Thanks for all the lovely reviews on the last chapter! Hope you guys like this one as well.
As it turns out Graham's party is in Malibu, so Killian and Emma are currently stuck in traffic. Emma hasn't said much since he picked her up, which isn't surprising.
"Congratulations," he says quickly hoping to break the silence.
"For what?" she asks.
"Your role in the Bond movie," he states.
"Oh thank you," she says with smile. A few more minutes of silence pass.
"Is it always going to be like this with you?" Jones asks. Frustrated by this whole awkward situation. The awkward silences, the unsaid things between them.
"Jones, what exactly do you want from me?" she snaps, her ferocity and fire teeming in her voice. She's trying to keep him at a distance, but he can't seem to let her do that.
He opens his mouth to reply and realizes that he doesn't have a good answer to that question at all. Because gods that kiss on their "date" woke him up. Like she brought him out of a trance. More than anything it made him realize that he could want something, want someone again.
All those feelings are true for him, but he has no idea how she feels about it. If that kiss even meant anything to her at all. He can't hold her to any unrealistic expectations of his. He shakes his head and says nothing.
They say nothing to each other in the car, but once they enter the party they both turn into a new couple falling in love. Killian thinks he may lose his mind with how many times she touches him. Every brush of his shoulder, every time she grasps his hand drives him a little more mad. The only this to hold his sanity at bay is when she lets him wrap an arm around her waist and draw her in closer.
When they finally reach Graham through the sea of people he greets Killian as an old friend.
"I meant to ask, but how do you two know each other?" Emma asks looking from Killian to Graham, who grimaces.
"Oh well I used to date Regina," Graham says and Killian nods.
"Oh, I had no idea," Emma says a little taken aback.
"I figured as much," his eyes dart across the room over Emma's shoulder, "Oh I'm sorry host duties continue, but I'll find you guys later." Graham says quickly before running off. Killian and her nod and mingle throughout the party and Emma runs into a producer trying to get people to fund their next project. Killian leaves them to talk business and truly he needs a minute to himself. He wanders outside onto the beach behind Graham's house. The crashing waves calming him down. What Killian doesn't realize is that a few minutes become thirty minutes. Emma manages to find him sitting in the sand near the water's edge. She sits down next to him.
"Swan, sorry I needed a minute," he says when her approach breaks his train of thought.
"It's been a little longer than that," she says lightly.
"Oh I'm sorry we can head back in if you want," he offers and she shakes her head.
"You're not the only one who needs a minute. In fact I know there is something bothering you and I'd rather you get it off your chest then have it hang over our heads," she says, searching his face for some indication of what all of this is about.
"The kiss in the restaurant, did it mean nothing to you? Was it only for the cameras? Because that wasn't just a kiss for me. I want to know what it meant to you," He asks her his eyes searching hers now. Her jaw drops because they haven't talked about that and she doesn't want to think of that kiss. If she does she'll want to kiss him again. And again. And again.
"No, it didn't mean nothing," she practically whispers her answer.
"Then what…" She doesn't give him time to say anything else. She brings her hand to his face and cups his cheek. She brings his lips towards hers. Their last kiss was passionate and desperate. This one is slow and sweet. It says all the things Emma hasn't quite put into words yet because well she was never any good with her own words. She likes him oh god she does. This isn't permanent or real, she can't tell him how much she loves the feel of his hands on her or how soft his lips are. She definitely can't tell him how much she likes being with him and talking to him. It all scares her so much she lashes out to keep him at bay, to keep him away from her. It doesn't seem to be working. Every time she sees him all she can think about is this. Kissing him, touching him, or holding him. Every time she pushes him away he comes right back.
She doesn't know what changes, she wants more of him and he certainly doesn't object. They shift so she's straddling his lap and his hands grip her ass pulling her close to him. When she feels his erection against she lets out a gasp, pulling away from him for the first time. They just stare at each other for a few moments, both of them breathing heavily. Her jade green eyes getting lost in his baby blues.
