Chapter 2

Unknown Number: Buttercups, huh?

Emma stared at her phone, at the text message from a weird ass number she didn't recognize. Who in the world was it-wait. Emma laughed to herself: Jones. She quickly added his number to the contact list and messaged back.

Swan: Shouldn't you be working right now?

KJ: They're resetting cameras or some business that I have no idea about and Alice is freshening up ripped out throats.

Swan: That would sound so weird to a normal person. Lol

KJ: Well, thank goodness we're not normal then, eh Swan?

Swan: Thank you for the flowers by the way. Buttercups are my favorite. You didn't have to do all that…

KJ: It's my pleasure Swan. I really am sorry about lunch that day.

Swan: My brother and Ruby convinced me to turn over a new leaf and make some new friends.

KJ: Then I must thank Miss Lucas and Booth.

KJ: I will have to say good-bye for now Swan. The undead need to be maimed and there is only one man for the job.

Swan: Have fun Jones. Don't forget to double tap.

KJ: My dear Swan, what kind of man do you take me for?

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Emma wasn't going to admit it to anyone, but she was nervous about her lunch date (why was she thinking that?! It was not a date…it so was not) with Killian Jones. She didn't want him to get any ideas or anything so she didn't bother changing out her jeans and grey AC/DC t-shirt that were covered in dirt from her morning's work with Ruby. She left her hair up in a messy ponytail and didn't bother putting in her contacts. She was sure she had several smudges on her face too.

After gathering her tray of food (the day's meal was Granny's specialty: fish & chips), Emma took a seat at a far table again. Putting in her earbuds, she tuned her iPod to her 'Relaxation' playlist and tucked into her lunch. The first bite of fish was so good, she couldn't help but letting a small moan escape as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back. Suddenly she felt something like a bug skimming across her forehead so she opened her eyes to see Killian leaning over her, big lopsided grin on his face.

"Hey Jones", she said as she pulled her earbuds out.

"Afternoon Swan." He walked around to the seat opposite her and sat down, his tray landing noisily on the table.

"So…"

"Yeah…"

"The flowers were beautiful. I put them up in my hotel room, they make it smell nice." Nice one Emma.

"I'm glad you like them", said Killian as he looked down at his plate. "So we're friends then?"

"Yeah", said Emma. "Yeah, we're friends." He looked up at her then.

"Will you tell me the story one day? About your life?" Killian saw a look of major hurt flit across her eyes and he couldn't help feeling angry. He was angry at the man who'd hurt this poor girl, who caused her to build walls, not allowing anyone in. And he was angry at the family who would dare do that to a three year old girl.

"Maybe. Just as long as I don't have to hear your happy story."

"My story is far from happy Swan", he said. "But how about we talk about happier things? Wouldn't want to bring down our afternoon."

"Sure."

"So", Killian said as he took a bite of his fish, "Looks like you've had a busy day, love." He pointed at the dirt on her face.

"Yeah. I've been trying to get this black duster all dirty", she replied. She took a sip of her soda and continued, "I hate it every time because that coat is gorgeous."

"So it's you I've to thank for my wonderfully dirty wardrobe?"

"That's your coat?" Killian nodded. "It's…I like that coat."

"As do I." Killian looked away at that moment and Emma was glad because her face felt like it was on fire.

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They fell into a pattern; having lunch whenever they were both free or texting when they couldn't. Killian loved being around her because he felt he didn't need to be the flirty idiot dubbed 'Captain Innuendo' by so many. He knew Emma wouldn't take his bull, so he didn't even try with her, he was just himself: Killian Allen Jones.

KJ: Swan, are you busy love?

Swan: Why?

KJ: Gold needs a favor.

Swan: The director needs a favor? From me?

KJ: Sort of.

Swan: Out with it Jones.

KJ: You are a persistent lass, aren't you darling?

KJ: Don't roll your eyes at me.

Swan: How would you know I'd do that?

KJ: Because I know you, love. And yes…I know you were about to roll your eyes again.

Swan: I hate you.

KJ: No you don't.

Swan: Whatever…will you just tell me the favor?

KJ: How would you like to get shot and/or stabbed (quite horrifically I might add) for the sake of movie making?

Swan: What are you even talking about?

Swan: And don't let out the loud sigh and eye roll that I know you're about to.

KJ: Touché Swan. We need more zombies. I asked Gold if you could be one.

Swan: You want me to be a zombie? And get made up by the greatest zombie make-up artist EVER?!

KJ: Yes darling. I will personally see to it that Mr. Nicotero does your make-up.

Swan: If we were talking on the phone, this would be that point when you'd hear tires squealing.

KJ: I'm glad you're happy Swan. It's my life's goal to see your smile ;). He's waiting for you in the make-up tent.

Emma couldn't help but stare at his last message. 'It's my life's goal to see you smile.' Why would Killian care if she smiled? Relax Emma, she thought to herself, he's your friend and that's totally normal. Liar. She threw the thought out of her head and sent a quick message to August and Ruby to let them know where she'd be on lunch. She was walking over to the make-up area when her phone buzzed again.

