow only to discover that the offending item was actually her snow globe. She moved it to her nightstand and the periphery of her consciousness was pricked by the weirdest memories of an angry elf pointing at her snow globe and ranting about wishes and curses. Lying back down, she attempted to make it back to the wonderful world of sleep. Unfortunately, her pounding headache, roiling stomach, and cotton mouth had other plans.
Extricating herself from bed at a snail's pace, Emma proceeded to start her day. Shower, teeth, food, were all things that crossed her mind, but nothing was going to get done until she had her precious cup of coffee brewing, morning breath be damned.
The shrill ring of her cell phone made her whine as she waited impatiently for her coffee to finish brewing. Who wanted to talk at this hour- Oh, damn, it's 10:30, she realized when she glanced at the time on the oven.
"Hello?" Emma muttered as she put the phone on speaker so it wouldn't blare straight into her ear.
"Good morning, Miss Sunshine!" Mary Margaret's chipper voice came through the speaker.
"How the hell do you sound like you didn't drink a bottle of wine last night?"
"Oh, Emma, when will you learn to hydrate, eat, hydrate some more, and take lots of headache medicine before going to bed?"
Emma petulantly shrugged her shoulders as if her sister-in-law could see her.
"I'm guessing you either just rolled your eyes or shrugged your shoulders at me?"
At this, Emma did roll her eyes. The coffee pot's six shrill beeps were actually like music to Emma's ears even with her headache, that's how badly she needed her fix. "Give me five minutes to become human and I will call you back."
Mary Margaret just chuckled and said, "Take your time."
After pouring her coffee, downing a glass of water and three ibuprofens, Emma used the bathroom, brushed her teeth, then made a couple slices of toast before sitting down at her dining table to call back her entirely too bright-eyed and bushy-tailed sister-in-law.
"What's up?"
"Okay, so I got Ruby to share the list of staff who had planned to attend the party. It is totally doable, if everyone brings a plus one, that should still only be about 50 people."
"Great," Emma said, "much better than 99."
"Oh, and Killian was planning to attend the staff party," Mary Margaret said in a teasing tone.
Emma rolled her eyes again. Why had she ever gushed about how hot Killian was, and how sweet he was, and how much she liked him? Oh yeah, alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol made her confess that out loud, on several occasions. Anyway, it's not like she was in love with the guy. You know what you want, you have known for quite awhile now, again a fleeting memory poked at her.
"I know," Emma mumbled, thankful that her blush could not be seen through the telephone.
"Maybe you should talk to him, tell him how you feel? It'll be the perfect setting, mistletoe, snow, alcohol, no students."
"Okay, enough with the matchmaker schtick," Emma muttered.
"Hey, I just want to help you take that leap of faith."
Emma's breath hitched at the turn of phrase. "I had the weirdest dream last night Ms! There was an angry elf in my room talking about true love and curses and leaps of faith. He looked just like Leroy!"
Mary Margaret burst into laughter. "Leroy? In an elf costume? Oh, Emma, you really need to hydrate the next time we drink. And I would be cautious in who you tell about that dream, Leroy would kill you if he found out you dreamed he was an elf."
"He would, wouldn't he," Emma laughed.
"Okay, just wanted to let you know that the party is on, let's meet for lunch on Monday and start planning," Mary Margaret suggested when their laughter died down.
"Sounds good, I know this great place, it's called Staff Lounge," Emma replied.
"I'll see you there, I believe leftovers are on the menu."
"Bring enough for me!"
"You know I will."
After finishing her cup of coffee, Emma showered and dressed in her comfiest daytime pajamas, curled up on her couch and turned on Netflix. She was asleep in two minutes.
Visions of her Wish Elf, Dreamy, floating on clouds and shouting leap of faith invaded her dreams.
~~ CS ~~
Emma woke up to several texts, including probably the longest text message she'd ever seen. It was probably as long as her arm. It was the list of potential attendees and who they'd be bringing, along with footnotes by her sister-in-law. She must have used speech-to-text to compile this massive thing, Emma thought.
Studying the list, horror slowly crept into her features as she realized she would be the only single- strike that, she and Killian would be the only two single people at the party.
It really was sickening, were there no other single people working at the school?
Oh shit! What if Killian decided to bring a date? She would be the lone singleton. Oh, hell no!
A knock at her door wrested Emma from the fit she was about to throw. She'd slept off her hangover, but now she was cranky and hungry, she was definitely in fit throwing mode.
"Hello Swan," a sexy, accented voice greeted as she opened her door.
"Hey, Killian." She held the door open, silently inviting him inside. Damn, but he looked good in his jeans and black leather jacket. "What's going on, you got a hot date?"
Her friend cocked his eyebrow as he so often did right before he was about to tease her. "As a matter of fact, I do."