"It wasn't for the cameras," she says quietly. He nods and neither of them make to move from this position.
"Then how about we get to know each other," he suggests.
"Alright, but as I'm sure you know I'm not very good at any of this," she sighs.
"You don't have to be good, just try," he says with a broad grin. She nods as she slips off his lap finally. She sits next to him again and slips her hand into his.
"I don't even know where to start," she admitts.
"Simple when we're alone we ask each other questions. For example what do your parents think about this situation?" he asks her. She drass in a big breath.
"I don't have any parents, I'm an orphan. Never knew them either, they left me on the side of a highway in Maine. David and Mary Margaret are the closest thing I have to family," she tells him, taking a chance and trusting him, "What about yours?" His heart breaks for her. Wounds made when you're young tend to linger. He felt they were kindred spirits, but he wasn't sure until now.
"It's just my brother, Liam and I now. My mother died when I was young and a couple years later my father left in the middle of the night. From that moment on Liam took care of us," she gives his hand a little squeeze and he smiles, "he's on deployment in the middle of the ocean. We haven't spoken in a couple of weeks. I'm not sure what I could even say about all of this to him," he shakes his head. It strikes her that they aren't too different. Both somehow made it through this world without parents and ended up in the limelight.
"He wouldn't take it well?" she asks.
"No, he would launch into a speech about honor and morality. It might be best if he doesn't know the whole truth," he sighs. Liam usually calls once a week, but this latest mission he had to go dark. Liam's supposed to check in next week
"You'll do whatever you think is best," she encourages him.
"Thanks, Swan," he stands and offers her his hand, "Come on we should make one last appearance at this party then I'll take you home." She takes his hand and they walk back to the party hand in hand. Graham spots them right away and walks up to them.
"I was wondering where you two ran off to," he says with a raised eyebrow.
"Just a stroll on the beach, mate," Killian quickly covers for them.
"I see, well I just wanted to say that I can't wait to work with you and it was great to see you again Jones," Graham nods.
"Thanks for inviting us. I'll see you next week," Emma smiles. Graham nods and the couple makes their way out. The ride home is quiet mostly because Emma fell asleep somewhere along the way.
However she wakes when they get closer to home and she has a guilty look in her face.
"Sorry I fell asleep."
"No worries, love. I'm sure it's not a comment on our time together," he jests. She lightly smacks his arm.
"You know it's not," she tells him. When they arrive to her house there is a motorcycle in the drive that wasn't there before they left. She knows exactly who it belongs to. August, her foster brother. The only problem is he only shows up when something is wrong.
"Shit."
"What is it, Swan?" Killian asks, looking from her to the bike.
"What trouble has he gotten in to now?" She sighs.
"Swan," he says expectantly, waiting for an explanation.
"The bike belongs to August, he's my foster brother I was with in a few of the group homes we've kept in touch but he usually comes around at holidays and when he's in trouble," she explains.
"Alright, do you need me to come in with you?" he asks her, eyebrow raised. She shakes her head.
"No, it's nothing I can't handle. Can I call you later though?" she asks.
"Of course, I'll be waiting," he says. She smiles and exits the car. He makes sure she gets inside safely before heading home.
Once the door is shut and locked Emma turns to find August lounging on her couch.
"I was wondering where you went tonight. Odd for you not to be home unless you're filming," August comments.
"What happened this time?" She asks, hands on her hips.
"I just need to lie low," she gives him a withering look, "I was at a casino and slept with this guy's daughter. Let's just say he's not pleased with me at this moment." Emma wanders into the kitchen and pours them both a drink.
"The guy owned the casino right?" she asks as she hands him the glass.
"Yes, now are you going to tell me where you went tonight?" he asks with smirk on his face, a smirk that might suggest he already knows something.
"I was on a date of sorts," she grumbles as she plops on the couch next to him.
