Emma watched as the days turned into weeks under the summer skies in New Hampshire. As the days got longer and hotter, more and more tourists made their way through the little town, keeping Granny's busy, and Emma on her feet at all hours. Not that Emma minded. She liked having something to do, and it was always nice to see a costumer smiling in pleasure at the taste of her family's homemade chocolate chip pancakes.

David helped with the restaurant when he could, but since he had come home for the summer, he had begun a search for a real job. Although as far as Emma was concerned, all that meant was David sitting around at home with a newspaper of job openings on the table and nothing really happening.

"Alright, I'm off to the restaurant," Emma said one Friday morning, rushing past David to grab an apple before heading out to work for another long shift with just her and her father. David was thoroughly focused, barely noticing Emma as she ran by. Emma sighed, grabbing an apple and looking around the table at all the newspaper clippings and articles. In the corner of the table, Emma noticed her glasses. She looked to David but he seemed to have not even noticed their presence, and Emma walked over to them as she bit into her apple. A little sticky note was stuck below the glasses that read "For your headaches – Killian". Emma rolled her eyes, picking up the glasses she had always hated and looking them over. Ever since their late night talk, Killian had become a bit protective of her and Emma couldn't help but laugh at his attempts to push her glasses on her, constantly reminding her that glasses did not define someone's personality. Unfortunately, she disagreed. "And where's Killian?" She huffed.

"I think he might already be at Granny's. He said something about helping dad out today in the kitchen since you're always busy on the floor," David said absent-mindedly, his eyes more focused on the job interview list in front of him.

"Well we could always use an extra pair of hands," Emma said, coughing loudly in David's direction, hoping he would take the hint. He looked up at her for only a moment and Emma pocketed her glasses quickly, determined not to bring up why Killian was writing her notes on her old lenses. David didn't seem to notice though, or didn't care, his eyes moving back to the newspaper as he rolled his eyes at her voice.

"You HAVE to have found something in that newspaper that you like," Emma groaned, clear annoyance in her voice but David continued to ignore her, "DAVID!" Emma yelled again, this time walking over and snatching the newspaper from his hands.

"Hey!" David yelled back, trying to reach for the paper but Emma was holding it out of reach, scanning all the red circles quickly.

"These are all law enforcement jobs…" Emma noticed, her eyebrows raised as she read through the options. She turned back to David, who was still at the kitchen table, watching her reaction idly. He looked nervous, as if it was a secret he wasn't sure he was ready to tell. Emma could see the way he was determinedly focusing on biting his thumbnail as he nodded his head yes. Disbelief crossed Emma's face. "You've got to be kidding me," Emma laughed. She really didn't mean to laugh as much as she did, but the laughter just kept coming and Emma covered her mouth as she stared at David.

"What.." David started but Emma kept giggling. "What's happening," David shook his head at her, watching her giggling turn to full fledged laughter in the middle of the kitchen. "Are you mocking me?" David stared at the laughing teen, who was now holding her sides, waving her hand at David not to mind her. Her laughter continued to fill the room though and David didn't know whether to laugh with her or be upset. Instead he just watched her with confusion, waiting for her fit to pass.

"OH jeez David! God forbid you just protect me as a brother. Now you want to protect me with the entire law enforcement behind you?!" Emma shook her at him, still giggling. David's shoulders relaxed. She wasn't mocking him.

"THAT is what you were laughing at?!"

"Well you're ridiculous!" Emma yelled back, her laughter a bit more under control.

"Yup! Guess you'll actually be following my rules now," David smirked back at her, making her shake her head back at him, still in shock.

"We'll see," Emma said, sticking her tongue out a little at him but handing him back the newspaper, still giggling slightly, "But THAT. THAT is out," Emma said seriously, pointing down at a red circle over 'PLYMOUTH STATE CAMPUS POLICE JOB OPENING".

"We'll see," David repeated back to her, immediately covering his face as Emma swatted at him, "Someone's going to have to look out for you!"