Emma's heart dropped a little at that. A hollow echo repeated in her head, don't wait too long. Now she was cranky, hungry, and a little put out. "Well what are you doing here then?" she questioned, folding her arms across her chest.
Killian just rolled his eyes at her, ignoring her question. "Knock off the theatrics and go get ready."
"Huh?"
"I see where I rate, you've forgotten haven't you? Where's your phone?"
"Right here." Emma held up her hand and waved her phone at him. "Hey," she argued when he took it from her hand and typed in her passcode.
"You see this? This right here, that little number three in the red circle in your messages? That means you have three unread messages. That's your best mate, me," he pointed to himself, "making sure we're still on for dinner at that new gastropub."
"Shit!"
"Oh, aye, shit indeed. Go get ready, you right pain in my arse!" he chuckled.
"Give me ten minutes. Wait, what time is our reservation?"
"Seven, Swan."
"Okay," she answered and turned to go get ready in her bedroom. "Wait," she paused and turned back toward him, "what time is it?"
"5:30, because I knew you'd be running late. Little did I know it would be because you'd forgotten all about me," Killian griped, placing both hands over his heart as if she had mortally wounded him.
"Oh, please. And you call me dramatic? If you were any more dramatic, you'd be our drama teacher."
Killian just smiled, not even attempting to deny the accusation. He knew good and goddamn well that between him and Emma, he certainly had more of a flair for dramatics. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he spun her around and marched her toward her room. "Go get ready."
"Okay, but since we have extra time, Mr. Punctuality, give me twenty minutes."
They were out the door half an hour later. Emma wasn't worried, they would have plenty of time to get there, even with a little traffic. She'd decided to take a little extra time to put herself together, she couldn't very well have Killian looking prettier than she did. It was too cold for a dress, so she'd opted for her black skinny jeans, a snug, red top, which matched her lipstick, a pair of heels, and her warmest black, leather jacket.
"You clean up quite nicely," Killian complimented her as they headed out to his car.
"I know," she smiled and winked at him. Emma couldn't help but join in when Killian threw his head back and laughed. This was them, always flirting, always laughing, always easy.
~~ CS ~~
"That was delicious," Emma said, sitting back in her chair with a hand over her stomach. "I am so full."
They'd ordered a sampler of the gastropub's IPA tap selections for the evening, a Thai peanut salad, fried calamari, brussel sprouts, and the barbeque pulled pork mac and cheese, all to share.
"Would you like to look at our dessert menu tonight," the server asked as he arrived at their table to check on them.
"How about it, Swan. Triple chocolate raspberry layer cake, salted caramel cheesecake, tiramisu?"
"Ooooh, the triple chocolate raspberry layer cake!"
"Her heart's desire, that's all I want," Killian told the waiter.
"Coming right up."
"What happened to 'I'm so full'?" he teased.
"Hey, asshole, I didn't eat all day, I was hangover hungry tonight."
Killian laughed loudly as he patted her hand across the table. "No offense meant. On the contrary, I love when a woman has an appetite."
Emma let the innuendo hang between them as she imagined quenching that appetite with him. "Mmhmm, that's what I thought, buddy."
"So, did you hear about the staff party being canceled, something about not having enough interest?" Killian asked.
Emma nodded her head mutely as the waiter arrived and set down the decadent looking dessert between the two of them. This was her chance to see if he wanted to go with her.
Killian picked up one of the forks, cut a bite of the cake and offered it to her. Emma took the bite, barely able to relish the rich chocolate cake mixed with the tart raspberry filling as she contemplated her next move.
"I did hear about it, I read the email while Mary Margaret and David were over last night. They, well, she decided they are going to throw an unofficial staff party at their place and invite all the guests who were going to attend the actual party."
"That ought to be fun, better than dinner at some stuffy restaurant. How do they know who to invite?"
"Ms got the list of people who had planned to attend from Ruby."
"I should know your sister-in-law has her ways. How many people is she expecting," he asked as he fed Emma another bite.
She was well aware that she could pick up the other fork on the plate, but this was kind of romantic, which she hated herself for thinking because she was so not a girly girl. But still. "No more than 50 people."
"Mmm that's not too bad, the Nolan's can definitely accommodate that."
"So… I was thinking… and umm… everyone who's… well… everyone invited is bringing their significant other… so I thought… I mean…well-"
"Out with it, you're an English teacher for chrissake. Use your words, woman," he challenged with a devilish glint in his eyes and a cocked eyebrow.
You're strong, confident, and you know what you want. "I was thinking, since I'm single and you're single… you… me… the party… you know?"
"Ask me properly and I might consider it," Killian sassed with a now cocky grin on his full lips.
She wanted to kiss him and scratch his eyes out at the same time, even as the blush she already knew colored her cheeks, undoubtedly deepened. Rolling her eyes to save face a little bit, she cleared her throat and then in her most unaffected tone asked, "Killian, would you like to attend the Nolans' holiday party with me?"