"Would it be this Killian Jones the paps keep catching you with? What does of sorts mean exactly?"
"Yes it was him and we went to my new co-stars party. I just don't think it will work out with Jones," she shakes her head. They have chemistry that is undeniable. She doesn't know if he'll stick around, or if she can fully trust him, she's trying to.
"Stop pushing him away and it might actually work," he tells her.
"How did you-?" She asks shocked.
"We've known each other a long time, Emma. I know what it looks like when you are actually interested in someone," he snorts.
"I know, I'm trying with him. Don't make a big deal out of it. If you really want to lie low the guest room is yours and pull your bike in. I'm going to bed," she announces before getting off the couch. Once she's in her room with the door shut she pulls out her phone and calls Killian.
"Emma?"
"Hey," she says as she starts to take off her make-up.
"Sorry, love I didn't suspect you'd be calling so soon. I haven't even made it home yet," he says a little shocked.
"Yeah it wasn't a huge deal apparently he slept with the daughter of a guy who owns a casino. Very typical for him, he just needs to hide out for a few days," she explains.
"Well I'm glad it wasn't anything too scandalous," he chuckles.
"Me too. I've got an early morning, I'll see you soon okay?"
"Goodnight, love."
"Goodnight," she whispers as she hangs up. God, August is right, as much as she hates to admit that. She's actually interested in him, why else would she want to call him and let him know how things turned out? All she knows is she's totally fucked when it comes to Killian.
-KEKE-
Much to Killian's relief Liam's calls him when his mission is complete and he finally has decent reception.
"I know you're a rock star and all, but I didn't expect you to have a movie star girlfriend when I came back," Liam teases him.
"I didn't know either, it's been all rather sudden," Killian explains.
"Hmm I see, how did you kids meet?" Liam teases, Killian simply rolls his eyes at his brother's tactics.
"Didn't you read all about it?" Killian mumbles.
"Enough of that, tell me about her," his brother prompts.
"I had a party and our mutual friend, Ruby, introduced us. We hit it off rather spectacularly and she spent the night," Killian says.
"You slept with her right after you met her?" Liam spits out, surprised.
"No, she had a lot to drink and I wasn't about to let her drive home. She slept in one of the guest rooms, alone. Anyway she's great, witty, beautiful, talented," he sighs.
"Gods, have you fallen for her so quickly, little brother?" Liam chuckles.
"Younger, and perhaps," Killian says. The story of how the met is a lie, but his feelings aren't. He doesn't want to lie to Liam, but he wouldn't understand any of this. Hell, Killian isn't sure he understands this at moments.
"Ah well be careful, but she sounds lovely. I'm glad you're getting back out there," Liam tells him.
"Thank you, brother. How was the mission?" he asks, changing the subject.
"Oh more of the same. You know I've got some leave coming up maybe I should come visit you and this woman who has captured your heart," he suggests. This certainly grabs Killian's attention. They haven't discussed anything about families. He'll have to talk to Regina and Emma.
"Of course, you know you're always welcome," Killian tells him.
"Thank you brother. When I get a concrete date, I'll let you know," he says cheerily.
"Aye, I can't wait," Killian smiles. He misses his brother dearly. Liam joined the Navy to support them when Killian was younger. His brother was so supportive of his career, even gave him his first guitar when he was fifteen. Killian can never repay him for everything his brother has done for him. They start talking about things of little consequence and Killian wonders how Emma will react to all of this.
-KEKE-
Liam calls just before the start of rehearsals later that week.
"Aye, that's fine. I'll be there to pick you up from the airport," Killian tells Liam when Robin walks in.
"Aren't you rich enough to send a ridiculously expensive car?" Liam teases him.
"I could, but I still value the personal touch you prick," Killian teases him.
"I guess you'll do," his brother sighs. Will arrives and the brothers exchange goodbyes.
"Liam's coming?" Robin asks and Killian nods, "That'll be nice. What about your events with Emma?"