"Yeah, ME. I have and always will take care of myself," Emma said, a little too seriously then she meant. David just gave her a look, his mouth opened like he was debating starting this conversation again but Emma looked away from him, she didn't have time for this right now.

"I'm sorry I laughed. But you are ridiculous!" Emma said, turning the conversation back to David.

"Yeah yeah," He smiled a little, knowing full well that she was avoiding a conversation.

"Alright… well I need to go… But good luck okay?" Emma said to David as she rushed out of the kitchen, slipping her glasses over her face away from David's questioning eyes. He yelled a thank you in return and watched her for a second longer before he turned his attention back to the job listings in front of him. Emma smiled a little in return but quickly changed her focus to her watch. It was almost 9 am, and the breakfast rush had already commenced. Cursing loudly, Emma ran for David's car.

"I really need my own car," Emma mumbled to herself, as she piled in. She knew David would need his car later tonight but he didn't mind letting her take it to work when she was running late. Unfortunately, Emma was almost always running late. She silently cursed David for distracting her from leaving but knew better then to blame him entirely. Instead, she turned the keys in the ignition and took off down the road towards downtown, her apron lying on the seat beside her and her hair already up and ready for the day. She may have a bone to pick with Killian but she also had a job to do. And she was late.

Killian's fingers worked expertly at the grittle in Granny's diner. A white apron covered his usual black attire but flour covered most of his shirt regardless. "Well look at you! You're pretty good at that," Leo said loudly to Killian, hitting him on the back proudly.

"Yes well, I've always been one for doing things on my own," Killian said back, flipping pancakes and throwing some bacon next to them, "That did include cooking unfortunately," He added, chuckling.

"Oh yeah? No one around at home to make you a nice homemade meal?" Leo asked, the father in him seeming to shine through his bald little head.

"Not for me, no," Killian replied, his eyes still on the grittle, his hand moving to the back of his neck.

"Well regardless of where you've been, we're just glad to have you here," Leo smiled at him, "That's what I've always said."

"I quite like that," Killian said as he shook the spatula at Leo, "I'm afraid I might have to steal that one from you," He added, thankful that that was all Leo had to say about the subject.

"But do remind me one night to getcha a nice homemade meal, okay? Nothing beats it. And Emma would probably kill for one too. Considering," Leo added.

"Considering what?" Killian asked softly, but Leo seemed to have turned his attention back to the bustling kitchen of Granny's, where deliverymen were piling through the back door.

Killian looked questioningly at him for a second longer, but seemed to realize that the conversation was over and turned his attention away from Leo.

Killian found that he got along easily with David's parents and he enjoyed working in the diner when given the opportunity to do so. They had even helped him rent a car to get him around town for which he was beyond grateful.

In the past couple of weeks, he had started coming in to help with the kitchen more and more since David was busy with his own life and Killian had never been one to sit around by himself. It also just so happened that Emma worked most days Killian did, although he wasn't sure he wanted to admit she was a reason he came to work so often. Today though, Ruby was the only one bustling around on the floor, and Killian couldn't help but look at the door every couple of minutes, waiting for a certain someone. Considering what? Killian thought, wondering what secrets Emma was keeping from him. Fortunately there was no time to dwell during the morning rush at Granny's.

"Not to be rude here, but I'm not even supposed to be working. Where is Emma?!" Ruby yelled to the back window, poking her head in.

"Is she working today?" Killian asked, avoiding Ruby's gaze.

"Well she works everyday you do soo I'm going to assume so," Ruby shot back.

"What can I say? I'm a handy man to have around," Killian whispered back to her, but it didn't phase her in the slightest.

"Says the guy who hasn't stopped looking at the door since he got here," Ruby whispered back. They both looked around the kitchen to be sure no one had heard her, but everyone seemed distracted by the busy morning.

"She's just a girl, Ruby. I'm a man. I think I'll be okay," Killian shook his head, done talking about this with Emma's best friend.