"Why, I'd be delighted, Swan," he answered with his signature smile, the one with teeth, dimples, and gleaming eyes.
"May I get you folks anything else," their server asked, once again seemingly sneaking up to their table. "A nightcap, perhaps?"
Killian just cocked his head in question, leaving it up to her.
Emma shook her head no. "There is no more room left."
"No thanks, mate. Just the check when it's ready, please."
"Sure thing," the server said and produced the check right then. "I'll come back to get that when you're ready."
Killian snatched it up immediately, not letting Emma even see it.
"Oh, come on, let me pay for part of it?"
"Now why would I let my hot date pay?" Killian teased.
"How about just the tip, then?"
Killian's eyebrow, yes, just the one, shot up his forehead and he licked his lower lip salaciously, "I promise, I'd have you begging for so much more than just the tip."
Emma did not doubt him for even a second but rolled her eyes in grand fashion before kicking Killian under the table. "I do not beg."
"Ouch!" he grumbled. "That was my shin."
"Serves you right," she giggled as the server came to collect Killian's card.
"Probably does," he agreed. "I promise, you can pay next time, love."
"Then we're going to McDonald's."
He laughed out loud at that. "What is next on our list of restaurants to try?"
Emma pulled out her phone to consult the list they'd made of restaurants to try in the Boston area. "It looks like that new Thai place is up next," she answered.
"Have a nice evening, Mr. and Mrs. Jones," the server said as he dropped the bill back at their table.
Both their eyes bugged out of their heads before they politely thanked the young man and wished him the same. "Aye, you as well, lad," Killian replied. He made sure to leave the young man a healthy tip.
It wasn't the first time a server had mistaken them as a couple, and it probably wouldn't be the last. This was certainly the first time they'd been addressed as Mr. and Mrs. after providing a credit card for payment though.
"You okay to drive ?" she asked
"The IPA sampler was the equivalent of two and a half beers apiece over two hours and lots of food. I'm sober. After you, Mrs. Jones," Killian teased.
Emma just rolled her eyes, her typical response when she couldn't come up with a witty retort.
~~ CS ~~
"Say mistletoe!" Mary Margaret cheered as she snapped a couple pictures of Emma and Killian under the garland and light trimmed archway. They'd walked into the party, and were immediately ushered to take pictures like it was prom night.
"Come now, I won't bite." Killian coaxed Emma against his side, throwing his arms around her waist and leaning his head on hers. "Unless you ask me to," he whispered.
Emma leaned into his solid body as she belly laughed at that and Mary Margaret snapped another photo. "You are an incorrigible flirt, Killian Jones."
"Only with you," he responded, looking Emma square in the eyes, as if daring her to disagree.
"Here you go," Mary Margaret said with pep, interrupting the moment.
Killian grabbed the polaroids before Emma could, taking his time to examine each one. "Hmmm, this one should be our Christmas card, Swan," he told her, handing her the last picture in the group.
She could never quite tell with Killian if there was any truth behind all the flirting and innuendos. "I'll be the judge of that," she retorted, snatching the pictures from him.
The one he mentioned was pretty damn cute, she had to admit. He had his arms wrapped around her waist and was looking at her with a megawatt smile on his face and she was leaning into him with one hand on his chest and laughing at his antics.
"I concur, Jones. If we sent out a holiday card, this would be the one," Emma agreed before placing all the photos into her clutch so she wouldn't lose them. "Buy me a drink?" she asked, cocking her eyebrow.
"There goes my hopes of a cheap date," he teased, extending his elbow toward Emma who laced her arm through his, allowing him to lead the way to the open bar.
"There is nothing cheap about your date," she challenged, running her free hand down the length of her dress.
"Too right, lass," Killian agreed, licking his lips as he eyed the way her red holiday dress hugged each and every curve of her body.
Emma had decked the halls indeed with a short, tight, red dress, a black lacy shawl, a Santa hat headband, and black stiletto boots. In fact, Killian's eyes had almost bugged out of his head when they first arrived at the party and she'd taken off her long black peacoat which she'd already been wearing when he'd arrived at her apartment to pick her up. Too bad Mary Margaret hadn't gotten a picture of that.
After making themselves a couple drinks, they perused the party, checking out the different entertainment options and chatting with their fellow teachers and staff.
Emma giggled when she saw Leroy, the school's anthropology teacher, animatedly telling a story; he was pointing at something with a scowl on his face and she was reminded of her dream.
"Jello shots!" Ruby yelled into the crowd.
Emma and Killian each grabbed a pair from the trays making their way around the party. Emma had helped with these, it was the one thing she'd been allowed to help with over the last several days as Mary Margaret prepared for the party.
"To the Nolans!" Ruby toasted once everyone had a shot. The group all cheered and sucked down their jello shots.
"To getting laid," someone else shouted out.