KJ: If you value that superb AC/DC shirt you always insist on wearing, I'd change out of it.

Swan: I have a lot of AC/DC t-shirts.

KJ: My kind of lass. Now, where are you? He's waiting!

She burst through the curtains into the make-up area to find Killian leaning against a station animatedly chatting away with Greg Nicotero. When Killian saw her, a big grin spread across his face and he motioned for her to come closer.

"And here she is! Greg, I'd like to introduce you to my very best friend…", said Killian and Emma felt her ears heat up. "…the exquisite Emma Swan." Greg Nicotero extended his hand and shook with Emma.

"Nice to meet you Emma", he said.

"It's an honor to meet you Mr. Nicotero", Emma replied. "I'm a huge fan. Evil Dead, The Walking Dead, Drag Me to Hell, anything with George Romero. Getting zombie make-up done by you is on my bucket list!"

"First of all, you can call me Greg and second, are you ready to get started?"

"Of course!" He indicated a chair for her to take a seat in.

"And you too Jones, we've got to get your look done too." Killian took the seat right next to Emma's and turned to her.

"Excited love?"

"You have no idea."

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Killian watched Emma fall asleep as she was worked on and he couldn't help but smile. She looked so peaceful and happy, like she didn't carry the burden she'd yet to tell him about. Every time he thought about how some man hurt her so badly, he found his anger rising in him and wanted to tear that man (whoever he was) limb from limb. Calm down man! Don't mistake this for anything but what it is: she is your friend and not your girl…no matter how much you want her to be. Wait, what?

Emma gave a small snore, pulling Killian from his thoughts. He looked over at her and was surprised at what he saw: her long blonde hair was matted, covered with dirt and blood. Her face was pale and gaunt, and blood was caked around her mouth. Her lips, which Killian had noticed were always pink and plump (and very kissable [seriously mate, what?]), now were cracked and dried as if she hadn't had any water in a very long time. She had darkened veins painted up the sides of her face, neck, and down her arms.

"Swan, it's time to get up", he said as he poked her in the shoulder. She gave a little grunt and blinked several times before fully opening her eyes. She wasn't wearing the contacts yet, so her bright emerald eyes stood out amongst all the make-up.

"I'm done?" she asked as she turned to Killian. "How do I look?" A bite, previously hidden because of how she was sitting, came into view and Killian gasped. "What?"

"Nothing, nothing." He got out of his chair and walked over to her. He ran his fingers over her collarbone where the bite was. It looked so real, like she had a chunk missing there. There were teeth marks and pieces of fake skin glued on top of her real skin to look like it had been ripped back. "Greg here did such a good job, I almost believed you were really hurt…" He said quietly and trailed. He was pleased, however, when he saw her shiver a little.

"Yeah, he's uh…the best." She cleared her throat and looked in the mirror for the first time. "HOLY CRAP!" Killian threw his head back, letting out a deep and grumbly laugh.

"Sir?" Smee appeared in the tent.

"What is it Smee?" Killian asked.

"They're ready for you."

"Right then", he replied. He turned back to Emma, "See you out there Swan."

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He handed Smee his black duster and Emma watched them go. She couldn't believe the way he'd made her shiver when he touched her collarbone, where the bite was. She'd hoped that he hadn't noticed, but she saw the smile on his face and bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from smiling back.

"Emma?"

"Yeah?" She turned away from where Killian had disappeared with Smee to face Greg. "Sorry."

"No problem." He handed her a very small rectangular case. "These are your contacts. They cover a lot of the eye, so your vision is going to be limited and I recommend we put them in when we get out there. I'll be out there to help you."

"Thanks. I wear normal contacts so I'm used to it."

"You'll need to take those out." He pointed to a contacts case and bottle on the counter. Emma took her contacts out and pocket the case Greg had given her.

"What exactly am I going to be doing anyways?" she asked. "In the scene? Jones didn't tell me."

"You're going to try and kill him", said Greg Nicotero. "He's going to be 'hurt' on the ground and a group will be advancing him. You'll be the last one shot and he'll be shooting you in the head. You're going to need to practice that before we film."

They spent the next hour working on how she needed to move and how to react when she 'died'…again. As they were about to head out to the Cliffs, August and Ruby came by.

"Look at you little sister!" August exclaimed. "You look perfectly dead. Seriously, it's so perfect that I want to hit you in the head with something."

"I am genuinely scared right now", said Ruby. "This makes me glad I only work with clothes." After taking a few pictures with August and Ruby, they joined the group heading out to the Cliffs where filming was taking place.