At that moment though, the front bell went off and the teenage blonde pushed her way through the little restaurant. "Hi! Hi! Sorry I'm here," Emma blurted out, clearly out of breath from the run up the stairs. Killian's smirk turned into a smile as they made eye contact.

"Hi Killian!" Emma shouted over the counter, flashing him a big smile before disappearing into the closet, trying to shrug off her jacket.

"Um hi," Killian stuttered, flustered for words.

"Mhm. You wish," Ruby whispered, laughing at Killian before turning back to the counter, grabbing ready plates of food off of the window.

Killian felt himself blushing as he turned back to the food. He didn't know why he was trying to convince Ruby of anything. He knew that even Ruby could see the sexual tension between him and Emma. Unfortunately, everything with Killian Jones meant sexual tension. That didn't mean much in Killian's book. Girls always felt sexual tension with him.

"Wow look at you," Emma laughed at him, smiling at the flour on his shirt. Killian looked at her distractedly but smiled back at her. "You like?" He asked, accentuating his arms to allow a full view of his pancake–batter covered body.

"Obviously," Emma flirted back, pretending to eye him in his apron.

"Take a good look, love," Killian replied, raising his eyebrows back at her but she just giggled, making Killian want to smile largely at the young teen. She was wearing the glasses Killian had left for her on the table that morning and as much as Killian hated to admit it, she looked even better then before. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something but before they could talk anymore, Emma's father had pushed her out of the kitchen, platters of food being shoved into her arms already.

"We'll talk later," Emma whispered as she passed, her warm body brushing against his before she exited the kitchen.

Killian tried to get a good view of her from the kitchen ledge, maneuvering himself around the grittle to get her attention but Emma was busily handing out breakfast platters, already in a business mindset for the day with her hair up in a high ponytail and those black rimmed glasses over her eyes. Killian sighed, deciding to just focus on his job rather then the waitress on the other side of the window. He had only taken a few pancakes off though, when he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket and Emma's name flashing across the screen.

The message Lunch? was flashing under her name. Killian smiled at his phone, looking up to meet Emma's eye from across the restaurant. He gave her a little nod and she nodded back. Agreement made. He'd see her at lunch.

"I like your glasses," Killian whispered into Emma's ear, his hand resting on the back of her shoulder as he crept up behind her. She jumped in surprise and he chuckled at her reaction. It was already one in the afternoon and the restaurant had gone quiet until the dinner rush later that night. As promised, Emma had grabbed them each a grilled cheese for lunch and was waiting for him in one of Granny's booths when he had surprised her. Killian had done his best to clean himself up but seemed to have failed miserably by the look of Emma's face. She didn't say anything though, just watching him look over their lunch, waiting for that nod in approval. He smiled at her. Emma had grabbed him French fries and herself some onion rings to go with their meals, his favorite as she knew, and she had already begun munching on hers before he arrived.

"Thanks," She blushed, letting him slide in across from her and grab his end of the meal.

"Mm. I am starving," Killian replied, biting into an end of the sandwich and groaning in pleasure, "Oh fuck that is amazing." His eyes closed, enjoying his sandwich like it was his last meal.

"Please stop groaning like that," Emma laughed, avoiding Killian's gaze, "I was doing so fine until that came out."

"Why? You don't like the sound of me enjoy myself?" He smirked back, sending goose bumps down Emma's spine. She just looked at him, vengeance written all over her face. She reached for her own sandwich and took a large bite, moaning loudly in his direction. "Fuck that's good," Emma whispered, letting her head fall back and leaving her neck exposed as she groaned in pleasure. Killian's smile faded.

"See my point?" Emma finished, returning to her normal position and taking another bite of her food. Killian had to keep his mouth from dropping in astonishment. Emma was always snappy with her comebacks but he hadn't expected her voice to cause a knot in his stomach like that. He wanted to hear it again.