"Who thought Ruby would be the one to keep it clean?" Emma asked as she looked over to see Belle, the school librarian, giggling and slapping the back of her husband Will's head.
They both laughed then clinked the plastic cups of their jello shots together before tossing them back.
"What would you like to do, love? Games, poker, eat?"
"There's dancing downstairs, let's check it out," she answered, pulling Killian toward the thumping base below them. It became darker as they descended the stairs, the main lights were off as David had strung fairy lights throughout the basement. It gave the room a private feeling.
Emma was a little buzzed and felt like shaking her ass. When one of her favorite songs started playing, she couldn't help but sway her hips to the beat.
"Dance with me?" Killian asked.
Emma smiled shyly when she realized he'd been watching her, but quickly accepted his proposal, letting him pull her onto the dance floor. If she thought she liked dancing before, well she loved dancing with Killian Jones. The man could move. But why was she surprised? He was good at everything he did.
Emma's inhibitions slipped away when she felt his ironclad grip on her hips and she threw her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her body. It felt like a little slice of heaven to let their bodies flow together, independent of thought, moving only to the rhythm that pumped through the speakers.
After a couple more drinks and many songs, moving together in close proximity, Emma was getting hot and a little sweaty. Killian had already tossed his blazer aside, rolled up his sleeves, and unbuttoned several more buttons on his shirt, showing even more of the chest and chest hair she was so inclined to explore. Was it soft, scratchy, both? She wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or Killian making her feel lightheaded.
"I need another drink," she shouted over the music.
Killian nodded his head and with his hand at the small of her back, he navigated them away from their fellow dancers and back up the stairs.
"Whoa!" Emma exclaimed as she tripped over the last stair.
"Easy there, lass," he cautioned as he caught her by the waist before she could faceplant and steadied her with a firm grasp. "Perhaps we should get some water before another drink?"
Emma gazed at Killian as he spoke. She wasn't really listening to him, entranced as she was by his lips. They looked very kissable right at this moment. Where was the damn mistletoe when she needed it?
"Earth to Emma," he laughed, waving his hand in front of her face.
She shook her head, broken from the reverie of a very soft, very gentle, very desired kiss. "What?"
"Those drinks really hit you hard tonight. Don't tell me you're becoming a lightweight?"
"Please," she scoffed, "I could drink you under the table any day of the week and twice on Sunday."
"Of course you could," Killian placated. "Instead of that, let's go get some water and then see what's on the menu."
After chugging a bottle of water and grabbing one more to take, the two made their way to the dining room. Both walls were lined tables full of food. They grabbed plates and got in the line to serve themselves. Emma was already feeling a little more steady on her feet. She realized now that she'd forgotten to eat today. One day she would remember Mary Margaret's advice, hydrate, eat, hydrate some more.
Mary Margaret had really outdone herself. In the eight days between deciding to have the party and actually having the party, she'd raised enough money for catering for 40, cut a deal with Belle's husband, Will, for discounted alcohol from his bar, and gotten the history teacher's wife, Elsa, to donate all the desserts. She'd also decorated every inch of the Nolan home and convinced David to decorate every inch of the Nolan property. It was no small feat.
"Let's go sit outside by the fire pit?" Emma asked.
"Sure, let me grab our jackets," Killian offered.
"Okay, I'll meet you out there," Emma said as she took his plate so he could grab the jackets.
There wasn't anyone else outside since they were experiencing below freezing temperatures. She plopped down in a two seater right by the large fire pit and set the plates down on a side table before holding her hands out toward the fire. Although it was cold, it was a beautiful, crystal clear night. Emma could actually see the stars out here, unlike in the city where the night lights were too bright.
Emma jumped when she felt her jacket wrap around her shoulders. She hadn't heard him approaching. "Thank you," she said with a sincere smile on her face. He always took care of her.
He bowed deeply, making her giggle.
They ate while enjoying the warmth of the fire, the crisp evening, and the delicious food. When they were done, Killian invited Emma for a stroll along the property, once again extending his arm to her.
As much as she wanted to protest because her feet were already like ice cubes, she couldn't resist having a reason to be close to him. They chatted about nothing and everything, laughing and teasing. It was so easy and carefree and it felt like what being a couple might be like. Emma wondered errantly why they weren't a couple. They did everything that couples did… except the really fun stuff. She snuggled in closer to him as a shiver shook her body.
"Will you quit trying to get me to walk under the mistletoe?" Killian laughed.
"What?" Emma questioned, grinding to a halt.
Killian nodded with his head toward the mistletoe that was hanging from the string lights that lined the pathway of the property. Emma's mouth dropped open and she pinched his arm with her icicle fingers. "I am not trying to get you to walk under the mistletoe, you jerk, I am trying to stay warm and you radiate heat out here."
"I am pretty hot," he agreed in his most matter of fact tone.
Emma rolled her eyes at him and shoved him with her shoulder, knocking him slightly off balance.