Emma hadn't seen Killian in full costume until that day and it made her jaw drop. The way the wind was blowing made his coat billow out behind him, showing off his (very dirty) white shirt that was unbuttoned a sinful amount under the black waistcoat with a pair of gun holsters strapped around his thighs, a shiny silver gun sitting in each holster. Emma went to join the rest of the 'zombies' and popped in her contacts. Emma was chatting with the other extras when she felt like she was being watched. She turned to find Killian staring after her, and even under all that make-up, she felt her skin burn.

She was so screwed.

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"That was one of the greatest things I've ever done!" cried Emma as she and Killian walked back to the tents after filming. She stumbled and would've fallen if Killian hadn't caught her.

"You okay there love?" he asked. Was that worry she heard in his voice? Nah. Why would someone that'd just been named 'People's Sexiest Man Alive' for the second time care for her…like that? She was no one, someone no man (besides August) ever cared enough for—Wait! Where was this even coming from?! Relax Swan. Oh geez, now I'm using that nickname he gave me. Snap out of it Emma!

"Yeah, I'm fine", she replied. "It's these contacts, I'm practically blind. I need to take them out, but Greg took the case and-" Before she could finish her sentence, Killian literally swept her off her feet and was carrying her the rest of the way. "What are you doing?!"

"Helping Swan", he replied, all suave. "Can't have you hurting yourself."

"Put me down!"

"I will do no such thing! You can barely see in those things, I don't want you hurting yourself." They reached the tent and he set her down.

"Thanks." He sat back in an empty chair and watched she removed the contacts.

"So, are you going to this location shooting wrap gathering that Gold insists on having now that we've finished here?" he asked her.

"I don't know. August is going of course, and I'm sure that Ruby is going to try and make me go", she replied as she pulled of the jacket she'd been wearing off and hung it up on a rack nearby. One of the make-up artists waved her over to the chair.

"Let's get all that off you", Alice said. Killian remained in his seat as he watched Alice start to clean Emma up. She started by pulling the appliances (fake pieces of skin that look like bites or missing bits of skin, etc.) and when she'd managed to get them all off, she got some wet wipes to clean off the gunk. Emma pulled her hair over her shoulder, exposing her slender neck and Killian jumped out of his chair.

"You okay Jones?" Emma asked.

"Yeah, I'm going back to my trailer", he said. "I'll text you later, yeah?"

"Sure, see ya." Killian hurried out and once in his trailer, he threw himself on the couch with a groan. This is not happening. I am not falling for Emma Swan.

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KJ: Swan?

Swan: Hey. What's up?

Swan: You okay?

KJ: Yes, I'm fine.

Swan: Sure?

KJ: YES

KJ: Anyways…I was wondering about something.

Swan: Like?

Swan: You're taking too long. Something's up with you. You're scratching behind your ear aren't you? What are you nervous about?

Oh bloody Hell. The woman knew his nervous tick, not even she knew what it meant. He was most definitely falling for her. It felt like forever but it'd been only a couple of weeks. You're going to need to be careful Jones. She isn't like the others, she won't just go weak at the knees because of a damn smile. At lot more effort is required to win the heart of one Emma Swan. I know! But she's worth the effort.

KJ: Would you care to be my date for the wrap party?

Killian started to get nervous when she still had said nothing after a few minutes. He smacked his forehead against the wall in his hotel I am a bloody daft sodding idiot fool! Way to ruin it mate. Should've know she wasn't-wait. Are those three dots?!

Swan: (…)

Emma was finally texting him back. He breathed a sigh of relief he didn't even realize he needed as he watched his phone. Gods…when did I turn into a bloody school girl? Watching my phone like a tween waiting for her boyfriend to text her. He tossed the phone on the bed and went to busy himself by getting a drink from the minibar. He plucked a tiny bottle of Don Q rum and screwed off the cap. When he finished guzzling the tiny bottle he tossed it in the bin. He was in the process of grabbing another when his phone chimed. He down another bottle and grabbed his phone from the bed.

Swan: Sure.

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Swan: Sure.

Emma debated on whether to add As friends but something in her just didn't want to.

KJ: I'm looking forward to it.

A grin spread across her face and she looked into a mirror over on the wall. Nice smile there Emma. How old are you again? Shut up. Before she could message him back, he texted again.

KJ: I'm heading back to Galway tomorrow, but I'll see you on Friday for the party. Let me know where you're staying so I can pick you up.

Swan: Of course.

Swan: And Killian?

KJ: Yes love?

Swan: I'm looking forward to it too ;-)

At that very moment, two people who thought they would never matter to anyone else (besides Emma with August) and both with different kinds of walls, fell backwards on their respective hotel beds and groaned because they were thinking the same thing:

I am so screwed.

I hope you enjoyed it. Like I said, this is my first AU. I have ideas swirling around in my head for the party and then when they move onto studio filming in Dublin. Things might be getting awkward because what is there plenty of at parties? ALCOHOL. Til next time!

Disclaimer: I don't own of this. If I did? I'd be the one living in Ireland...maybe an Eastern coastal town 47 minutes out of Dublin? I hear it's nice there.