Killian looked nervously at David, who was eyeing the windows in search of Emma. It was getting dark and she hadn't told anyone where she was going. Killian sat on the couch, Hank's head resting on his lap as they watched the sun fall. He checked his phone again to see if Emma had at least sent him a message but the screen was blank. As expected. "I'm sure she's fine, mate," Killian said reassuringly, bringing David back to the conversation.
"Yeah yeah I'm sure she is, too," David said in return, getting up and walking to the table and then back to the couch again, slowly pacing the room.
"Why don't we go do something Dave?" Killian chuckled, watching his friend's fingers tap repeatedly on the table as David walked by it.
"Yeah that's probably a good idea, honestly," David replied, finally returning the look, "Did you have anything in mind?"
"Not really except getting you away from these windows," Killian smirked.
"Well, Mary Margaret is uh… having a fire," David said quietly, scratching at the back of his neck nervously. Killian laughed, shaking his head.
"Yeah yeah, go go." Killian turned his attention back to the grown pup on his lap who was expectantly waiting to be pet.
"No you can come too if you want! It'll be fun," David smiled largely, excitement replacing the worry on his face. The thought made Killian smile to himself. It was nice to see David excited about something… and someone. Who was he to take that away? "Sure, mate," Killian shook his head, "Let's head over."
Emma grunted, scratching roughly at her legs. "WHY WOULDN'T WE BRING BUG SPRAY!?" Emma moaned, pushing her nails into her skin. She could barely see anything in front of her with the trees shadowing the path. The only light was looming down above her from the moon, leaving traces of light to trickle through the branches. On some aspect, Emma always felt at peace during times like this, when it was just dark enough for the town to get sleepy, and too early for the animals to start howling in the woods. Unfortunately, that time seemed to be about a half hour ago, and the animals were awake and following them.
"What was that?!" Emma squealed, turning her head towards the crack a couple feet to her left. Ruby just laughed, not seeming bothered by the sounds, the bugs, or the darkness. In fact, her eyes just seemed to glow in the dark, and Emma shuddered slightly at them. Everyone always thought Ruby got her nickname from her reputation, but her eyes in the middle of the night, truly glowed like a wolf following it's prey.
"It's so beautiful out here," Ruby remarked, taking her time drabbling through the woods.
"Yeah, just gorgeous," Emma growled sarcastically, trying to ignore the burning bites on her legs. Ruby just snickered in return, leading Emma down the mountain by pulling her over rocks and logs, her legs swerving easily around the objects. Her experienced movements made Emma feel even more disgruntled but she followed her friend, reaching out at times to hold her arm as she dodged things.
"Ruby…"
"Yes?"
"This isn't the path!," Emma yelled, trying to keep her cool as her legs straddled a boulder in the middle of their walk.
"I know," Ruby chuckled, "It's night. The sky is beautiful, the animals awake, and you still can't stop complaining."
"So?"
"So let's stop. Enjoy for a moment." And as if nature was waiting for Ruby's command, the trees disappeared into a clearing where a giant rock hung on the edge of the mountain and, 100 ft below, water stood like glass waiting to be cracked.
"Wow… the sky is… mesmerizing tonight," Emma nodded, looking up at the mass amount of stars that had taken over above them. Even the Milky Way seemed close enough to touch. "I thought it might calm you down a little," Ruby smirked, slinking her arm around her friend and pulling her to her side, "Feel calmer?"
"A little," Emma whispered, "But not quite." Emma gave Ruby a mischevious smile out of the corner of her eye. Ruby's smirk faded instantly. "What are you thinking…" Ruby asked slowly, pulling away to try to read Emma's face. Instead of speaking though, Emma just started to move closer and closer to the edge.
"Do you think there's rocks down there?" Emma asked, nodding to the water below them.
"Yes. Definitely lots of rocks," Ruby warned, her voice aggressive as she approached Emma.
"Nah I think we'd be fine."
"Don't make me do this."
Emma just looked at her friend and pouted. "It's been soo long since we've done something out of the blue!"
"I think YOU'VE done enough for all of us," Rudy laughed.
"I don't mean like that… I mean… with life. Boys come and go… and drinking and parties and college are all coming up and whatever but I mean just us… doing something fun and free and exhilarating… jump with me," Emma held out a hand for Ruby who was just smiling and listening.
"I'm gonna miss you after this summer," Ruby whispered, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you."
"Aw JEEZ I'm only a half hour away," Emma joked, "I don't know why everyone thinks I'm going to forget them."
"Yeah, well…. DON'T," Ruby sniffed, smacking Emma lightly on the arm.