"There you go again, pushing me toward the mistletoe! If you want a kiss, don't stand on ceremony, love. We needn't any daft holiday plant to partake in a-"
Emma grabbed him by the jacket and pulled him in close, effectively cutting off his snark with a kiss she'd been craving all night, choosing action over words. For an English teacher, it was ironic that she always chose action over words. He didn't respond at first, and Emma worried that perhaps she had read this all wrong, which would also be ironic for an English teacher.
As if he'd sensed her internal struggle, he came to life, folding his arms around her waist and wrapping her tightly in his embrace. Emma sighed against his lips as he finally returned her kiss with fervor. Throwing her arms around his neck, much as she had done while they danced, she threaded her fingers into his hair and tugged it gently, grinning against his lips when he groaned into her mouth. Emma seized the moment to taste him, slipping her tongue against his.
"I've waited so long for this moment," she confessed between hungry kisses.
"It's about bloody time," he whispered.
Emma giggled as they broke for air. "What do you mean, 'it's about bloody time' - you could have made the first move."
"Aye, I could have. But with your penchant for shutting out anyone who tries to get closer than you want, I couldn't risk scaring you off. This," he motioned between them, "is as much up to you as it is to me, but it had to be on your timeline."
"What do you mean?"
"Emma Swan, I've wanted you since I met you and I think you've wanted more with me for quite some time now. So where we both wanted it, I felt I needed to wait until you knew you were ready."
A smile lit up Emma's face as she listened to Killian. Typical English teacher, always able to explain things. He might know me better than me, Emma mused. "I'm ready," she stated, looking into his eyes and holding her breath. It wasn't many words, but it was verbal confirmation, if that's what he wanted.
This time Killian reacted with action as he picked Emma up and spun them both in a circle. The beautiful smile on his face, dimples on full display made her heart thump in her chest and then he was kissing her again. It was perfect, a scene out of a damn Hallmark movie as snow started to fall around them.
Despite the warmth of his body and the heat of their kiss, Emma shivered once more.
"Let's get you inside, I know I'm hot, but even I'm no match for this weather," he chuckled. "Hop on, I'll give you a lift back, I know your feet are killing you."
How far had they walked, Emma wondered. And her feet were killing her, all the dancing and tromping through the snow in five inch heels would do that. "My dress is going to ride up over my ass if you give me a piggyback ride."
"Your jacket will cover that delectable arse."
Emma giggled again, she had never giggled this much in her life. Who knew Killian Jones would bring out her inner school girl. Without further argument, Emma hopped on his back and tried not to squirm too much as he adjusted his grip. She let out a yelp when he inadvertently tickled underneath her knees before he finally got a good, solid hold.
As they made their way back to the house, Emma nuzzled her nose into Killian's neck for warmth, of course. The snow was now falling in droves and the wind was making visibility almost impossible. By the time they got back to the house, Emma thought she just might be frozen solid as Killian deposited her on the deck.
"Let me fix my dress before we go back in."
"Need help?" he smirked.
Emma just laughed as she reached under her jacket and pulled the hemline back down to her thighs where it belonged. "Maybe later when I need to take it off." She winked at him before placing a finger below his chin to push his jaw closed.
"Bloody minx," he growled.
Emma just glided past him with a sinful smile on her lips, grabbing his hand to drag him with her.
"Where did everyone go?" Emma questioned as they walked inside, the heater immediately feeling like heaven against her chilled body. It was only Mary Margaret, David, and a handful of other guests. "It's only, oh, wow, I guess it is after midnight."
"There you are!"
"I told you they didn't leave," David told his wife.
"Most people started to leave when weather alerts started popping up on our phones. They wanted to avoid getting stranded on the ride home. You both disappeared and I thought you'd left without saying goodbye," Mary Margaret explained.
"Of course not," Emma said, "we went for a walk out back in your Winter Wonderland."
David's eye twitched as he eyed how Emma and Killian were holding hands. He hadn't said anything yet, but she wondered if he would. Emma was sure her brother knew how she felt about Killian since Mary Margaret knew and she could not keep a secret to save her life.
"Well, I think it is probably best if you two bunk here like all these other party animals who decided to stay the night," Mary Margaret offered.
Emma looked at Killian, silently asking him if he wanted to stay. He nodded in agreement.
"You and Killian can have your normal room since it has a bed and a couch," David offered.
Emma just smiled, trying not to laugh at her brother's protective stance as he made it clear that his little sister was not going to be sharing a bed.
"Much obliged, Dave," Killian answered, knowing it wasn't quite time to start fucking with his friend who also happened to be the object of his affection's brother.
"Let's play a game of Cards Against Humanity," Mary Margaret suggested, "now that all the innocents are gone."
"Yes!" Emma answered immediately, she loved this game.
"Oi," Will exclaimed, "I'm innocent."