"Not really, love. I quite enjoyed that," He whispered back, winking at her. Emma didn't seem to take his comment to heart though, just blushing a little and moving back to her meal. After all, Killian Jones was sexual tension and that was all he was. He clenched his jaw, annoyed mostly with himself for speaking before thinking.

"Why do you always do that?" Emma asked, suddenly intrigued.

"Do what?"

"Make all these sexual innuendos one minute and then have a real conversation with me the next?" Emma laughed, "Don't think I don't understand a cover when I see one." Killian looked stupefied at her.

"A cover?" He raised his eyebrows at her.

"Yeah, a cover," Emma shrugged, continuing to eat her sandwich, "something you feel comfortable in like hitting on girls," Emma pointed at him, "when I know you really care for the people in your life."

"Well I could say the same for you miss 'I can take care of myself'," Killian replied, making little air quotes with his fingers. Emma opened her mouth in shock.

"I do not…"

"OH yes you do! You love that David takes care of you. You love that you have parents who care for you. You love that I care for you," Killian waved a fry at her, matter-of-factly, as if he could see right through her façade like an open book.

"OH really? You care for me?" Emma said, raising her eyebrows at him in curiosity. Killian opened his mouth to respond but thought it best to just stay quiet, nodding his head at her instead, agreeing with her statement.

"How kind of you," Emma taunted at him, "My prince charming."

"Hey!" Killian shot, "I am not a prince charming… I'm like… the pirate if anything."

"Fine you can be the pirate," Emma giggled, rolling her eyes at him. Killian relaxed, laughing at her and trying to enjoy the rest of his meal without making sexual innuendos at Emma. He was constantly surprised at how easily she broke down his walls but somehow she always got in. He watched her as she ate her meal. She seemed completely relaxed around him. He wondered a little if he was breaking down her walls. Probably not, He decided, but a little glimmer of hope sat in his chest.

"Your father has promised me a homemade meal," Killian said suddenly, thinking back to his earlier conversation.

"Did he now?"

"Yeah… any suggestions?" He asked her.

"Ohhh I think we might have to go with steak and mashed potatoes… oh and green beans!" Emma's face practically lit up at the thought of her meal, "OH I would kill for that."

"So I've heard," Killian laughed, "why's that?"

"What do you mean…" Emma asked, looking quizzically at him.

"You're father said that you really loved homemade meals because… well I'm not sure," Killian explained, "I thought maybe there was a reason behind it."

"Oh?… can't a girl just like her homemade meals?" Emma shot back, moving away from him. Killian opened his mouth to keep talking but Emma shushed him, "Look, I should probably get back to work so… if your shifts over you can probably just go home." She stood up from the table, looking around the restaurant, as if looking for an escape from this conversation. Killian could sense the bluntness in her statement, immediately regretting bringing it up whatever it was.

"I'm sorry if I said the wrong thing…" Killian apologized, standing too so that he was still facing Emma, confusion all over his face, "I know you don't like to talk about yourself but..."

"No, I just don't like to be interrogated by people that barely know me," Emma said back, picking up the trash from the table.

"Barely know you? Emma why would you say that?"

"Because you think you've found an unkown secret because I 'enjoy a homemade meals'… I'm not an open book Killian. You don't know me like you think you do." And with that Emma walked away, pushing past Killian and behind the kitchen doors, leaving him to stand there stupefied as she disappeared behind him. What just happened?

Emma breathed heavily behind the doors of the kitchen. Her father must have been helping costumers because he wasn't at the grill and she was grateful for the silence. She wasn't one to cry in front of others. She knew she had overreacted with Killian and a part of her twisted up in regret at how harsh she had come off but why would he have asked her that? There was no reason for him to question her. Why did people always have to pry into others lives? She crossed her arms over her chest as if in some way her arms could help protect her from showing too much emotion.