"You'll be okay without me. Better then okay," Emma wiggled her eyeborws at Ruby, still trying to get her to take her hand.
"Maybe I'll join you next year?" Ruby asked hopefully, looking away from Emma's hand.
"Of course…" Emma was a little shocked by Ruby's outburst. She had never talked about college, always talking about traveling first or starting her own business or becoming a blogger.
"Good. I don't want to become boring but I also don't want to lose you to all the cool college kids," Ruby laughed.
"OH please, like anyone could replace you," Emma laughed, realizing for the first time that day, that maybe she wasn't the only one they were doing this hike for.
"Well good because without you… I wouldn't be taking these kinds of risks... like… ugh… jumping off of cliffs." Ruby groaned and reached slowly for Emma's hand who squealed with delight.
"YES! Alright ready 1…2…YOU BETTER JUMP" And the two girls screamed, falling fast towards the dark water, the screams of panic quickly turned to delight as total adrenaline took over. They held hands tightly and held their breath as they plunged into icy water, kicking frantically.
"OH MY GOD IT'S FREEZING!" Ruby shouted, laughing hysterically and shoving Emma who cackled and splashed her friend, feeling totally at bliss. The two of them looked up at the cliff they had jumped from. It didn't seem so high up once they made the jump.
"Thank you," Emma whispered.
"No no, that was awesome… and FREEZING LET'S GO," and with that Ruby dragged her by the arm and pulled her out at the edge of the water, still giggling to each other. The lights from the road were about a half mile away but they could make out their car and sprinted towards it, freezing, hearts beating, but smiling the whole way.
"You seem distracted," a small voice whispered in Killian's ears, a hand landing softly on his shoulder. Killian looked up from the fire to find Mary Margaret's bright eyes staring back at him. She smiled. The fire had only just started, but everyone had arrived, and mostly, to Killian's blessings, he knew most of them through David. Still he sat alone near the fire, until Mary Margaret had decided he was done being alone.
"Sorry. I guess I have my mind on other matters," Killian blushed, scratching at the back of his neck. He couldn't help but be distracted the past couple weeks with the thoughts of home, David, and a particular blonde haired beauty who made his chest jump. He shook his head, trying to clear the thought away.
"Yes, I guess you must," Mary Margaret whispered, watching him carefully. Killian felt her eyes staring him down and nervously looked around at the others around the fire. They all seemed distracted, each in their own conversations and worlds, even David seemed at ease as he chatted with his friend Robin across the fire.
"Anxious?" Mary Margaret asked, sitting carefully beside him, reading his body language like a book. Killian looked at her, surprised. She was close to him, smiling, but her eyes bared into him as if she was looking into his soul.
"You know, for a small girl, you can be quite intimidating," Killian laughed, looking at the fierceness in her eyes. She laughed back, softening the look just a little.
"Sorry. I like to read people… I've been told I have a mother's instinct about things. I always seem to know what's wrong with people… sometimes even before they do," She smirked, waiting for him to respond.
"And?" Killian chuckled, curious.
"Oh it's not fair though, you're so easy," Mary Margaret smirked, "You're worried."
"Am I?" He rolled his eyes slightly. Anyone would be worried when this girl was staring at them.
"It's not about me," She continued and Killian looked startled. How did she.. "No… you've been hurt… and now you are worried you will hurt someone else…. Killian Jones, you've met someone!" She cheered, clapping in her success at cracking his code.
"What?! No," Killian shook his head, feeling his cheeks flare. Mary Margaret smirked, a giggle hiding behind her tight lips but she refrained, instead just giving a little shrug, like she knew she had found him out.
"Well, like I said, sometimes I can read people before they can. But I know that look. Very well in fact," She added, her eyes flitting towards David before returning to Killian.
"There are many ladies in my life," Killian jested, giving Mary Margaret his classic teasing stare, "Unlike you and prince charming over there, I am not the monogamous type."
"Of course you are. David… well I hope it's okay... but David told me about Milah." Killian's heart twisted. He looked around the fire again. How many people did Dave tell? Did everyone here know everything about him?
"He didn't tell everyone if that's what you're thinking," Mary Margaret cut him off from his thoughts, "He only told me because I asked… Not many people come here unless they're trying to escape."
Killian was surprised by her, impressed in fact, at how easily she could read him. "That and to make sure that whoever my dear friend ends up with is worth his time," Killian shot back jokingly. Mary Margaret blushed.
"And?"
"And it seems you two make a very good detective pair," Killian smiled, "It's nice to see him happy with someone. He never really stuck to a girl in Ireland."