"You are the raunchiest of us all, Scarlet," his own wife, Belle declared.
"You like it that way," he growled. "They think you're all innocent and that I corrupted you, but little do they know…"
Belle just laughed and kissed her husband to shut his mouth.
"We're down," Ruby agreed as her girlfriend Ariel nodded excitedly.
"Count us in," said Robin.
Oh, it's going to be fun hearing snooty Regina read some of these answers, Emma thought.
"That game is for cretins," August declared before dramatically throwing a hand up in the air and exclaiming that of course he and Jeff, his partner, were in for the party game for horrible people.
Twelve people made for very long rounds as each card was read and followed by uncontrollable laughter, but it was perfect. Emma was pretty exhausted, and twice thought about calling it a night, but she was so enjoying sitting next to Killian, his hand on her knee, drawing patterns and caressing it gently. At around two, they finally started winding down as more and more yawns broke out among the group.
"What can we help clean up Ms?" Emma asked as they put the game away.
"Uh-uh," Mary Margaret shook her head. "I'm not doing anything tonight. I will worry about all that tomorrow."
Emma could definitely live with that, and she'd be more than willing to help clean up in the morning. Right now she wanted to get comfortable and relax in front of the fire in her home away from home bedroom.
As logistics were determined and everyone said their goodnights, Killian asked Emma which room they would be in, then told her he'd be up in a few moments.
~~ CS ~~
Once upstairs in the second master suite, Emma lit a fire, took down her hair, and made herself comfortable on the sectional that surrounded the hearth. A gentle knock on the door alerted her to Killian's arrival and her heart rate ramped up. "Come in."
"Hot chocolate with cinnamon for milady."
"Mmmmm," Emma sighed as she inhaled the rich aroma of chocolate mixed with spice. "I wanted to get a cup as soon as we came back from the walk but I forgot once we started playing the game. Thank you, Killian."
He smiled adoringly at her. "You're welcome." He rubbed nervously behind his ear, as if he wasn't sure what to do next.
Emma patted the seat next to her. "Don't go getting all nervous on me now, Jones. I don't have anything nefarious planned. I just want to relax in front of the fire, snuggle with you, maybe make out with you."
Killian visibly exhaled, then shed his blazer and sat down next to her, throwing an arm around her shoulder. "I just um… I want to do this right, you know?"
Emma snuggled into Killian's side, pulling his arm more tightly around her so she could hold his hand. "When you say 'do this', what are you referring to, oh most loquacious of English teachers?"
"You… me… us… dating?"
"Ask me properly and I might consider it," she smirked. Emma always loved an opportunity to throw Killian's words back at him.
"Ha bloody ha," he deadpanned. "I don't want to bugger this up, I've waited a long time for you, Emma Swan."
"Sometimes you are so British," she laughed.
"You say that like it's a bad thing."
"On the contrary, it's freaking adorable," Emma replied, setting her cocoa mug down. Turning toward him, she gracefully swung one leg over his lap so she was straddling him.
"Will you allow me to court you darling?" Killian asked softly, gripping her hips and situating her comfortably.
She looked into his hopeful eyes, a small smile on her lips but didn't answer, not yet, she loved the earnest look on his face right now, and wanted to savor it for a moment more. Slowly threading her fingers into his hair, she gently massaged her nails along his scalp causing him to shiver under her.
Emma made her move then, leaning in to capture his lips with her own. "I would love for you to court me, Killian," she whispered between kisses. "We can still make out now, right?"
He chuckled against her mouth. "Aye. Any time, all the time, forever."
"Good," she murmured, deepening the kiss and tilting her head to the side so she could better access his mouth. The groan that escaped his throat as she sucked his tongue into her mouth was positively sinful sounding.
Emma enjoyed the way Killian's hands roamed her body, caressing every inch of her exposed legs, up and over her hips and kneading the swells of her ass. She knew that he wanted to take things slowly, do things right, but she hoped that didn't mean waiting to have all of him. He might just have her begging after all.
Emma toyed with the buttons of Killian's shirt, telling him how she'd often wondered what his chest hair would feel like. A slight blush colored her cheeks confessing this to him, but her shyness melted away when Killian encouraged her to have her fill. She would definitely be getting filled if she had anything to do with it.
Removing his shirt completely, Emma kneaded his chest, the hair coarse and soft at the same time. Killian's hands were back on her ass, squeezing and rubbing, fingers just shy of grazing her wetness, and she wished he would touch her, relieve the ache between her thighs. He sighed in content when she leaned down and placed wet kisses over his chest, then growled as she sucked hard, marking his left pec.
Emma was quickly pulled back up and Killian's mouth was on hers, a little more possessively now. She could feel his hardness as he pulled her closer, and she moaned into his mouth as he thrust his hips upward, rubbing over her clit. He broke from her mouth, allowing her much needed oxygen before blazing a trail of open mouthed kisses down her neck and over the tops of her breasts.