I know you don't like to talk about yourself but.. No. He didn't know. He didn't know her. Emma sniffled a little, trying to shake her head clear of thoughts of Killian. She had been doing so good today, barely looking at him besides to ask him to lunch, something he had eagerly agreed too… but why had he so readily agreed? Emma groaned in annoyance. She wasn't a good person for Killian to talk to and she felt that that was what he wanted or needed or whatever it was that he had come here in search for. She had let him into her room, let him into her life and she wondered now if she had made a mistake. Why had she let him in so easily? Had he already figured her out? No. There was no way he knew about her past… There was just no way. She had been so careful not to say anything. And yet here was her past, facing her like a bullet to the heart. She inhaled sharply, feeling the tears welling behind her eyes. "IT doesn't matter. It's over… It's over…," She told herself, her chest tightening as memories flooded through her brain.

"We don't want her… Take her back."

"STOP!" Emma yelled to herself, trying to stop the memories.

He wasn't here to take her back. Killian was not here to hurt her. He was a nice guy. Emma tried to nod to herself to bring herself back to reality. There was no reason for her to sit here pondering Killian's intentions. She wasn't in danger anymore. "You are Emma Swan… And you are okay," Emma whispered to herself, tightening her arms around her chest to give herself a hug. Get up, She thought, It's time to move forward. And without a second thought, Emma brushed her hair back into place, fixed her glasses, and grabbed some meals off of the counter to serve out to the few people still in the restaurant. By the time she had walked out of the kitchen, Killian was gone, and Emma could sigh in relief.

It was dark out by the time Emma left work. She was exhausted but she didn't care. She needed the distraction. It was weird how much better she felt when she was busy, or when she got those adrenaline highs that made her heart pound through her chest. At the moment though, she was alone in a car, driving back home. Her heart wasn't racing, there was no one to talk to, and she didn't want to think anymore. She needed a distraction…. Now.

The wheels skidded when she pulled over, her hands moving a little more forcefully then she intended to as she pulled the car to the side of the road. Pulling out her phone, she opened the messages from Neal, her fingers pushing buttons before the movements even got to her brain. She didn't want to think, she wanted to act.

I need a distraction. Perhaps something to take the edge off. She sent it.

What kind of drugs are you into now? Neal asked. She sighed, she couldn't do that again. Not to her parents.

No drugs. Alcohol works fine.

Okay then come over.

Emma stared down at the message, biting her lip as she considered the offer. She didn't know if Neal was still with his new girlfriend but chances were he wouldn't tell her until after he had made his move. No, she couldn't do that.

Doesn't your cousin still work at The Rabbit Hole? She asked quickly, she knew Neal had been to the bar before underage. The bar was ID at the door. Easy.

Yes.

Good. Let's go.

Good to see Emma Swan is still a rebel. Lol I'll pick you up in 20.

She clicked her phone closed, feeling her chest start to move again. Good. She needed some release.

No one was home when she got there, her parent's most likely still at the restaurant closing up, and David and Killian out with friends for the weekend. Emma silently thanked the gods for giving her this opportunity as she ran upstairs and slipped on a pair of tight jeans, wedges, and a low cut top that she knew would start a lecture with her parents if they were to see her. She took a look in the mirror, deciding that she looked decent enough even with the glasses. Nevertheless, she took them off and tossed them aside. She wouldn't need them anyways. She could see just fine… mostly. By the time she was dressed Neal was waiting outside, eagerly waving up at her to come down and she smiled back, heading downstairs quickly before anyone got home.

"Damn," He breathed, watching Emma walk down the steps of her house. Emma just smiled politely at him, feeling a little deju vu as she stood in front of him, his mouth hanging open.

"Sorry… I just mean you look… Damn," Neal laughed again, his eyes trailing over her body like an animal looking at its prey.