This made Mary Margaret blush even more and she stole a glance at David from across the fire. "He is as much mine as I am his. Entirely and fully. And when I look at him... I know… and I know that he knows… that this is real." It was the most honest statement he had ever heard and he nodded at her in approval.
"Did you know with Milah?"
Killian thought about it honestly. "No. I thought I loved her but I was foolish and young. We all make mistakes."
"Yes… we do," She looked at him, opening and then closing her mouth like she was fighting to say something. "I hope you haven't made many mistakes while staying here," Mary Margaret finally said, giving him a small, but mischievous smile.
Killian thought about it, "No. Nothing I regret." And it was true. He didn't regret anything.
"Well that's a relief isn't it?"
Killian nodded at her.
" It's a shame you are stuck at a party… and she is not here."
"What are you…"
"But David is," Mary Margaret cut him off, "Isn't that nice? That David will be here all night? I think so." She smiled at him.
"How did you…"
"Oh please. About half the boys at our Rattlesnake fire were bowing at Emma's feet after her race. None of them were about to fight off David for her, though." Mary Margaret shrugged, looking about the fire, as if what she had said was perfectly normal and pleasant conversation.
Killian opened his mouth, shocked, but all that came out was a small noise of disbelief.
"Like I said. I like to think I'm pretty good at reading people," She smiled, "Now I'd suggest you'd go find her while I am allowing you my help." And with that, Mary Margaret stood and wandered over to David's lap where she slid her arms around his neck and kissed him softly in front of the whole fire. David looked at her, first surprised, then with a face of total joy as he brought his mouth back down to meet hers.
Killian sat for a moment, stunned, but then shook his head. After all, she was right. "I think I need to head back, Dave. I…um… well I know the way." He sputtered, David carelessly giving him a wave while his attention stayed on the beautiful woman in his arms. Killian shook his head but headed out from the fire and down back to the house. Sighing and slipping his hands into his pockets as he walked, more determined then ever.
Emma rang the water out of her hair as she shut the door to the car and waved goodbye to Ruby. Her heart was still pumping fast but the adrenaline had worn off and with it, her energy. She was exhausted and slipped through the front door to head to bed. She was glad for today, glad that she was able to talk to Ruby and maybe become a little less focused on her own problems.
"And where have you been young lady?" Leo scared her. Nevermind, Emma thought. Leo was seated in the living room, a deck of cards in his hands, glasses across his nose, and Hank at his feet. In an instant Hank had jumped up and ran to Emma, jumping onto her and trying to lick her face. "No no Hank! We are MAD at Emma. EMMA did not let us know where she was!" Leo yelled to the dog, who ignored him.
"Sorry… I forgot," Emma blushed, embarrassed at being caught.
"Emma. It's 11… we didn't know where you were. Your mother had to go to sleep so she could get up and open the restaurant in the morning and I stayed up to wait for you."
"Its 11? That's not even late… You didn't have to stay up."
"Of course I did, you're my little girl and I…
"I am NOT your little girl! I am not a little girl at all!" Emma could feel herself boiling with anger but Leo just turned his attention back to his cards. She detested being treated like a child.
"Alright. As you wish."
"That's it? You go from yelling at me to nothing?" Emma looked confused at her father who just gave her a look. She grunted in annoyance and tried to walk past him.
"What's bothering you?"
"It's nothing."
"The thing that's bothering you is nothing? Or nothing is bothering you?"
"The…thing is stupid," Emma rolled her eyes, still annoyed and getting angry again.
"It's not stupid if it's bothering you."
"Oh my god."
"Talk to me," Leo smiled at her then, all anger out of his face and he patted the seat beside him.
"I'm not sitting."
"That's fine."
"Ugh," Emma squeezed her fists together, her parents were so calm it was infuriating. The truth was she had so many things bothering her that she didn't even know where to start. No that was a lie. She did. "I just don't appreciate you telling some random person that I enjoy homemade meals because I didn't get them when I was younger."
"But you didn't."
"That's not the point…"
"Killian is a random person now is he? Hm, too bad. I kinda liked that boy."
"Of course he's not a stranger, I'm just saying I don't like to talk about my past and now he's curious," Emma twirled her hair in her hands, deciding to take the seat her father had offered.
"Honey, you don't need to be embarrassed about your past. I am sorry I said that. I forget sometimes that you don't like it. But you are stronger because your foster family gave you up… in fact, because of that you ended up here. With me and your mom and your brother. And weren't we just the happiest people in the world to be able to have someone as wonderful as you in our lives."
"But… all I've been is a burden," Emma said, and thought, thinking back to all the trouble she had caused not only in the past couple weeks, but in her whole life since she had been adopted.