Grasping the buckle of his belt, she asked, "How about this? Can we do this now, too?" Killian ceased his ministrations to look her square in the eye. Emma brazenly cupped him through his pants with her other hand. Fuck, he felt good against her palm, hot and hard.
A stilted breath choked out from Killian's throat and his eyes rolled back as Emma massaged him gently. "You're going to be the death of me."
"But what a good death it would be," she answered.
"Aye," he complied. "You're making it extremely difficult to do the gentlemanly thing here, Swan.
"Would it really be gentlemanly," she let go of his belt buckle and grabbed his hand to slide it against her panties, "to leave a lady wanting?"
"Fuck me," he muttered.
"I'd love nothing more," Emma whispered as she captured his lips again and ground down against his hand. "Is your offer to help me with my dress still on the table?"
Killian grabbed her tightly and stood up, then smacked Emma's ass playfully, "Certainly, love." Setting her down, he spun her around so she was facing away from him.
Emma gazed into the fire, getting lost in Killian's touch as he swept her hair over her shoulder so he could unzip her from her dress. He peeled it down her body like he was savoring every moment. Her breathing quickened and every inch of her flesh pebbled, not because she was cold, but in anticipation of his touch.
A sigh of bliss left Emma's lips when Killian pressed his warm body against hers and whispered, "You're beautiful, Emma." He sucked her ear into his mouth, sending a spark through her whole body. She could feel his cock against her ass and his hands were finally, finally touching her. Killian palmed each of her breasts over the lace of her bra and deftly tweaked her nipples to hardened peaks. Emma whimpered as she rubbed her thighs together, wishing he'd take care of her desperate need to be filled.
As if he'd read her thoughts, he slid one hand down her torso and into her panties. He explored her folds, cursing filth into her ear as he felt her wetness coat his fingers. He chuckled darkly when Emma thrust her hips against his hand, wanting him inside her. "Need something?"
"You," she murmured before covering his hand with hers and pushing his middle finger into her core. She moaned loudly as both of their fingers provided relief to the ache that had been building. Killian wasted no time pumping his fingers into her. "That feels so good, Killian. I can't wait to feel your cock."
"Emma," he whispered as she grinded into his palm and praised him. "Take what you need."
As much as it pained her, what she really needed was to be well and truly fucked. She paused his motions, and turned in his embrace.
"What is it, love?" he asked, worry furrowing his eyebrows.
"You told me to take what I need," she answered as she made light work of removing his belt and dropping his pants. "I need this." Emma reached into his boxer briefs and wrapped her hand around his erection and stroked him twice. "And don't you dare tell me to ask you properly."
"I wouldn't dream of it," he stuttered out as she began pumping him again. He kicked off his shoes, allowing his pants to fall from his ankles and then pulled off his socks.
Emma winked before pushing him backward until his legs met the couch. She removed his last stitch of clothing before unabashedly checking Killian out from head to toe. "Goddamn, you are gorgeous." She pushed him down so he was sitting on the couch, cock straining for her, eyes dilated and hungry.
Emma reached into her bra and produced a pair of condoms which she tossed down next to Killian. "You know, just in case," she smiled shyly. Then she enticingly removed her bra and panties so she was bare before him.
Killian reached out for her hand and pulled her into his lap so she was straddling him as she had earlier, this time with no boundaries. He wrapped her up in arms fiercely and kissed her deeply. "You are absolutely brilliant, amazing," he murmured between kisses.
Emma could spend hours kissing Killian, that much she was sure of. His tongue was impressive and she would eventually need to know what it felt like against her clit and inside her, but right now, she was too keyed up as he kissed her, teased her nipples, and fucked her with his fingers.
Reaching for a condom, she dexterously removed it from the package and rolled it over his length. "I need you, Killian."
"Aye, love," he replied huskily as he lifted her and lined her up. They both moaned in unison as Emma slid down his length. "Bloody Hell, you feel like heaven."
Emma had to pause for a moment, he wasn't even fully inside her yet but she wasn't used to someone Killian's size. "Fuck, you're really big."
Killian leaned in and kissed her, lifting her hips and then allowing her to sink back down again, he did this over and over and they set a slow pace. With each pass, Emma took him a little further. Once she'd fully sheathed him, she began deep, long passes, so she could feel every inch of him plunging deep inside.
It made her wetter as she watched Killian lick his lips and bite them as he watched his cock disappear into her pretty pink folds. Emma's orgasm coiled tightly as she climbed higher and higher. And if her thighs weren't burning so badly as she rode him, she'd edge them both right now, but she really, really needed to come.
As suddenly as she felt his fingers on her clit, circling with a rhythm that matched the way she bounced on his cock, Emma was crying out his name, her orgasm pulsating through her, sizzling through to every nerve ending in her body. Her body ceased movement, her legs turning to jello after all that work, and she was blissfully soaring on her high as Killian fluidly laid her out and began slamming into her, chasing his own release as her walls swelled around him. Hearing him call her name as he came deep inside her sent an aftershock through her and goddamn this was the hardest she had ever come in her life.