"Uh… thanks. You look pretty nice yourself," Emma replied, smiling at him. He seemed to take the compliment, smirking to himself as he got back in the car. Emma sighed in relief that he had taken the lie. After all, he looked like he always did with old jeans and a backwards baseball cap. The only possible nice part of his outfit was his black button down shirt, which didn't fit any other part of his ensemble but must have been his last minute attempt at looking nice. Not that it mattered to Emma. Neal wasn't the major part of tonight. She just needed something, anything, and she knew that he could get her that.

The drive was quick and Neal blasted music the whole time, giving Emma an excuse not to talk to him. He didn't seem to care whether or not she talked anyways and was focused more on her chest then her face, his eyes glancing over at her the whole drive. Emma instinctively crossed her arms, feeling exposed under his gaze.

"So how do we get in?" Emma asked, forcing him to look her in the eye.

"My cousin's going to open the back door for us. No worries," He winked at her, parking the car and giving his cousin a call to open the door for them. "It's open, let's go."

Killian sat at the bar, now on his second rum of the night. He sipped it slowly, taking his time. His whole mind seemed fuzzy after his fight with Emma earlier and he just couldn't sit at home alone anymore. David had texted him saying he'd be with Mary Margaret until later but he would join him at the bar soon. Until then, Killian was content to enjoy his drink in silence, hoping to maybe meet someone who could take his mind off of… "Emma?" The words escaped his lips before he could stop himself. No. It couldn't be Emma. She was only 18. And yet a young blonde woman was walking through the bar, a low cut top showing off more skin then entirely necessary and a smirk on her lips that made her seem more confident than she actually was. That was, until her eyes met Killian's.

He could feel the rage building in his chest. That was most definitely Emma. She should be at home. She should have some damn clothes on! He thought to himself. He stood up to approach her, knowing full well that his face was reflecting his emotions. But Emma wasn't alone, and behind her appeared a smug little face of a boy that Killian could only remember as the face that broke up him and Emma during the firepit earlier that summer. Neal.

Killian stayed where he was, watching as the boy wrapped his arm around Emma and pull her close to him. Killian's jaw clenched. Emma's eyes were still on his though and fear in her eyes. Good, He thought, shaking his head at her before turning his attention back to the bar so that he could down the rest of his drink.

"Killian…" Her soft voice whispered behind him.

"Go home Emma," He said back roughly, waving the bartender to bring another drink for him.

"No," She scoffed behind him, making him look at her.

"What'd you just say?" Killian asked her, feeling his temper rising. She had insulted him more then he thought possible and yet here she was, still not listening to a word he was saying.

"I said no," Emma repeated, louder, "You don't control me."

"Yeah no one controls you… I got that," Killian said back to her, trying to keep his voice level as they talked. He didn't want her here. He didn't want Emma to see him upset and that's exactly what would happen if she stayed here. Especially if she was here with him.

"2 shots please," Neal yelled happily, running up beside Emma and interrupting their conversation. Killian stayed silent, letting the bartender serve the two 18 year olds and watching them toss back their shots, Neal laughing as he drank. Emma drank too, but her eyes stayed on Killian's, watching his reaction. He made sure not to give her one.

"Well, I'm not going to stick around and watch you make a mockery of yourself," Killian whispered, trying to push past the two of them to pay for his drinks.

"I thought you were the prince charming," Emma whispered.

"I think I've made it clear that I'm the pirate," Killian repeated back to her, meeting her eyes. She stared up at him, a flicker of something else crossing her face. For a moment he wanted to grab her and shake some sense into her so they could just go home together but he knew that it would only drive her farther away from him. He almost reached up for her, his hands twitching towards her but he stopped himself, his eyes finding Neal's back and he practically scoffed.

"Goodluck with that, love," He whispered back, eyeing the boy next to her who was still busily chanting for more shots. Emma didn't say anything, just watching him while he pushing past her, paid his tab, and exited the bar.

Killian tried to keep himself level as he left, only groaning in annoyance after he had reached the inside of his rental car. He was fuming, but his anger wasn't entirely because of Emma. In fact, most of it was to himself and he knew deep down he shouldn't have gotten mad at her.