"Never. You are an adventure. And an adventure worth taking if you ask me," He smiled and Emma shrugged back at him. "Never be afraid of who you are, Emma."
She nodded.
"You're friends love you, Emma."
She could agree to most of that.
"You are courageous and bright and the best daughter I could've asked for."
Emma half smiled, "Would've been better if I was your real daughter."
"Are you kidding? Have you seen David? He is a handsome boy I give him that, but he would have made a horrible girl," Leo chuckled and Emma rolled her eyes at the joke.
"You are perfect the way you are. EXACTLY the way you are," Leo tapped her on the nose with one of his cards and Emma scrunched up her face in return. They sat in a happy silence for a moment. Emma relaxing again.
"And I will be more careful about what I say around Killian," Leo nodded.
"No. Don't be. You're right. He's not a stranger. And… I don't know. Maybe I wouldn't mind letting someone get to know me." Leo looked at her surprised, and this made Emma laugh harder then before.
"YESSS I finally got a real emotion from you!" Emma swung her hand up into the Breakfast club fist and smirked at him, feeling elated.
Leo chuckled heartedly, swinging his own fist at her like she had defeated him. "Darn you and your (no longer a teenager) thoughts!" The two of them laughed and Emma honestly felt better, feeling grateful she had someone as great as Leo in her life to talk to. "Thank you," She whispered, and Leo nodded.
"Ah hum." A cough came from behind the two of them and they both turned to see Killian walking through the front door, seemingly unnoticed by either of them or Hank, who seeked to redeem himself and ran to his side. "Hello, Mr. Swan… Emma," Killian nodded to the two of them.
"Killian!" Leo stood, slapping the boy on the back and sending Hank into another frenzy of person tackle. "Thank god you're here! I'm exhausted. Will you do me the honor of taking my seat or the rest of the evening? I'm sure Emma would much rather enjoy your company to mine," He gave Emma a little wink and whistled to Hank to followed him up the stairs, leaving Emma and Killian alone. Killian nodded to the stairs as Hank disappeared from sight, then took a seat next to Emma.
Emma rolled her eyes, "Sorry about that."
"No no. Don't be," Killian smiled at her, wondering if there was still any leftover tension between the two of them from the past couple days.
"Listen I… I'm sorry I kissed you," Emma started. Killian quickly turned uneasy.
"No! I.."
"No. Let me finish," Emma cut him off, putting a finger to his lips, which he eyed questioningly. But then, he nodded and sat back letting her have the floor.
"I'm sorry I kissed you thinking you were Neal, because I never wanted to kiss Neal. And I didn't know if I could handle kissing you, until I did," Emma sat up and moved herself a little closer to him, "And now… It's all I can think about."
Killian stared at her, a smile creeping across his face. "What about David?"
"David doesn't have to know."
"What about your family?"
"They don't have to know either," Emma breathed, moving herself even closer to him.
"That doesn't seem realistic, love," Killian joked, not being about to pull his eyes away from her lips. He had had a plan to swoop in on Emma and here she was, ruining his plan. And he couldn't be happier.
"Adventures aren't realistic," Emma whispered in return, "But that doesn't mean they aren't worth taking." She waited a moment, as if waiting for him to give her a response, a yes a no. Killian looked into her eyes and nodded, practically frantically, the anticipation eating him from the inside. And then her hands were slipping to his neck and pulling him to her, her lips finding his, soft at first and then needy, like he was giving her air that she didn't know she needed. He breathed into her, pulling her into him with his strong hands and she let him hold tightly. As they kissed, her breasts moved to his chest, and his hands found their way into her tangle of wet hair. She could feel her heart beating, the adrenaline returning to her body only differently this time… better. Like her whole body was on fire with the blood that was beating through her veins. "Emma," Killian whispered, pulling his lips away from hers, only for a second, to find the spot he so desperately wanted to kiss on her neck and she moaned into him. Letting him kiss spots of her she needed to be kissed. That feeling had returned to the pit of her stomach only this time it moved lower, causing her thighs to quiver with want.
She pushed him back, pushing his shoulders towards the couch so she could fling herself over and straddle him between her legs. He looked surprised and then his eyes lit up, watching her body lean into him. She was still soaked, but Killian didn't wonder why, just letting his hands find every part of her that was wet. He slid down her back and up to her neck, and then he looked into her bright green eyes and fell silent to the power of her lips on his. He didn't want to let go.
Right on schedule. Nailed it. Hope everyone enjoyed. Let me know in the comments or feel free to follow and favorite if you like what you've read so far!