The fire was still burning as they lay tangled up together, casting a warm glow over them. Her brother would kill her if he knew they were both butt-ass naked on the couch, only covered by a fleece throw blanket.
They discussed how they would tell her brother and Mary Margaret about this newest development and shared laughs over the various reactions they could imagine David having.
"Do you know what I've wanted for the last couple of New Year's eves?"
"What's that?" Emma asked, peppering his neck with kisses.
"To kiss you at midnight."
"Is that right?" she asked, pausing her ministrations to look at him. "Well, New Year's is right around the corner. I suppose if you ask me properly, I might consider it."
Killian laughed loudly, shaking the space around them. "Will you be my kiss at midnight on the eve of the new year, Swan?"
Emma answered with an ardent kiss and they made love again before finally falling asleep just as the dawn was beginning to break.
That night, though Emma dreamed of another man, Killian had nothing to worry about, because it was only her Wish Elf coming to tell her that he'd known she'd be the one to break his curse; he was free and he'd been able to wake his true love from her curse all thanks to her.
~~ CS ~~
"Mary Margaret!"
Emma was jolted awake by her brother shouting at the top of his lungs.
"What the hell, mate," Killian grumbled.
"Mary Margaret!" David shouted again.
"What is it, honey?" Mary Margaret asked exasperatedly as she arrived by his side.
Mary Margaret peered around her husband who stood in the doorway with his hands on his hips and a scowl that'd make the Grinch himself question his life's choices.
"We need a new couch."
Emma looked down and noticed that while Killian was wrapped around her, the blanket was not quite wrapped all the way around him. She quickly tossed it over his bare ass as Mary Margaret giggled and slapped her husband's chest. "Leave them alone, David."
"And a new blanket," he groused.
Emma watched her sister-in-law literally clap her hands together and jump up and down with a beaming smile on her face while standing in the doorway. She felt the same way if she was being honest with herself. "A little privacy, please?" Emma asked, trying not to laugh at Mary Margaret's antics.
"Breakfast is ready."
"Thanks, Dave. I seem to have worked up quite the appetite overnight."
Emma pinched Killian's side making him jump and snicker. David's eyes just narrowed to smaller slits.
"They'll be down soon enough," Mary Margaret scolded her husband.
"Don't let my pancakes go to waste," David muttered as his wife pulled him away and shut the door behind them.
"Oh my God," Emma laughed. "Well, I guess we don't have to decide to tell them about us."
"That did work out pretty conveniently," Killian whispered into her ear before sucking a spot right behind it that made her moan against his cheek.
"So, I'm leaving for Ruth's in a week and a half," Emma said softly as Killian continued kissing down her neck.
"I think it is wonderful that you've decided to visit her for the holiday. I will miss you, but perhaps we can spend this week doing some things. I'd love to take you ice skating one day."
"That sounds fun!"
"And I know I will get you for New Year's Eve."
"About that…"
"Oh," Killian said, "have you decided to stay through the New Year as well?"
Emma smiled sweetly when she heard the disappointment coloring his tone even as he tried to keep it casually measured. "No," she shook her head, "I just thought that since you aren't going home to see your brother, and I don't want to spend Christmas apart, that maybe… we could, you know?" she asked, hiking her shoulders up to her ears and biting her lip in anticipation.
Killian rolled to his back, pulling Emma on top of him and wrapping his arms around her back as she straddled his hips. He cocked his eyebrow expectantly, a smug little grin pulling at the corner of his lips.
Emma just rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. "What?" she asked, stubbornly.
"Come now, Swan, you know the drill."
She couldn't help the snicker that slipped through her lips. "You're such a jerk."
"Am not. I'm a gentleman and you know it."
"Whatever," she drawled.
"Ask me properly and I might consider it."
With the biggest put upon sigh and roll of her eyes she could muster through her nerves, she quickly rambled, "I would love it if you'd come home with me for Christmas, what do you say?"
"I'd love to," he whispered, a sweet smile quirking his lips adoringly.
"This is going to be the best Christmas ever," Emma announced giddily, as she leaned down and captured Killian's lips.
"Aye, it will be, love," he agreed before pulling her in for a soft kiss.
"C'mon," she said, "as much as I would like to finish what we're starting, I don't want my brother seeing anymore than he already has, and he will be back up here if you let his pancakes get cold."
Killian chuckled against her neck before releasing her from his grasp. "Aye, Dave's probably had more than enough excitement for one day."
"Yeah," Emma agreed, "but let's go tell him you're coming home with us to meet mom, anyway."
They shared a laugh and a tender kiss before dressing and heading downstairs with hearts a little fuller.