Sighing, Killian put the key in the ignition as if he was to drive home but he knew he wasn't going anywhere. He was still a little buzzed and he told himself that that was the reason why he wasn't driving yet. Unfortunately, he knew that his drinking was not the only thing that was keeping him here. Sighing to himself, he relaxed in his seat. He'd give her an hour, max, before he checked on her.

Emma watched the clock go by and drinks get served. She didn't want to focus on anything in particular, just enjoying herself. She sat in her chair, leaning again Neal, laughing over something she couldn't even remember. She must have been at the bar for a least a half hour and she was already well off her rocker. She looked down at her arm and saw 5 black marks across her forearm. 4 drinks. What were those drinks? Emma thought to herself. She was pretty sure they were 3 shots and the drink in front of her… whatever that was.

"I missed this," Neal whispered in Emma's ear, reminding her of his presence and the fact that she was leaning into his shoulder while his arm lay around her waist, holding her in place. She thought about moving but he felt warm and it somehow comforted her. Did she need to be comforted? Yes. There was a reason she had started drinking. Oh yes. Killian. Emma groaned.

"Dude, fuck guys," Emma slurred her words, taking another sip of whatever her drink was, tasting the carbonated malt taste of a PBR beer.

"Hey offensive," Neal laughed, making her laugh a little harder then she thinks she would have at any other moment in time.

"Well good! That includes you! You have a girlfriend!" Emma laughed loudly, waving her hands in his direction. She could see him watching her, a neutral expression on his face, "And I'm… Well I'm here. So."

"I left her," He said to her, making her twist in shock and make a loud and obnoxious gasp.

"What?! For me?!" Emma was thoroughly surprised, and rather unsure about how she felt about the whole thing. She was pretty sure she was just in shock.

"Yes. I'm a jealous man, Emma. I don't like when other men go after what I want. And I want you," He must have meant it to come off like he cared for her but Emma couldn't have found it funnier, shaking her head at him and smirking.

"You left your girlfriend because of Killian?" Emma cackled even harder, turning away from him. Neal just looked at her seriously and she could feel his annoyance. And yet, he hadn't even recognized Killian earlier?

"You don't want me, Neal and I can prove it to you," Emma said, matter-of-factly. Neal just smirked though, reaching his arms out for her to come back to his side but she tried to dodge him, knocking over her beer onto her jeans.

"Whoops!" She laughed, trying to brush the liquid off of the jeans but her hands were fumbling and she wasn't getting anywhere, "Shit. Okay I'll prove it after I wash this out I guess!" Neal nodded to her, watching her wobble her way to the bathroom. Emma's hands were still trying to brush off the liquid as if it weren't seeping into her clothes, finding a nice narrow hallway leading to her destination. Thankfully, she managed to make her way to the bathroom without bumping into too any other things, and began using the sink water to try to wash out the smell of beer from her clothes.

What am I doing? She thought, laughing at herself washing in a bar bathroom. But Emma could feel her adrenaline pumping through her veins where she stood.

She had a way of proving things to Neal. In fact, she had come very close to kissing him just minutes before, probably too close, but she didn't particularly care right now. She wanted to show him how little connection was between them and that was the best way for her to show him. At least she thought so at this moment right here. After all, there was never a spark in their kiss, ever and Neal knew that.

She tried to look at herself in the mirror. Everything was pretty foggy and she wondered if it was the alcohol or the fact that her glasses weren't with her that was making her vision seem funny. "Whatever," She laughed to herself. She was having fun and that was all she really cared about right now.

Deciding she looked acceptable, Emma left the bathroom, walking back down the little hallway towards the main room of the bar, determined to prove her point to Neal. As she walked out, someone was approaching her, that familiar mop of brown hair on the top of his head.

"Emma…" He seemed to have a question for her, or a statement, Emma didn't know, she didn't think too much.