"That would be the problem. He wants to meet her," Killian says, not looking at either one of his band mates.
"Why…. oh you idiot," Will scolds him.
"He's your brother why on earth haven't you told him?" Robin asks him.
"He was on a mission until a couple days ago, so I couldn't tell him and now," Killian shakes his head.
"You're worried about what he'll think?" Robin asks and Killian nods.
"He can't take it any worse than I did mate," Will shrugs, who over the past couple of days has become more at ease with the situation. Robin told him it was Emma's idea to tell him which seemed to win him over about the whole situation. Or at least made him like Emma a little bit.
"I guess so. I just don't want a lecture about morality from him. Anyway, I sent the new song to you two last night, what do you think?" Killian asks.
"It's great, but different," Robin says cautiously. Killian quirks his eyebrow at this.
"Bad different?" He asks looking from one bandmate to the next.
"No, it's good. What he meant to say is he thinks it's about Emma," Will says with a rather pointed look. Killian shouldn't be surprised they picked up on that, but he didn't think it would be so sudden.
"Um well yes it is about her," he mumbles.
"Oh for fuck's sake, Killian. You're goin' to get hurt," Will says.
"I can look out for myself thank you very much. I know what I'm doing," Killian says sharply to Will, who just holds his hands up in surrender.
"We just don't want you getting hurt. Be careful, mate," Robin says before clapping him on the back. The rest of rehearsal goes without a hitch. They practice the new song over and over working out any kinks that pop up. At this rate the song will be more than ready for the concert next week. With a couple new songs he's still working on the new album will be finished.
Under the guise of logic and reason Killian calls Emma that night, she has to know about Liam, right? In reality he just wants to hear her voice and talk to her, but he can't say that's why he's calling her.
"Jones?" she answers, surprised by his call.
"Swan, hope it's not a bad time," he says, unsure about really everything with her.
"No, it's fine. Everything alright? You sound a little nervous," she notices.
"Nothing too concerning, but it's about my brother," he sighs.
"Is he alright? I know you said he was on a mission or something, right?" she asks concerned, which makes his heart ache just a little bit. She's worried about him and his own.
"Aye he was, but he's alright. I talked to him and well he was surprised about us was an understatement," he tells her.
"Did you tell him about…" she trails off.
"Um no, I didn't seem like the thing to tell him over the phone. Still don't know if I should. Here's the thing, I um-" he takes a breath.
"Christ, Killian spit it out. You're making me nervous," she says with some edge in her voice.
"He's coming out in a few weeks, he wants to meet you. I don't want to ask that of you, but I just wanted to let you know," he rambles. She pauses, fuck. They never talked about families and things of that nature. She wants to help him, but meeting family feels significant or something she's not sure she can handle.
"Thanks for keeping me in the loop, but it might be pretty sudden to meet family. If you need me to I can make up an engagement, so he doesn't think you're lying or I don't want to meet him or something," she rambles on, not wanting to cause too much trouble in his life. She has no parents or blood family who would want to know about him. Her only family made the deal about them.
"Yeah that might be best, but I'll just let you know," he says, still unsure of what to do.
"Alright, but can I say something?" she asks. He pauses, not sure what she has to say.
"Of course, Swan," he nods.
"Well he's your brother and I'm sure you'd want to know if he was doing something like this if the roles were reversed right? Just keep that in mind when you're deciding what to do," she sighs. It's one of the first useful pieces of advice he's gotten.
"Thank you," he says.
"Hey, what are fake girlfriends for?" she teases him and he laughs, "So we have that charity gala next week are you ready for the red carpet?" she asks him.
"Ready as I'll ever be I suppose," he sighs knowing it will be quite the event for the two of them.
"It's not my favorite thing either, but Regina said we could get ready at your place so I'll see you on Wednesday I guess," she says.
"Yes, you will," he confirms. With that the phone call ends and they both go to bed feeling a little better than when the day started.