"Just the man I was looking for," She whispered to him, tugging on his black shirt, so that she could pull him closer to her. He gasped in shock but Emma just laughed. The whole room seemed rather fuzzy but she knew what she was doing. She just needed him to see her point.

"What are you..."

"Sh," Emma breathed, feeling his breath on her lips. He smelled of alcohol, just like her and she had expected it to turn her off but it didn't, it gave her more confidence, "I told you we wouldn't work. And I told you I'd prove to you why," Emma finished, her fingers now wrapped firmly around his collar, forcing his lips down to hers. But he didn't stop her. He let her pull his lips down to meet hers, only moving closer to her and welcoming the movement.

She kissed him soft at first, expecting him to pull away after a second but he didn't. He kissed her harder and she pulled his body against hers, fueled by the building heat between them, their breath scattered in a moment of clarity with their lips locked. Emma gasped as a spark of electricity sent goose bumps down her spine. What was that?

Emma hadn't expected that kind of reaction. His mouth was still against hers, opening up to her in an almost rough and needy way but not quite, like he was holding himself back from her.

It wasn't typically Neal's style, and a knot started to form in the pit of her stomach. Maybe they did have a connection? His lips felt so soft, his hands rough and calloused against her bare skin but he wasn't touching her on her ass or her chest like Neal usually grabbed for. His hands were pressed on the small of her back, his other moving down her thigh, pulling her leg up around his waist. It was hot… too hot and she wanted it.

Emma felt his breath against her lips and he released her enough to lower his mouth to her collarbone, kissing every inch of her clavicle. Emma tried to muffle her groan. She wanted his lips across her body, and down her neck to her stomach and… oh.

"No. Neal…" Emma whispered, pushing back a little to stop this from moving any further, knowing full well that she shouldn't want this.

"Neal...?" The voice whispered, a rough Irish accent escaping the lips of the man Emma's fingers were clinging to.

"Killian?!" Emma practically yelled out, stepping back from him, covering her mouth.

"What did you… " Killian didn't need to finish that sentence. He was still so close to her but he had ripped his hands away from her. He was brushing through his hair instead, his jaw clenched.

"Wow," Emma whispered softly, touching her lips where that spark of electricity had shot down her body. The knot in her stomach loosened. She didn't have a connection with Neal. Neal…

"Emma…" This time it was Neal, his head popping into the hallway, where Emma and Killian were mere inches from each other, Killian's collar practically ripped open, his face flushed.

"Neal… I thought… "

"Save it," Neal spat at the two of them, turning to storm away from them.

"I thought it was you!" Emma yelled out.

"Fuck off Emma," Neal barked at her, "OH and by the way… I didn't break up with Tamara but I was seriously considering it!"

His words carried to Killian and Emma who just stared after him, neither of them moving. Killian shook his head, turning away from Emma. His face looked angry and upset and Emma stood back from him, nervous.

"You thought I was him?" Killian said finally, slamming his fist against a wall to relieve some anger.

"At first… but…Neal never kissed me like… like that," Emma stammered, trying to think clearly but her mind wouldn't, sticking to her inebriated state. He laughed a little at that.

"You shouldn't have done that, Swan," Killian finally said, his voice still rough from his lack of air and he was staring down that the ground, avoiding her gaze.

"I'm sorry," Emma whispered, but Killian just shook his head and sighed before finally standing to face her.

"Don't be. That guy needed a reality check," Killian smirked a little, still avoiding Emma's eyes but just his smile made Emma feel better.

"I'm still sorry," She laughed.

"I'm not," He whispered, too quietly for Emma to even be sure he had said it, her body still swaying from the alcohol that was moving through her body.

"Anyways," Killian continued, disregarding Emma's questioning gaze, "I think you've got bigger problems then me, love… David's here."

Hahahaha okay I kind of want to apologize because I always do these drunken scenes but this is the last alcohol themed chapter I promise. I just wanted to get that scene out. Thank you to everyone who is following and reviewing! Will hopefully be updating again in the next week!